Are you ready for a rehab program?
You need drug rehab programs when you:
- want to stop using drugs
- need to learn (or be reminded of) how to quit
As a general rule, it is best to consider rehab sooner rather than later. So, if you think you have a problem with drugs, a rehab program can help you…ASAP. In fact, it’s never too early to look into addiction rehabilitation programs, especially if you haven’t hit rock bottom in your life yet.
What’s rock bottom?
Rock bottom refers to a period of time in a person’s life in which their drug use has destroyed most of their world. During this period, addictive behavior will have ALREADY severely damaged social, financial, mental, and emotional aspects of their lives. In many cases, people who have hit rock bottom will also be dealing with health and legal problems, as well.
But do I really need a drug rehab program?
There’s a good chance that you could benefit from a drug rehab program if you’re reading this article. If you take an honest look at yourself and your life, you’ll most likely notice several signs that will tell you that you need drug rehab. At first, some of these signs may not be obvious, but with a closer look you can recognize these signs. Feel free to read further if you can’t decide whether there is a real need for you or a loved one to attend a rehab program. Let’s take a look at some of the common signs of drug addiction, though.
9 signs you are rehab material…
You may need to go to a drug rehab if:
- You use drugs for euphoric effect.
- Your drug of choice does something for you: it solves a problem or fills in an emotional hole. This type of use is a signal of unresolved issues of hurt or trauma, which can be treated!
- You find it impossible to stop taking the drug, even if drug use is causing your problems.
- You feel caught in a circle of need-use-shame.
- You’ve hit bottom and the physical, mental, and emotional pain is too great. Now, you’re ready for rehab.
- You’re physically dependent on your drug of choice. When you haven’t used it in several hours or a couple of days, you start to experience withdrawal symptoms, which can vary depending on the drugs you use.
- You’ve built up a tolerance to your drug of choice and need increasing amounts of it in order to experience the same effects.
- You crave your drug of choice, even if it’s out of your system totally.
- You spend lots of time thinking about the drug, acquiring the drug, or using your drug of choice.
Other signs you need help for a drug problem
Here are some other signs you may need drug rehab.
- You try to hide your drug use from others.
- You use drugs alone now, whereas you started using them only in social situations.
- You’re constantly thinking about using your drug or preoccupy yourself with trying to get your drug.
- You’re often in a state of confusion or have a mental fog.
- You’ve begun to neglect your health or appearance.
- Your drug use has affected your work or school performance negatively.
- Your drug use has had a negative impact on your family or social relations.
- Your drug use has resulted in legal problems.
Drug rehab programs: The “meat” of the program
So, what actually happens when you go to a rehab program?
When you first enter a drug rehab program, you will undergo assessment. During the intake and assessment process, you will be examined and evaluated by an staff specialist o such as a psychologist, medical doctor, or psychiatrist. This usually involves a complete psychological evaluation and/or a questionnaire regarding your drug use. Drug testing may also be required.
Some common questions asked during a drug rehab intake and assessment will require that you divulge information pertaining to your drug use frequency, what happens when you take the drug, and how it has affected your life. It’s important to be completely honest during a drug rehab intake and assessment. This stage is used to determine the extent of your problem and develop an addiction treatment plan based on your individual situation. Not being honest is a waste of time for both you and the person evaluating you.
Your personal assessment marks the start of treatment in a drug rehab program, and may be repeated during your time in drug rehab. After assessment, you may go through detox before beginning psychotherapy and group work. This is officially the “meat” of the program. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are the most commonly used forms of drug addiction treatment and can include individual, family, or group counseling.
Educational sessions on the nature of drug addiction are also helpful in drug rehab programs, as are the support services that staff members provide. However, expect the base of your treatment in a drug rehab program to be behavioral and psychological in nature. Addiction is a complex disorder that did not occur overnight. Changing thoughts and behaviors is key to successful recovery.
Drug rehab programs help
If you’re ready to live your life drug-free, a drug rehab program can help. These programs are designed to help you understand the nature of addiction, the cause of addiction, and how to live without your drug of choice. So who should you ask for help when you’re ready to go? The following places and professionals are great resources for more information and consultation about getting drug rehab help:
- Clergy and religious leaders
- Drug rehab centers
- Hospitals
- Mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or medical doctors
Drug rehab programs questions
Still have questions about drug rehab programs? Please ask us below. And remember that it’s important to get help when you first notice a problem. You CAN get better and live a productive and happy life!
Reference Sources: NIDA: Signs of drug abuse and addiction
Medline Plus: Substance Use Disorder
NIDA: The science of drug abuse and addiction
NIDA: Drug Facts: Treatment approaches to drug addiction
NIDA: Principles of drug addiction treatment
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