Drug Abuse and Addiction: Is it a Social Problem?

People who are suffering from drug addiction often view it as a personal struggle. They fail to see the big picture, because the problem by itself already feels so overbearing. Family members of drug addicted individuals also feel like their world is ending—like it is collapsing in on itself. That’s why they continue to view it as a private hurdle. It’s something they don’t want to discuss; it’s something they are ashamed of. But all over the world, drug addiction is considered a social problem. It is viewed as a threat to society. The personal struggle is extremely difficult, but it gets even harder once you realize that addiction also affects the world beyond you.

Drug Addiction as a Social Problem

Drug dependence and addiction have various health effects that destroy the abuser’s body. Once they realize they need help, there’s a huge chance it’s already too late. They have developed dependence for the drug. And every time they attempt to quit, various withdrawal symptoms manifest. It causes them to relapse. It forces them to take more and more of the drug. It keeps them from recovering. But beyond these physical and psychological effects, drug addiction ruins families, breaks down relationships, ends careers, and affects the society as a whole. These social effects don’t become clear to the addicted individual, because the drug makes them prioritize it over everything else. Before they realize they are pushing everyone away, the bonds have already been broken. Obtaining the drug becomes the only thing that matters to them. Expect a drug abuser to neglect their responsibilities for the sake of experiencing another high.

What is a Social Problem?

Social problems are defined as factors that damage society. Their effects are on the grand scale, affecting communities and even entire nations. It can affect entire populations. A drug addicted individual may not be able to cause all this damage and destruction. But consider how many people are abusing various substances, and how many are getting addicted. Imagine how many relationships and families are getting broken down by these adverse effects. Once the image sets in of how far-reaching this problem is, it becomes crystal clear that drug abuse and addiction is a social problem. Again, this is a picture that won’t be clear to a person suffering the effects of addiction. They are focused on the pain and discomfort of withdrawal, or the crash that goes after the high. The worst part is that they might not even want to get better. “Rehabilitation” has such as negative connotation in the public eye. And this contributes to the shame that keeps people from seeking treatment. It’s a public opinion that allows drug addiction to remain a serious problem for society. It rivals its fellow social problems such as poverty, sexually-transmitted disease, alcoholism, unemployment, and sexual abuse.

Drug Addiction and Societal Effects

On the bigger scale, drug abuse becomes a major public health concern. It impacts the population on multiple levels, including health, economy, and the law. Every year, it takes a tremendous toll on society. Did you know that diabetes costs the United States around $131.7 billion annually? Cancer costs $171.6 billion annually. Combine these two numbers and you get $303.3 billion per year—a number that’s still lower than what substance abuse costs the US every year. Drug abuse costs the nation more than $484 billion annually. This has something to do with the number of drugs available illicitly; the number of prescription drugs that are abused; the number of people using them recreationally or misusing them; and all the different health effects that need to be treated due to substance abuse. Aside from health care expenditures, this figure also accounts for lost earnings, and the costs associated with accidents and criminal activity. Drug addiction as a whole is an enormous burden for society. It affects everyone: even those who don’t abuse the substances.

Drug Addiction and Other Social Problems

Drug abuse also relates to other social problems experienced by the US. Violence, for example, is closely linked to it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), At least half of the individuals arrested for crimes such as assault and homicide were under the influence of illicit drugs around the time of their arrest. Meanwhile drugged driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the cause of accidents for approximately 10 to 22 percent of drivers. Child abuse is another societal problem that has something to do with drug abuse, as two-thirds of patients in drug abuse treatment centers admitted to being abused physically or sexually as children.

Drug Abuse: Effects on Individuals and their Community

The drug problem is so widespread and pervasive that everyone is at least acquainted to or familiar with someone who is affected by drug abuse. Individuals not only suffer from various health problems, they are also putting themselves at risk of death. Back in 2000, drug abuse and smoking were linked to around 460,000 deaths. Drug abusers don’t just risk getting ill, they also risk getting injured. And this problem extends to people in the community. Oftentimes, accidents don’t just affect the addicted individual. Many people who just happen to be on the same road can be killed when a drugged driver gets on an accident. While drug abuse is already a big problem for the individual all by itself, it is important to remember that there is a bigger world out there, with which we interact, that can be affected and harmed because of this addictive habit. If you know someone who is abusing a substance, reach out to them and convince them to get rehabilitated. There’s no shame in trying to get better. It’s not just for their own good. Addiction is a social problem, so by getting treated by medical professional, they are doing society a lot of good. They will undergo detoxification under the care of medical experts, so they can safely get off the drug while managing their withdrawal symptoms. With proper care and guidance, they can finally get back to living a sober life, and make the world around them an even better place to be.

The featured post Drug Abuse and Addiction: Is it a Social Problem? is republished from Rehab Near Me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/drug-addiction-as-a-social-problem/

Getting Opiates Out of Your System: Is there a Quick Way to Do it?

Some drugs are harder to get off your system than others. And this only applies when you’re not addicted to them yet. Opiates, for example, get flushed out of your system rather quickly. So to answer the question “is there a quick way to get opiates out of your system,” the answer is yes. And today we’re going to discuss exactly how to do it. Now the fact of the matter is as long as you keep on using the drug, you’re still inching closer and closer to dependence and addiction. It doesn’t matter whether you can get the drug out of your system or not. What matters is that you are able to keep it out of your life entirely. Let’s take a close look at opiates, what they are, and how to get them out of your system quickly.

What are Opiates?

Opiate is a term used in pharmacology to refer to drugs derived from opium. Morphine and codeine are considered natural opiates. On the other hand, we have heroin and oxycodone, which are synthetic variants. There are also semi-synthetic opioids such as hydrocodone, also known as Vicodin. All these opiates are alkaloid compounds that are naturally found in the opium poppy plant Papaver somniferum. One thing they all have in common is that they have high rates of abuse potential, even those that are being distributed legally. Opiates have medical use, mainly for their sedative and painkilling properties. Heroin is an exception, as it is exclusively used for recreational purposes—which is why it is considered illegal. In fact, between 13 and 20 million people used opiates recreationally in 2013.

How to Get Opiates Out of Your System

It goes without saying that abusing opiates can have adverse effects on a person’s health. Not only is it illegal and can get you in trouble with the law, it could cause various health problems if continuously used for a long time. We’ll now discuss how to get it out of your system quickly. Hopefully, this will help people live a cleaner, sober life. Opiates have short half-lives, meaning that they leave the system quickly, unlike other drugs. However, effects can last for a few hours, depending on the method of ingestion used. Including the type of opiate used and the method of ingestion, there are other factors that can affect the speed of drug processing within your system. If taken orally, opiates will take much longer to have an effect on the body, therefore taking longer to exit. It may take about an hour before the body experiences the drug’s effects, because the pill has to pass through the entire body. Other substances such as heroin are often injected, snorted, or smoked. These methods could create a faster and more intense high, passing out of the body even sooner. The person’s metabolism rate is also taken into account, as well as their body mass and weight. There are more factors to consider, including age, health of the liver and kidneys, body fat content, and how often the opiates are used. Heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, and codeine are all commonly used, and they’re all fast-acting drugs with short half-lives. Therefore, saliva tests can only detect heroin for the first 5 hours after the last dose. Blood samples can detect the presence of opiates for an average of 6 hours. Hair follicle tests can find heroin for up to 90 days. However, the most commonly used is the urine test, which work for two to seven days after the last use. It should be noted that codeine is one of the fastest of all opiates in terms of exiting the system. It can be found in the blood for only 24 hours, and in urine for 24 to 48 hours. However, hair follicle tests can still detect it for up to 90 days. These numbers are only averages, and will definitely be higher for long time users. To get started on flushing the opiates out of your system, you can try drinking lots of water or green tea. Have a glass or mug of warm tea with you and drink whenever you can. Realize that you’ll be spending quite a lot of time in the bathroom because the whole idea is to get the opiates out of your system. If you don’t have green tea, plenty of water should do the trick, but steer clear of sugary drinks. Do this continuously for two to three days, taking note of your overall health condition. Replenish lost nutrients by eating a balanced diet and make sure you’re getting enough exercise.

