Addiction is a chronic situation that involves compulsive behavior towards taking and seeking a certain substance or performing an activity impulsively despite its negative or harmful effects. People with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, such as lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Addiction can damage your personality because of negative thoughts and regrets. It can lead to isolation and social withdrawal. It also significantly impacts your relationship and overall quality of life. It is crucial to seek help when you see the signs of addiction developing in you or your loved ones.
The general symptoms of addiction are as follows:
- Lack of control
- Social withdrawal
- Intense focus on the substance or activity.
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders
- Emotional disturbance
It is essential to consult an addiction center, therapist, and relevant support groups for guidance and support. These professionals have in-depth knowledge and can save lives through various techniques and counseling.
What is an Addiction Center?
An addiction center is specifically made to assist and treat drug addicts. It provides a complete initial assessment, a personalized treatment plan, and unwavering support to get rid of addiction. It counsels the individual to leave the addiction and get back to normal life. These centers offer a friendly and positive environment where patients receive:
- Medical care.
- Psychological counseling.
- Therapeutic services.
The goal of an addiction center is to help individuals by guiding and counseling. It helps them cope with personal problems, self-esteem issues, regret, and negative thoughts. Counseling helps them to get back to life and get out of the past through psychological techniques and practices.
The addiction centers ensure long-term recovery through a combination of various services:
- Counselling,
- Detoxification,
- Rehabilitation,
- Aftercare programs.
The Process of Treatment:
The process of treatment begins with an initial assessment and diagnosis.
1 Initial Assessment and Diagnosis:
The therapist will take a detailed initial investigation of the type of addiction ( substance, non-substance), its amount, frequency, and the consequences on the patient’s mental, emotional, and physical health. In the initial consultation, the therapist also notices the behavior of addicts, whether they have accepted their addiction and are willing to change or deny the fact. Additionally, they also review past medical and psychiatric history for accurate diagnosis.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan:
The therapist makes a customized treatment plan according to the patient’s situation. Fortunately, many different treatment options are available so that each individual can find a perfect fit for them without any trouble.
3. Phases of Treatment:
The standard treatment process for patients entering an addiction recovery center is as follows:
- Admission
- Assessment
- Detox
- Inpatient Rehab
- Outpatient Rehab
- Post-treatment
- Release
- After-care
Admission and Assessment:
Once the initial consultation is done, the patient is admitted to the Addiction Center. During initial admissions, the staff member once again takes complete details about his drug addiction and its impact. The patient then undergoes several mental and biophysical examinations to decide on a personalized treatment plan.
Detox:
Detoxification is the first step of drug addiction treatment. In this step, the substance is removed from the body, limiting withdrawal reactions. In this step, the patient is given different types of therapies:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Multidimensional family therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Positive reinforcement through motivational incentives
The purpose of these therapies is to help people change their behavior and attitude towards drugs as well as improve their life skills and support their treatment.
Inpatient Care:
After the detox, the patient is ideally moved to an addiction treatment inpatient Care facility. During this phase, the patient stays at the addiction center, and the therapist, as well as the staff, takes care of them. This encouraging behavior helps addicts get rid of their addiction in a positive and friendly manner.
Outpatient Therapy:
Outpatient therapy is the best treatment option for people with commitments and busy schedules who can’t go to inpatient addiction centers. These individuals are willing to stop substance abuse by their will while continuing the usual activities of life. Friends and family surround them, and they also receive individual therapy sessions biweekly, weekly, or monthly, depending on their situation.
Post-treatment and Release:
After all the treatment, when the patient has left the addiction and is willing to live a productive life. He is discharged from the addiction center after proper counseling, mentoring, and life coaching.
Addiction Centers also counsel patients on rebuilding their relationship with self-belief and confidence, as this can be challenging. The addiction center also guides the attendees to be kind and compassionate with the patients and doesn’t remind them of their past activities.
Aftercare program:
Once the patient has been discharged from the addiction rehab center, the aftercare program helps them stay connected to the center in case they need help. The support is offered through group outings, volunteer activities, and other social events.
Overcoming stigma and Encouraging the treatment:
Addiction is a serious disorder that, if not treated timely, can ultimately lead to death. It is important to overcome the stigma, seek professional help timely, and return to life. Though addiction is compulsive, with proper treatment and counseling, it can be defeated. It’s all about taking the first step, conquering your fear, accepting your addiction, talking to someone you trust, seeking help from an addiction rehabilitation center, and getting your treatment done on time.
Conclusion:
Addiction is a chronic situation that involves compulsive behavior, but with proper assessment, treatment, care, and compassion, it can be treated, and the patient can live life fully.