How Does a Drug Treatment Program Work?
The goal of long term drug treatment centers is to provide careful initial care and detox to clear drugs out of the body so treatment can begin. The entire program is broken down into stages to help the client navigate what would otherwise seem intimidating.
What makes drug rehabilitation successful?
Drug rehabilitation programs are designed to care for a drug addict from start to finish in the hopes of helping them reach a point of freedom from the ongoing struggle to quit. Every stage is introduced in a way that both makes sense and leads the client through the process in as gentle a way as possible. Programs that are successful are ones that allow flexibility in preparing the right treatment plan that suits the individual and type of substance used.
The Stages of the Drug Rehabilitation Process
A comprehensive drug rehabilitation program is divided into stages that are sensible and effective. The stages of drug rehabilitation are broken up into six basic areas that focus on the skills and knowledge needed to move towards recovery. Long-term treatment programs allow the client the ability to move through each stage at a reasonable pace.
Physical and Drug Testing
A complete physical is done at intake to ensure the client is healthy enough to undergo the rigors of the program. Any coexisting mental health conditions are addressed at this time and treatment begins. Thorugh drug testing is done to determine what types of drugs are present and in what quantities. It is important information for determining what program will work best.
Assessment and Treatment Plan
A complete assessment is done to determine how much and what types of drugs are used on a regular basis. The extent of any addictions are documented and help in the final placement of the client into the right program and helps in planning the detox portion of the process. A comprehensive treatment plan is discussed and written up in a way that the client can understand exactly what is expected and what the remaining stages hold. Transparency of care is essential to building a trusting relationship.
Ridding the Body of Drugs
Getting the drugs out of the body is one of the more important parts of the process. It has to be done carefully to ensure the safety and comfort of the client. A medical staff is in charge of the detox and is attentive to the needs and comfort level of every client in the program. It’s critical to alleviate any fears in the client when it comes to what to expect during detox. Many have heard horror stories that are nowhere close to the truth. The medical staff has the ability to help control the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Therapy and Group Activities
Each client will be scheduled to meet with a therapist for individual therapy. The therapeutic portion continues throughout the rest of the program. It’s used to help sort through the reasoning behind the cause of addiction and working on ways to develop better decision-making strategies. Group therapy and activities are also a part of this stage to help in establishing healthy social boundaries and group support.
Behavior Modification and Preparing to Head Home
The next stage is one that focuses more on behavior modifications that prepare the client for the changes that will be necessary to make to both cope with life outside of treatment and create boundaries to avoid the places, people, and events that contributed to the addiction. It helps arm the client with the tools necessary to carry on a successful battle to retain sobriety.
Establishing a Support System to Avoid Relapse
The support system that is created during the treatment process will be an important way to contact those that can help when temptation is making it difficult to not fall into relapse. It makes it possible for anyone to exit treatment and deal with life, even if family members have turned away.
The stages of drug rehabilitation are comprehensive and cover all aspects of treatment, therapy, and after-care support. Quality drug rehabilitation centers put an emphasis on giving every client the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.