The above article Getting Opiates Out of Your System: Is there a Quick Way to Do it? was originally seen on RehabNear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/quick-way-of-getting-opiates-out-of-the-system/

Guiding a Loved One through Addiction: What You Can Do

It’s hard to watch someone you love go through an addiction. It’s not as hard as addiction itself, but there’s no denying the fact that it affects the people surrounding the victim as well. It doesn’t just harm the addict physically, it also brings down their self-image, it damages their career and relationships, and alters the way society views them. Addiction can ruin a person’s life. And though we can’t save them ourselves, we can do more than just watch them suffer. There are many ways that family members can support their loved ones through this struggle. Giving your support is one of the most essential factors that could affect the person’s rate of recovery. Today we will discuss what you can do to help them heal safely. We will discuss various practical methods you can do so, as well as a few of the things you should avoid doing. There are three basic things you have to remember before you can start helping the patient. First of all, you did not cause it. Do not blame yourself for the person’s addiction. You also cannot control it: as much help as you can provide, you cannot have a total grasp over the speed of their recovery. Lastly, you alone cannot cure addiction. The patient himself can’t do it on his own, and neither could you. Clarifying these three things will help guide your next actions. Remain patient and supportive. With the right attitude, you can give the kind of support they truly need.

Getting Educated: Learning about Addiction

Addiction is not an easy thing to handle. It’s a complex problem that affects many aspects of a person’s life. But knowing about it is half the battle. By researching and understanding more about the nature and addiction, you are learning to handle it properly. Reading this guide, for example, lets you widen your perspective when it comes to the do’s and don’ts of supporting an addicted family member. Addiction involves compulsive behavior. And that is why a person can’t easily self-regulate without relapsing afterwards. It is also important to know what drug dependence is. This is when a person’s body starts demanding more and more of the drug just to get the same effects. At this stage, the person can no longer quit using the drug without suffering from various withdrawal symptoms. Some drugs produce deadly withdrawal effects. It is important to seek treatment, so that the person can detoxify safely. Learn more about the person’s addictive habits. What drug are they abusing? How often are they taking it and at what dose? When did they start abusing the drug and how did they obtain it? What are the adverse effects that the patient is experiencing? Information is a powerful tool that will help you make good decisions during this crucial phase. You can also provide this information to the medical professionals who will assist you during the rehabilitation process. The drug addicted individual will undergo a medical assessment, so that they could be given the best treatment plan for their condition. Participate in family programs that are offered during the treatment. Offer your support so you could keep an eye on your loved one. Post-treatment, you must continue being a source of support, to keep the person from relapsing once they have been detoxified.

Looking after Yourself

Dealing with addiction is a stressful situation—nobody ever wants to go through it. But remember that you can’t control the outcome of the recovery process, so don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Looking after yourself does not mean you would give up on the patient. But don’t let yourself suffer as they are. You have to stay safe and healthy, because you and the rest of the family are going to be the patient’s source of strength. You can’t control another person. You can only be their pillar of courage. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how difficult things may seem. Keep going. Hopefully, this determination will have a positive effect on the patient. But if things don’t go your way, do not let yourself go.

Finding the Right Treatment Facility

Communication is key here. Talk to the person and convince them to undergo rehabilitation. Take the initiative and find the best treatment facility nearby. It helps if the rehab center is convenient and has well-trained staff. Research on their success rating, as well as the programs they offer. The treatment method used on the patient will ultimately depend on their health condition and specific needs. It could be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment lets the patient receive round-the-clock care, while outpatient lets them stay at home with you. The latter option involves frequent visits to the hospital. In either case, the patient may undergo detoxification. They will not quit the drug abruptly. Instead, their intake will be reduced gradually, as their withdrawal symptoms are managed by trained medical professionals. Behavioral therapy is also commonly employed. This helps the person regain their confidence and willpower. They should be able to keep themselves from relapsing in the future. They will be taught how to readjust to a drug-free life. You can guide them through this process by spending time with them, enjoying new activities, and making the most out of your time. Communicate frequently with your loved ones. Do not let them feel alone. Discuss feelings and thoughts, and be open when talking about addiction.

Important Reminders

There are a few things you should try to avoid doing when dealing with an addicted family member. It could be frustrating to watch them suffer and not be able to do anything about it, but you cannot make them quit. You have to face the reality that you can’t make someone go sober. You can do everything to try and lift them up, but they too must commit to it, otherwise nothing will happen. Accept this reality that it is beyond your control. If you do manage to get someone into rehab, there’s always a possibility of relapse. There is no logic in addiction. Still, do not “enable” the patient. Do not accept behavior that violates your limitations and boundaries. By doing so, it destroys your credibility. Stand firm and follow through with consequences if limitations are violated. For some people going through addiction, experiencing the consequences of drug abuse is the only way for them to realize the seriousness of the problem. Follow these tips, stay optimistic, and give your support. But that’s as much as you can do. It is their choice in the end, if they want to live a sober life.

The above article Guiding a Loved One through Addiction: What You Can Do is available on Rehab Near Me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/guiding-a-loved-one-through-addiction/

How to Get Opioids Out of Your System—and How to Keep It That Way

Opioids can help relieve pain. It is a type of medicine that is powerful enough to alleviate pain ranging from moderate to severe. They work by interfering with the way your brain responds to pain. Opioids can lower the number of pain signals that the body sends to the brain. It is commonly prescribed to help patients who are suffering from toothaches, surgical pain, cancer pain, and traumatic pain. The problem lies not in the medicine, but in its misuse. Some people take opioids recreationally, causing various health problems. Long term abuse of the drug can lead to dependence, tolerance, addiction, and overdose. If your doctor prescribes an opioid, be sure to follow their instructions carefully. These drugs are quite habit-forming, even at pharmaceutical doses. As for recreational users, they have a much higher risk of getting addicted. Do not take larger doses of this drug, and do not take it for longer than is recommended. Common kinds of opioid drugs are the following: opium, codeine, hydrocodone, heroin, Fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, oxymorphone, and tramadol. Medical benefits aside, there are many reasons why you might want to get this drug out of your system. Today we are going to discuss exactly that. We’ll tackle both short term and long term methods, so you or your loved ones can get back to living a sober life.

