Who needs drug rehab?

Drug rehab is often necessary for those who would benefit from a change in environment in order to recover from drug addiction. Deciding if you need drug rehab, though, can be difficult and frustrating. Find out more about who needs drug rehab in this article, and get started on your road to recovery.

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If you’re struggling with a drug problem, you’ve may have tried to quit with no success. There’s also a good chance that you’ve come to the realization that you may need a more structured drug rehab in order to do so.

But not everyone who uses drugs, for instance, needs a stay at an inpatient drug rehab to get better. Usually, the need for drug abuse is determined by whether or not drug abusers have developed a physical addiction to their drug of choice. But, how do you know for sure that you need drug rehab? Keep reading to find out more.

Do I need drug rehab?

If you find that you’re asking yourself “Do I need drug rehab?” it may be time to take an honest look at your drug use. Your best bet is to meet with an addiction specialist and get screened.

During this initial assessment, an addiction specialist will usually perform a physical examination for signs of drug abuse and may even conduct a blood or urine test to check for recent drug use. He or she will also question you about your drug use as well, which will be used to diagnose drug dependence or possible addiction.

When do you need drug rehab?

An addiction specialist will usually be better able to advise you as to whether you need drug rehab, or not. However, if you feel that you need drug rehab and are truly ready to lead a drug-free lifestyle, you’ve probably already answered this question for yourself. And as a general guideline, drug rehab is recommended for those who have tried to quit drugs and failed, would benefit from leaving a home or social environment, and/or who need to withdraw from a drug.

Signs that you may need drug rehab are listed below. These are the same criteria that doctors and addiction specialists use to diagnose drug dependence.

  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you miss a dose or quit taking a drug
  • Failed attempts to quit using the drug
  • Using more of the drug than intended or for a longer period of time
  • Large amount of time spent using, obtaining, or recovering from the drug
  • Ignoring career, personal, or social activities or responsibilities to use the drug
  • Continued drug use despite the problems it causes

Need for drug rehab

If you have a need for drug rehab, you have a couple different choices: inpatient or outpatient drug rehab. The choice that you make will depend on your circumstances, such as the severity of your drug problem, your financial situation, and your flexibility.

Inpatient drug rehab is typically very effective, since it involves intense daily therapy and residing in a stable drug-free environment. On the down side, it’s usually very expensive and requires a month to a year of residence in the facility. Outpatient drug rehab, on the other hand, is usually a little more affordable and leaves room for flexibility. There is a greater risk of relapse and you’ll need your own transportation.

Questions about drug rehab needs

If you still have questions about the need for drug rehab, please leave your questions below. We’ll do our best to respond to you personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Mental Health
NARCONON International: Deciding When Someone Needs drug Rehab
NIH: Drug Facts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
MAYO CLINIC: Tests and diagnosis
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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