Getting Opioids Out of Your System

All opiates are derived from a plant called the opium poppy. Although essential to the medical industry, it may cause harm to those who misuse it. Though effects may last for several hours, opiates themselves have short half-lives. That means they leave the system quickly. Each opiate is different, and for how long they can be detected by drug tests depends on the substance taken. It is also affected by the method of administration. For example, prescription opiates often come in pill form. That means taking the drug orally means it will go through the digestive system first. It may take an hour for the effects to kick in—therefore it will also take longer for the drug to exit the system. Meanwhile, some opiates such as heroin are often injected, snorted, or smoked. These methods create a faster, more intense high. It also allows the drug to pass out of the body sooner. There are other factors that affect this. The person’s metabolism rate dictates the speed of the drug’s exit. The body mass, body weight, fat content, liver health, kidney health, age, and frequency of drug intake, all have an effect of the individual’s absorption of the opiate. On top of this, the type of opiate can factor into how long it may be detected in a drug test. Heroin is a fast-acting drug. It also has a very short half-life. Blood tests work for an average of 6 hours after the last dose. Urine tests are commonly used, as it can detect the presence of heroin for up to 7 days since the last dose. Hair follicle tests are uncommon, but they are the most effective, able to detect heroin for up to 90 days. Morphine takes longer to work, compared to heroin. The effects also tend to last longer. However, urine tests only work for up to 3 days. Saliva tests are more effective for morphine, detecting traces for up to 4 days. Hair follicle tests can detect it for 90 days. Codeine is one of the fastest opiates to leave the system. It can be found in blood for only 24 hours, and in urine for up to 2 days. But just like heroin and morphine, codeine can be found in the person’s hair follicles for up to 90 days. Getting opiates out of your system is done naturally—through abstinence. However, if the person is already addicted to the drug, it is recommended that they quit the drug with medical supervision. Some opiates can cause withdrawal symptoms, and it is important that these effects are managed, as the person is detoxified. Finding the right treatment facility for the patient is important. Look for one that is nearby, convenient, and with a high success rating. [maxbutton id="3" ]

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Rehabilitation is the best way to get opioids out of the body—and make sure it stays that way. The treatment methods will be different for each person. The main goal is the same: keep the person from abusing the drug, manage their withdrawal symptoms, and help them avoid relapsing. This is typically done via behavioral therapy and counseling. The patient is educated and guided as they readjust to the sober life. Through detox, the drug’s adverse effects are managed while the patient’s intake is gradually lowered. Group and family counseling sessions are also used sometimes. This depends on the person’s needs. For their convenience, inpatient and outpatient programs are available. The inpatient treatment allows round the clock care, as well as a safe environment, where the patient can focus on getting better. Outpatient treatment for opioid addiction involves many hospital visits, but it allows the person to stay with their family throughout the detox. This helps them stay with the people they are comfortable with, while still receiving care and medical support. While there is no quick and easy way to get opiates out of your system, it is still possible to get sober. One simply has to be dedicated enough to this new goal. Make sure that the opiate-addicted individual gets all the support they need. This challenging stage of their life is sure to be worth conquering.

The previous blog post How to Get Opioids Out of Your System—and How to Keep It That Way is available on https://www.rehabnear.me/

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/getting-opioids-out-of-the-system/

How to Overcome Addiction: A Simple Guide for a Complicated Problem

Sobriety seems like a faraway dream for anyone who is suffering from an addiction. Whatever the substance, the struggle is the same: quitting is hard, and in some cases, impossible. But the truth is, recovery is within reach. There’s a proper way to do it. And though it may be extremely difficult to do so, the reward is worth fighting for. So if you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, it is time to see things in a better light. No matter how hopeless the situation seems, there’s a way to get out of it. Change is possible—but only with the right treatment and support. Through the help of medical professionals, any individual could tackle the root cause of their addiction and face the problem head on. It all starts with a change of perspective. Convince the addicted individual that it is possible to recover and maintain a sober life. Understand that there will be pitfalls and setbacks, but it can all be overcome. Today we will discuss how to do it the right way.

Overcoming Addiction

The reason addiction is so difficult to overcome is because it has so many effects, both physical and psychological. It weakens the body, causing a person to crave for more and more of the drug. They also go through various behavioral changes as they prioritize the drug over anything else. And it doesn’t just affect the individual struggling through it. It can destroy relationships, get in the way of responsibilities, and drain the happiness off of the people around them. What’s worse is that abruptly quitting the substance can be dangerous in most cases. Many drugs produce fatal withdrawal symptoms if the person has been abusing them for a long time. Quitting is not only difficult, it feels impossible. The problem with drug dependence is that it forces a person to stay hooked on the substance, even if they no longer want it. To overcome this tough adversary, the individual must recognize the problem. The person must accept that this addiction is causing them harm. It is a problem that needs to be addressed—and they need to see it that way, or else they won’t have the willpower to fight it. They may not take initiative, but they must at least understand that the goal is sobriety. They must be willing to accept professional help. They must be able to admit that the addiction exists.

Making a Change

It is perfectly normal to feel uncertain about getting sober. Committing to this challenge involves making big changes to the person’s current lifestyle. They must change the way they cope with life’s problems. They shouldn’t turn to the drug as soon as they feel stressed. It is best if they could also incorporate new hobbies into their daily routine. The individual must occupy their thoughts with anything other than their craving for the drug. Making changes could mean finding new things to enjoy and making the most out of their time. On top of these, they should start seeing themselves in a better light. Addiction could cause a person’s self-esteem to drop. But their willingness to start over should help them see that there is goodness within them. They just have to channel this positive energy and make it grow. The inner conflict plays a big role in this battle. It’s not just a physical thing. Addiction affects the mind. That’s where half the battle takes place. This is where the drug-addicted person will spend most of their energy: changing their own life for the better

Seeking Treatment

Half the battle is a physical one. Addiction affects a person’s health in extreme ways, and so treatment is required in order to conquer it. Self-regulation is very difficult (and sometimes even dangerous), considering the various withdrawal symptoms that can manifest. In order to fully support an addicted individual, you can look for a good rehabilitation facility nearby, or anywhere that is convenient. Try to find out the rehab facility’s success rating. Well-trained medical professionals are essential. The place itself must be a safe environment that would allow the person to concentrate on getting better. This is assuming that they will be recommended to go with an inpatient treatment. Rehabilitation may be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. It all depends on the person’s condition and specific needs. They will undergo a medical examination, during which their health condition, their drug intake, and substance abuse history will be taken into consideration. They will then come up with the best treatment plan for the particular patient. No two patients are exactly the same, which is why the rehabilitation process is a personal one. Inpatient treatment would require the patient to stay in the facility, where their needs will be provided continuously. Outpatient treatment allows the patient to stay with the people they love, and involves frequent visits to the hospital. Detoxification will be done under the watch of well-trained medical personnel. They will gradually lower the dosage of intake, while managing the patient’s withdrawal symptoms. Medication may be used. The body will become accustomed to certain levels of the drug, until it can survive without its presence. Abruptly stopping usage can lead to serious imbalance issues in the body, causing intense health problems. When individuals attempt to detox on their own, painful withdrawal symptoms can easily cause them to relapse. Medical professionals could prevent this from happening, so that the patient could get through the detox process safely. [maxbutton id="2" ]

After the Detox

Addiction recovery doesn’t end in a successful detox, although it is a significant step in the right direction. Afterwards, counseling and behavioral therapy could be employed. This is to ensure that the patient does not relapse when the treatment ends. Group counseling and individual counseling techniques are commonly used. The patient will be able to readjust to their sober life. It is important to know that relapse can happen to anyone. Do not let it get the patient down. They must pick themselves back up and continue the fight. Once the person fully recovers, they can start over and rebuild their life. They can make a meaningful, drug-free life and recover damaged relationships. They can pick a new hobby, adopt a pet, get involved with the community, and set new goals looking forward.

How to Overcome Addiction: A Simple Guide for a Complicated Problem is available on www.rehabnear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/guide-to-overcome-addiction/

Opiate Withdrawal: What to Expect

Going through opiate withdrawal is difficult. It’s an extremely uncomfortable process that often causes people to relapse. But recovering from opiate addiction is worth the struggle. Today we will be talking about opiate withdrawal, and what to expect when someone is going through it. But first, let’s discuss what opiates are and why they are abused. Opioids are helpful medicines that can alleviate pain. They are derived from the opium poppy plant. Common kinds of opioids include Fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and codeine. These drugs can help patients get through different kinds of pain, ranging from moderate to severe. It can treat cancer pain, surgical pain, and traumatic pain. Opioids and opiates are two terms that are often used interchangeably. They are also referred to as narcotics. But no matter what it is called, these substances are habit-forming drugs that can cause dependence and addiction when abused. Recreational use of opioids involves much higher doses and more frequent intake of the drug than is normally prescribed. This often leads to drug dependence. At this point, a person who tries to quit using the drug may experience different withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid Withdrawal: What to Expect

Opioid withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. But unlike other illicit drugs, opioid withdrawal is not life threatening—unless the person is using it alongside other drugs, or substances such as alcohol. And although opioid withdrawal isn’t likely to be fatal, it could still be distressing. Quitting the drug often makes the person feel anxious, agitated, and irritable. Sleeping would be difficult even though they maintain a low energy throughout the day. They may even experience depression, as it is a common symptom of withdrawal. Other common side effects include muscle pain, hypertension, runny nose, teary eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. These effects may vary from person to person. It depends on the dosage taken, the frequency of abuse, and whether they are abusing another substance or not. The body’s overall health condition also factors in when it comes to withdrawal symptoms. Expect the person to crave the opioid often. This, along with the negative effects of withdrawal, causes people to relapse. Willpower alone may not be enough to enable a person to get off the drug. This is why medical assistance is often necessary. To make matters worse, these physical effects are only just the beginning. Long term withdrawal may cause some psychological effects, wherein the person goes through behavioral changes. They may act irrationally because of the drug’s absence. Proper guidance and professional counseling may be needed in this case.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: Self-Help

In less severe cases of opioid abuse, self-help may be possible. The opioid-addicted individual is advised not to quit the drug abruptly. Instead, they should detox by gradually lowering their intake, using the substance in lower doses and less frequently. They will need to manage their own withdrawal symptoms. Before attempting this, it is still important to consult a doctor and inform them of what the patient is trying to accomplish. Self-regulating their intake is harder than it sounds. Addiction makes a person act more compulsively. It is best to give them your support throughout the process. There are over-the-counter medicines that can help with withdrawal symptoms as the person detoxifies. Loperamide (Imodium) can help treat diarrhea. For body aches and pains, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help treat it. [maxbutton id="3" ] Just make sure the person does not take any medication in higher doses, or for longer than is recommended. If self-regulation does not work, consider looking for the best treatment facility nearby. There is no specific timeline for opioid withdrawal. Be prepared for a long battle ahead, because it is a continuous process during which the patient will struggle not to relapse. Keep them safe, hydrated, and comfortable. It also helps to keep their mind occupied with different enjoyable activities, to keep them from thinking too much about their problem With dedication and commitment, recovery can be achieved.

Opiate Withdrawal: What to Expect was first published to Rehab Near Me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/opiate-withdrawal-expectations/

Addiction: Effects on Relationships—and How to Handle Them

Addiction is a complicated problem that produces many different effects. It can cause various health problems for the drug addicted person, both short term and long term. They may also suffer from psychological problems and behavioral changes, because addiction is closely connected to compulsive behavior. But beyond these physical and mental effects, addiction can cause other forms of harm—not just for the person going through it, but also for the people around him or her. Addiction is linked to various social problems. It causes relationships to crumble; it ruins a person’s career. It even changes society’s perception of the victim. This is why it is important to know that when someone you love is struggling with addiction, their interpersonal relationships are going to be affected. It is good to know what you can expect from a drug addicted individual in terms of maintaining their relationships. On this article, we are going to discuss the effects of addiction on relationships. Here, we are going to focus on relationships beyond the family setting. There is a different discussion for family members of drug addicted individuals and what they can do to help. But we are going to focus on how relationships are affected by addiction, and how these connections may survive the struggle.

Addiction and Relationships

Addiction causes a person to prioritize obtaining and using the drug over everything else. This makes them act compulsively, ignoring their responsibilities, and neglecting the people that care about them the most. So while their physical and mental health is affected, their social health also takes a blow. Social health refers to their ability to maintain relationships. An addicted person will naturally shut off their own support system, just to be able to keep abusing a substance. In the long run, when they find themselves unable to quit, they realize how distant they’ve grown from the important people in their lives—this leads to lower self-esteem, and damaged sense of self-worth. All types of relationships can be strained when someone gets addicted: family, friendships, and romantic relationships will all be put to the test. Healthy relationships, particularly friendships and romantic relationships, take a lot of work to maintain. It should be fun and rewarding for both sides, and must be upheld with trust, compromise, and understanding. Communication must be open, and both parties must respect one another. Honesty is an important foundation of any healthy relationship. Neither partner would abuse the other physically or emotionally. There must be no violence or aggression at all times. On top of it all, there must be love and compassion. Unfortunately, these values tend to be forgotten (by either partner) when an addiction comes between the relationship.

Addiction: How it Damages Relationships

All of the things that make relationships stronger are compromised when addiction enters the mix. This makes it much more difficult to maintain. It is particularly difficult when the addicted individual refuses to seek treatment, refuses help, or simply does not understand the seriousness of the problem. Relationships cannot compete with the euphoric experience of substance abuse, as many couples and friends have come to discover. There are many ways addiction can ruin a solid partnership. For example, an addicted person may try to conceal their substance abuse by lying or covering it up. This secrecy can lead to mistrust and breaks down the communicative barriers between friends and/or romantic partners. They believe that others won’t understand their situation, and so they become secretive even with those they love. They may start lying about where they are, who they are with, and what they are doing. And since financial problems are common when a person is abusing a drug, they may try to cover up why they are broke. In some cases, secrecy turns into isolation. This lack of proper communication distances the parties and strains the relationship. Addiction can also cause a person to act irrationally or even violently. They become prone to outbursts as they get frustrated over little things. Substance abuse is known to cause aggression. This makes the relationship dangerous, even for the addicted person, as they may harm themselves or get into an accident during these violent outbursts. Cocaine, alcohol, crystal meth, and Ritalin are known to induce anger, irritability, and violence in individuals abusing them. Remember that the addicted individual isn’t the only one that puts a strain on the relationship. Certain friends and romantic partners tend to get angry or frustrated at the other for not trying to get better. Others can do the exact opposite: completely enabling a person to continue their addiction. Remember to let the person be accountable for their actions, but also do not get violent if they fail to comply. Do not make excuses for their actions—it will only make the addicted individual believe that what they are doing is okay. Define and enforce the line between helping and enabling, if you wish to preserve the relationship.

Repairing a Damaged Relationship

An addicted person may recover from their condition, but the relationships must still be fixed afterwards. That’s an entirely different battle. If you wish to support the person through rehabilitation, you can do so. Help and support them if they present the desire to get better. Keep them on the right track. You can even help them find the right treatment facility for their needs. It is important to acknowledge that damage has been done, and that the relationship must be fixed. If both parties are willing to resume their connection, they may do so even while rehabilitation is taking place. In fact, the support of loved ones is an important aspect in the recovery process. If you can fix both problems at once, then that’s a good sign. [maxbutton id="2" ] Now, it is also entirely possible that the relationship is irreparable. It is a reality that addiction can end romantic relationships and break friendships apart. It is acceptable to leave it behind and invest your time in building new and meaningful relationships. Some addicted individuals present no interest in trying to get better, and you must not blame yourself for it. If you think the relationship can be saved, then do so. Help them through the detoxification process and keep them on the right track. But a person cannot be made sober unless they want to. At the end of the day, any relationship worth having is worth fighting for.

Addiction: Effects on Relationships—and How to Handle Them was first seen on RehabNear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/how-addiction-affects-relationship/

Are Oxycontin and Oxycodone the Same Thing?

Oxycodone and OxyContin are two substances that you can often hear about being compared and contrasted. And this wouldn’t happen if the two weren’t so closely tied together. There is one special connection between these two drugs—and that’s what we are going to discuss in this article. What is OxyContin? What is oxycodone? How are these two substances related to one another? Are they the same thing? Let’s have a closer look at two of the most potent painkillers being prescribed by physicians today.

Are OxyContin and Oxycodone the Same Thing?

As you can already tell, oxycodone and OxyContin are very similar—and it’s not just because of their names. Both substances are potent opioid painkillers that are prescribed for moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain. These pain relievers can help patients with conditions like cancer, arthritis, or traumatic injuries. Even those with severe cuts and wounds may be prescribed with these to help manage the pain. But the thing that ties oxycodone and OxyContin together is the main ingredient: oxycodone itself. OxyContin is made of oxycodone. The latter serves as its active ingredient. So the two substances are essentially the same, with only one key difference: the formulation. OxyContin is the brand name for a substance made from oxycodone, with a special time release mechanism that will allow it to affect patients for a longer period of time. This extended release formulation helps patients for up to 12 hours. As such, OxyContin cannot be taken “as needed” or every 4 hours like oxycodone. These opioid medications work by altering your perception and emotional response to pain. They attach to the so-called opioid receptors in the brain to block the pain signals and relieve discomfort. However, in doing so, it also produces a euphoric sensation that makes people high, particularly when taken in high doses. This is the experience that drug abusers seek out on purpose. They won't use these prescription opioids for pain management or pain relief, like they are intended. Opiate abusers will use their prescription drugs for fun, to the point of physical dependence. Oxycodone is also the active ingredient in other pain medications like Percocet, Tylox, and Percodan. Both OxyContin and oxycodone are powerful substances that have a high potential for abuse. When taken in high doses, they can prove to be habit-forming—enough to be addictive.

Why is OxyContin Abused?

The accessibility of prescription painkillers makes them susceptible to misuse. Recreational users will take them for the euphoric pleasure they provide, with little regard to the consequences that may follow. If your doctor prescribes any type of opioid painkiller, make sure you follow the prescription carefully. These drugs are potent enough to cause side effects even when taken at pharmaceutical doses. The risk increases when the substances are misused. Do not take large doses of OxyContin, even if you accidentally miss a dose. Do not take it more frequently than you are supposed to, and don’t take OxyContin for longer than is necessary. Tell your doctor about any side effect you encounter while taking the drug. Drug abusers may experience various physical and mental health effects. Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, respiratory depression, anxiety, and loss of consciousness are only some of the most common adverse effects that drug addicts can encounter while misusing these dangerous painkillers. [maxbutton id="3" ]

How Does Addiction Treatment Work?

Telling your doctor about the warning signs can help you avoid getting addicted. But if you do get hooked on OxyContin, or any other opioid medication, seek addiction treatment immediately. Do not try to self-regulate because the withdrawal symptoms and cravings will only cause you to relapse; not to mention this is dangerous for your health. In order to fully detoxify, you need to undergo rehabilitation. You need to undergo clinical trial, so that your medical condition can be assessed. You will then receive proper medical attention that will address your opioid dependence. Addiction treatment often uses a combination of behavioral therapy and medical detox. The treatment plan will be based on your specific needs. Opiate addiction can be managed in an inpatient rehab or an outpatient rehab. What matters is that oxycontin addicts undergo proper drug rehabilitation in a well-equipped treatment center, so that they can get over their opioid addiction once and for all. Look for an addiction treatment facility near you today and find out what treatment options they offer for oxycontin addiction treatment. With proper drug addiction treatment, you can easily go back to living a sober life.

The featured article Are Oxycontin and Oxycodone the Same Thing? Find more on: www.rehabnear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/oxycontin-and-oxycodone/

What to Expect When Detoxing from Opiates?

Dealing with opiate addiction is not a walk in the park. There are so many problems that need to be addressed: the physical effects, the behavioral changes, the financial burden, and even the legal ramifications of abusing a substance. With all these issues hounding an individual, it’s easy to see how they could just relapse instead of reclaiming their sober lifestyle. How can they resist the drug when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings? This is part of the reason why opiate addiction remains a big problem in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. And beyond these adverse effects, opiate abuse can also lead to fatal overdose. As tough as opiate addiction may be, you can still recover from it. You only need to do it properly. The only way to safely get the opiates out of your system is through the process of detoxification. On this article we will be talking about what detox is, how it works, and what you should expect from it.

What are Opiates?

Before we can learn how to detox from opiate abuse, we need to know what opiates are first. Opiates are substances that are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant. They have painkilling properties. Because of this, they are often prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. They can be prescribed for conditions such as cancer pain, post-surgical pain, and traumatic pain. As prescription drugs, they are legal as long as they are given by a licensed physician and used strictly according to the prescribed dosage. Misusing the drug is illegal. And because opiates are very potent, abusing them can be dangerous. Still, some people take them recreationally because of the euphoric high they produce. Opioids are similar to opiates, except these are the synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of the same poppy plant. The words “opioid” and “opiate” are used interchangeably in common usage because of how similar they are. Both classifications are also considered narcotics. [maxbutton id="2" ]

How Does Opiate Detox Work?

Opiates are easier for illicit users to abuse because they can be obtained via prescription. Common examples are methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and codeine. But just because they are prescription drugs doesn’t mean they are perfectly safe to misuse. And if you ever get addicted to one of these substances, you need to seek medical treatment. Opiate misuse may lead to addiction, which is the compulsive need to take a certain drug. You will keep taking opiates even when you’re already suffering from its adverse effects. It can also lead to physical dependence. This means that your body has already adjusted to the presence of opiates. You will start to crave for more and more of the drug just to get the same effects. If you attempt to quit, you will experience withdrawal symptoms—most of which range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. This is where medical detox comes in. It is a gradual process that involves lowering your intake slowly. This will help wean you off the drug. It will help make withdrawal easier to manage. Medical professionals will be able to handle all the withdrawal symptoms that do manifest. So when it comes to opiate abuse and medical detox, you can expect that it won’t be instantaneous. You won’t be forced to quit right away because this is dangerous for you. Instead, you will gradually get the opiates out of your system. This process can be done as an inpatient or outpatient program. Regardless, you may also undergo behavioral therapy so you can learn how to adjust to the sober life.  

What to Expect When Detoxing from Opiates? Read more on: RehabNear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/opiates-detox/

What Do Opiates Do?

Opiates are powerful drugs that have both addictive and medical properties. They can be either harmful or beneficial, depending on how they are used. The properties that make them helpful can also make them dangerous. Because of the thin line between “safe” and “sorry,” it is important to know what opiates are, what they do, and why they shouldn’t be abused. Today we are going to learn how opiates work. We will also take a look at how treatment works for addicted individuals.

Opiate Overview

What Exactly are Opiates?

These substances are derived from the opium poppy plant. The gooey sap inside the pods of mature flowers is processed into various types of drugs. Opiates are technically different from opioids, although the two terms are used interchangeably in common usage. Opiates are the natural derivatives like morphine and codeine. Opioids, on the other hand, are the synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Both types of substances are classified as narcotics. In law enforcement, narcotics can refer to all types of illegal drugs, whether or not they are opiates. Additionally, some opiates are legal, granted that they are used exactly as prescribed.

What are Opiates for?

Opiates and opioids are painkillers that are often prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. They can be given to patients who are suffering from cancer pain, post-surgical pain, and traumatic pain. These substances act by attaching to specific proteins in the body called opioid receptors. These are found on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs in our body. Once attached, opiates can change the way the brain perceives pain. They replace the pain with feelings of pleasure. In doing so, they also slow down the essential body functions such as breathing and heartbeat. This may cause both wanted and unwanted effects. The stronger the opiate, the faster and more powerful the effects.

Why are Opiates Abused?

Opiates are very potent, and can be quite habit-forming when taken in high doses. The drugs cause feelings of euphoria, which is what makes them addictive. Because of their feel-good effects, many people abuse their prescription and end up getting hooked on the drugs. In recreational settings, they can be sniffed, smoked, or ingested. Some people even inject it directly into their bloodstream in order to experience instant effects. Fully synthetic products in particular are known to be very addictive.

What are the Effects of Opiate Abuse and Addiction?

Opiate abuse can lead to a number of physical and mental adverse effects. These problems may vary from person to person, depending on their drug habits and health condition. In some of the worst cases, opiate abuse can cause respiratory depression. Continued intake of opiates may lead to addiction, dependence, and tolerance. Tolerance is when the person no longer feels euphoria after taking opiates. They will need to take more of the drug just to get that high once again. Dependence is when the person’s body has adapted to the drug’s presence, making it nearly impossible to quit without going through withdrawal. Their body will react negatively when they stop taking it. Addiction is the compulsive need to take the drug, even when they are already suffering from adverse effects. Quitting at this point may cause depression, anxiety, and other withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, tremors, chills, and pain. [maxbutton id="3" ]

How is Opiate Addiction Treated?

Just like any other addiction, opiate addiction should be handled by medical professionals. Self-regulation is difficult (and even potentially dangerous) because of withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. The patient might only relapse. Instead of dealing with addiction on their own, they should try to seek medical treatment. Opiate addiction can be treated using a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy. Medical detox is all about lowering the patient’s intake gradually. This makes withdrawal much easier to manage. It can be done with a replacement drug administered by a physician. Behavioral therapy is all about dealing with the psychological effects of addiction. It helps the patient learn how to keep sober and how to live a drug-free lifestyle. This is personalized to suit the patient’s specific needs. Treatment can be done as an inpatient or outpatient program. Look for a rehab facility near you today!  

The featured post What Do Opiates Do? Read more on: RehabNear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/what-do-opiate-drugs-do/

The Mental Effects of Drugs: What Opiates Do to the Brain

Opiates and opioids are abused throughout the US, as well as the rest of the world. But despite this widespread problem, there is still a lot of misinformation being spread about these substances. In order to avoid addiction and adverse effects, we need to know exactly what opiates are and what they are for. We also need to talk about the dangers of abusing these substances. And while we all know that opiates can harm you physically, there is a general lack of knowledge regarding the way opiates can affect the brain. On this article we are going to discuss the effects of abusing opiates, specifically their mental health effects.

What are Opiates?

Opiates and opioids are painkillers that are often prescribed for pain ranging from moderate to severe. Opiates and opioids are often confused for one another. While there are many similarities between the two classifications, they are technically not the same. Opiates are natural derivatives of the opium poppy plant. On the other hand, opioids are the synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives. Outside the medical industry, however, the two terms are used interchangeably. It is interesting to note that both opiates and opioids are also known as narcotics, but in law enforcement, narcotics refer to all kinds of illegal drugs. Opiates and opioids are often misused because of the euphoric high they produce. Not only do these substances treat pain, they also make the users feel good. This is the quality that makes them addictive. These drugs alter the way the brain perceives pain, but this benefit comes with a number of disadvantages. It affects the brain in many different ways, which is why opiates must be used strictly as prescribed.

Opiates: Immediate Effects on the Brain

The naturally occurring opioids in the body help maintain the pleasure and reward systems of the brain. This helps the body calm down. When a person takes opiates, the substances quickly latch on to the body’s so-called opioid receptors, giving them an extreme rush of euphoria. Dopamine is released and the neurons in the body create a very high level of pleasure or excitement. This is also known as a high. [maxbutton id="2" ]

Opiate Addiction and Brain Function

The brain is inclined to want to repeat actions that stimulate the reward system, specifically those feelings that provoke pleasure. Usually, this is limited to activities such as eating or sex. But opiates create a similar sensation, making your brain want to repeat that activity over and over again. This is how addiction develops. As the person takes more and more of the drug, they begin to manifest various behavioral changes. This can be both in an attempt to conceal their drug abuse and as a result of repeated intake of opiates. Continuous use of opiates makes the receptors in our brain less sensitive to their presence. This means that the body has adapted to the presence of opiates. In no time, physical dependence will develop. At this point, the person can no longer function properly without taking opiates. They may experience withdrawal symptoms. They may become depressed, anxious, or lethargic. Opiates are only beneficial when used exactly as prescribed. But when misused, it can easily cause several health problems, some of which affect the way we think and perceive our surroundings. The best way to deal with it is with a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy. Look for a rehab facility near you today and help fight the psychological as well as physical effects of addiction.  

The above blog post The Mental Effects of Drugs: What Opiates Do to the Brain is available on www.rehabnear.me

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/effects-of-opiates-to-the-brain/

Sober Living Houses: What Should You Expect?

Sober living houses enable a person to undergo a stage known as “transitional living”. This is a delicate yet necessary step that ensures the success of the rehabilitation process. It finalises the whole program and everything that happened during it. If rehabilitation was an artwork, then a sober living house would be the finishing touch. But now that we know what it is for, we should take a look at what it is exactly, and why an individual should consider it. This is of course dedicated to drug-addicted individuals and their loved ones who wish to know the benefits of sober living houses. Is it worth investing on? Do they actually work? And how do they help individuals recover from addiction? Let’s take a look.

Overview

A sober living house is a safe environment where the recovering patients can stay after receiving intensive treatment. To understand what it is, one should be familiar with how rehabilitation works. Rehab is a personalized process: it works according to a person’s specific needs. But the core of these programs is detoxification and behavioral therapy. The first step is all about helping the patient get sober again and restore their health. The latter one is all about teaching them how to stay sober. So if medical detox is more physical, and behavioral therapy is more psychological, then sober living houses provide a more emotional stage of recovery. At this point, the patient has already shaken the drug off their system. The patient has also learned all the reasons why they must maintain a drug-free life. They know all the techniques on how to maintain sobriety. Now it is time to put it into practice.

Benefits: Space for Preparation

A recovering individual might feel overwhelmed if the rehab process suddenly ends and they have to return to their normal life right away. They will be plunged back into the same stressful environments; they’ll encounter the same problems they had before they got addicted. They might deal with the social repercussions of addiction. This might just push them back into their addictive habits. Sober living houses give them time to prepare emotionally—to properly transition into the drug-free life they wish to have once more. They will get the opportunity to step back, take it all in, and breathe before taking the leap into the real world. Patients can stay in sober living houses for 30 up to 90 days. This is usually enough time for the person to contemplate on where they want to go, moving forward. If they need to stay longer, they could. Some even stay there for up to a year.

Benefits: Social Support

Addiction doesn’t just affect a person’s mind and body, it also destroys their relationships. They might have even forgotten how to connect with others in a social setting—without the involvement of drugs, of course. In sober living houses, they get to stay with others who are in a similar situation. They can make new friends and connect with people who truly understand their struggles. There’s nothing more reassuring than getting support from similar people. Getting into this type of facility drastically improves the patient’s chances of avoiding relapse. [maxbutton id="3" ]

Benefits: Setting New Habits

It takes a while to develop new habits—research suggests 66 days before a new one is formed. And unfortunately, addiction is a habit that’s very hard to break. But sober living houses allow those recovering individuals set new habits. They are required to abstain from illicit drugs. They are encouraged to live healthily. These programs often set them up for a better life. The moment they step out of those gates, they know they can make better decisions. They don’t just regain their confidence, they also regain their independence.  

Sober Living Houses: What Should You Expect? was first published to https://www.rehabnear.me/

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/what-are-sober-living-houses/

Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab: What You Need to Know

Studies have shown that drug addicted individuals who choose faith-based treatment programs are more likely to avoid relapse. They are said to be more likely to stay sober. But these studies only account for people who are already religious. What we know for sure is that people respond better to treatment methods that are consistent with their own beliefs. What if a person isn’t religious? Do Christian addiction recovery programs still have the same effect? Is a drug addict likely to become sober under a Christian rehab if they do not have the same beliefs? In order to answer these questions, we need to put Christian treatment under the microscope. What does it do? How does it help? How is it different from regular forms of drug rehab? Christ-centered counseling certainly has its benefits. And today we are going to discuss the scope of its helpfulness, and why it is a viable option to consider when looking for an addiction treatment center. A patient may or may not decide to undergo faith-based healing entirely. They may decide that their religion has little to do with their success in getting sober. But before we can take a look at the relationship between addiction treatment and faith, we need to get a brief overview of what we are up against.

What is Addiction?

Understanding addiction can go a long way in making the right decision for addiction treatment. There are a lot of factors to consider, especially because addiction affects everyone in different ways. And religion is just one of the many factors that come into play. Addiction is the compulsive need to take a certain substance—even when your body is already suffering from its adverse effects. Many drugs out there can make you feel good. They will make you feel relaxed and euphoric. Some may even distort your perception of reality—literally making you unable to think about your problems. Those who seek to get away from it all can do so through the use of deadly and potent drugs. The fact that drugs, as well as alcohol, can make you feel good about yourself is what makes them so compelling. They prevent you from living a sober life by making you not want to quit in the first place. Why would you give up something that feels so good? But that’s the thing: drugs aren’t all good. They’re not good for your body at all. You may know that; you may not. But the truth is that drugs will destroy your body as you take them. They are not supposed to be in your system—let alone high doses of them. That’s why these substances can easily kill people via fatal overdose. It’s why drug addicts have failing organs. It also destroys the mind and alters a person’s behavior, to the point where they can’t make the right decisions anymore. They will have memory problems, they will have cognitive issues, and they’ll suffer from all sorts of psychological stress. They may become depressed, paranoid, anxious, violent, or suicidal. All these emotional burdens pile up on top of the various physical effects that drugs create. And the worst part is that the person will just want to take more. When a person’s body adapts to the drug’s presence, it becomes tolerant. This means they won’t get the same euphoric effects, unless they take the drug in higher doses, or they take it more frequently. In no time, they will become drug dependent, which means their body will no longer function properly without the substance. This is what makes drug addiction treatment so necessary. A person can’t just quit taking the drugs—the withdrawal will either be disastrously uncomfortable, or they will simply relapse. Not to mention that they will have extreme cravings for their drug of choice if they do try to quit. Self-regulating is an ineffective and dangerous way to deal with drug addiction. The truth is, drug addiction treatment isn’t so simple either. But it’s the patient’s best chance of recovery. There are many factors that have to be considered during the process of rehabilitation. The good news is that addiction treatments are staffed with medical professionals who can come up with a treatment plan based on a person’s specific needs. Will the treatment be inpatient or outpatient? How long will they be staying in the facility? What treatment methods will be most effective? The person’s drug habits will be considered. What drug did they abuse? How long have they been taking the substance? Have they been drinking or abusing other types of drugs? Do they have co-occurring disorders? Were they prescribed with certain drugs? How often did they take the drug and at what dosage? Other personal information may change the treatment plan too. A person’s age, gender, body weight, and health condition will be taken into consideration. And depending on the treatment facility, even their hobbies, interests, profession, and religion can have an impact on the treatment process. Christian rehab centers offer one specific type of treatment for a certain group of people. No doubt it is the best drug addiction program for Christians, because it offers spiritual guidance alongside the regular rehab program. But what exactly does that entail? Let’s have a closer look.

What is Christian Drug Rehab?

Christian drug rehab is for Christians who have substance abuse issues—but it’s not necessarily limited to those who have the same faith. Anyone can sign up for this type of treatment. But the approach itself is structured around faith, and so you need to have a degree of comfort with this method for it to actually work. Looking beyond its religious aspects, faith based drug rehab is essentially the same as traditional rehab. It aims to provide individualized care, as well as group therapy for their patients. It aims to treat the person physically, psychologically, and in this case, spiritually. Whatever your religion may be, it is known that your chances of recovering are improved when you are surrounded by people who are on a similar path as you are. How you define this similarity can be subjective, but it is up to you to decide whether this is a good type of treatment for you. For some people, spirituality can play an important role in their journey towards sobriety. Some even believe that their personal health care issues are not sufficiently addressed by modern medicine. But it is also true that some secular rehab facilities overlook the importance of addressing the emotional and spiritual turmoil caused by the overwhelming effects of addiction and alcoholism. When you’re trying to get rid of an addiction, there is a struggle to become a better person at the same time. And seeking God’s grace is an essential aspect of addiction treatment. Seeking forgiveness for these indulgences can have a positive effect on religious people, and even non-religious patients who want to become more religious. It is in this sense that Christian drug and alcohol rehab becomes a multi-layered type of treatment. This is something a secular rehab program simply cannot offer—because they are focused on something else. Studies suggest that 55 to 81 percent of clients in addiction recovery want to incorporate the spiritual aspects of treatment, because they it is part of their personal needs. These are important issues that need to be tackled before the patient can truly begin to reform. In contrast, only 20 percent of people do not wish to discuss spirituality during the entire rehab process. This is a personal decision that people make. And ultimately, it works out either way—depending on the patient’s determination to succeed. If a person is motivated to become better, then they will have a higher chance of succeeding. Whether they need spirituality to achieve that depends upon their faith. Christians with substance abuse issues often have it harder. On top of the physical, emotional, social, and financial problems caused by addiction, they also need to deal with the spiritual repercussions of self-indulgence. They can only heal with the help of other Christians who are suffering from the same dilemmas. They can create a bond between themselves that can help them get through their moral problems, as well as all the physical ones. A Christian drug rehab is a great choice for those who want to place the focus on Jesus Christ as the “higher power” throughout their rehabilitation. A personal relationship with God or Jesus Christ can underscore the quality of life issues such as acceptance and purpose. It can give them a clear way to view the world surrounding them, through the help of their values and morals. It opens them up to the possibility of healing and forgiveness. You can expect Christian drug and alcohol rehab to offer Bible study, lectures, and Church attendance. They may also involve the help of a pastor, working alongside the regular medical staff. This, and the community of recovering Christians, can create a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. This reinforces the fact that drug addicts and alcoholics are more likely to recover within a community of people who have similar backgrounds, beliefs, and dilemmas.

How is Christian Drug Rehab Different from Regular Secular Rehab?

It is important that we discuss what rehab entails beyond the spiritual aspects of Christian drug rehab. Christian Drug Rehab is mostly the same as regular, secular rehab—except all the other faith-based benefits we mentioned above. Faith is very important, especially for religious people, but the medical aspect of addiction treatment is just as necessary. It combines medical detox and behavioral therapy in order to achieve the best possible results. The former is all about getting rid of the adverse effects and restoring the patient’s health, while the latter is all about addressing the issues that led to addiction in the first place. Medical detox is the process of gradually lowering the drug addicted individual’s intake so that withdrawal can be more manageable. Their symptoms will be handled by medical professionals who are ready to provide the patient’s needs 24/7 (if this is an inpatient program). This will make the withdrawal process safer for the individual, and it makes relapse less likely to occur. Behavioral therapy tackles the emotional aspect of addiction: the reasons they got addicted, and the reasons why they never quit. The person’s family background, career, education, environment—and in this case, religion—will play an important role in this process. Therapists can properly create a plan of action by getting to the root causes of addictive and abusive behavior. By getting to know the person deeply, therapists can help them overcome the mental burdens that keep them from becoming sober. They can teach the patient various ways to manage their cravings, and how to channel their energy in productive ways. This is what makes individualized care so important. Some addictions are more severe than others, some have different causes, and some people react to different adverse effects in varying ways. There’s no single way to address addiction. Rehab facilities usually take a flexible approach. Recovery options can easily be customized as needed. In Christian rehab, this versatile approach has a certain roadmap or framework behind it, which keeps everything tied together: faith. A person’s faith is solid, no matter how severe their addiction is. It is there within them, and it’s something they can hold on to when things are becoming too much for them to handle. Secular rehab will do the exact same treatments, but perhaps without the prayers before, during, or after meetings. The takeaway here is that neither is more effective than the other. It depends on the person receiving treatment and what they believe in. Recovery options only work best when the patient believes in it and feels compelled to continue with it. After all, rehabilitation takes a long time. It requires a lot of effort on the part of the patient. They have to be dedicated to getting sober and remaining drug-free. Otherwise they will only relapse. Achieving and maintaining this motivation is the key here. Christian rehab presents information that is relevant to the religious person’s beliefs. It makes them comfortable enough to continue with the group therapy and medical detox. Secular drug and alcohol rehab may need to find a different approach through the person’s hobbies and other interests.

Why Do Some People Choose Non-Faith Based Rehab?

Simply put, some patients don’t go for faith based addiction treatment because they don’t feel comfortable with it. This makes them unlikely to open up during recovery, preventing them from making any significant or lasting changes for their future. They will need to keep their self-destructive thoughts at bay. And if they say faith based treatment isn’t for them—they are probably correct. But for those who do want to involve spirituality into their treatment, it can work wonders. Many programs that deal with drug addiction and alcoholism are based on the format first developed in Alcoholics Anonymous: the 12-step program. Some people may find it useful, some people won’t. And this has everything to do with the fact that the 12-step program itself emphasizes the religious side of recovery. There’s no denying that Alcoholics Anonymous has a history of religious tradition. Even the 12-steps are religious or spiritual in nature. Some of their values are overtly religious, including “spread the word,” “improve the connection to a Higher Power,” and “Appeal to a Higher Power for help”. Certain people simply aren’t comfortable with that. They may have no true spiritual convictions, or maybe they just prefer the secular approach when it comes to treatment. Others are actually religious, but would prefer to keep their spiritual life separate from their current condition. Or perhaps the patient doesn’t feel the need to address their spiritual side at the moment. In some cases, religious patients have tried the faith based approach but want to try other forms of treatment that are available.

What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?

Christian patients will certainly find comfort in the Bible, and what it says about addiction, as it is meant to give hope and strength to those in need. Addiction is a difficult thing to deal with—and for those who are seeking the help of a Higher Power—the Bible can be their source of strength. These are some of the Bible verses that address addiction and other temptations in our lives:

1 Corinthians 10:13-14

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends flee from idolatry.

1 John 2:16

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Hebrews 4:15-16

t have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And here is a verse from Galatians that inspires Christians to avoid all temptations that keep them away from Jesus Christ’s teachings.

Galatians 5:13-26

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control and Indulgence?

The Bible also urges Christians to maintain their self-control in order to be free from the temptations that control and enslave us. If anything, these verses are great inspiration to seek addiction treatment.

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Titus 2:12

It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Romans 5:3-5

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Proverbs 16:32

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 25:28

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Titus 2

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.  

Should You Go for Christian Rehab?

A person may or may not involve their spirit[maxbutton id="1" ] ality into their treatment plan, but the most important thing is that they seek treatment. An addicted individual will need to look for the right addiction treatment center so that it will motivate them enough to stay until they are cured. If you are a religious and faithful individual, then by all means, go for Christian drug rehab. Look for the best Christian drug and alcohol rehab facility near you. The faith based approach may work best for you. But even if you are not a religious person, and you don’t believe in a Higher Power, you must seek treatment for your addiction anyway. There are many different treatment methods out there, and there’s surely one that’s a good fit for you. If you are in a relationship and your partner is also addicted to drugs or alcohol, couples therapy may be the right thing for you. If you want a holistic approach with only the finest amenities available, luxury addiction treatment can work wonders. If you are more comfortable when you’re around your family, then family therapy is a great option. There’s a type of treatment for everyone, because addiction affects everyone in different ways. Religious or not, we are all human beings with great, sober lives to live, once the addiction is beaten.  

Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab: What You Need to Know was originally published on https://www.rehabnear.me/

from
https://www.rehabnear.me/christian-drug-and-alcohol-rehab/