The issue of who needs drug rehab is one that is often raised among families who are trying to determine if a loved one has a problem. It can be difficult to tell how serious an issue is, particularly among those with no experience of addiction.
There is much stigma attached to addiction and many people have their own ideas about what it is and who it affects. When wondering who needs drug rehab, they might assume that it is only those who inject illegal drugs down dark alleyways who are affected.
The reality, however, is that drug addiction is a broad illness and it is not just something that happens to those who inject heroin. In fact, there are many mood-altering substances that can cause addiction, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication. So when pondering the question of who needs drug rehab, there are many issues to consider.
Do You Have a Drug Addiction?
It is hard for most affected individuals to come to terms with the fact that they might have a drug addiction that requires treatment. In fact, many people struggle to accept that their use of mood-altering substances has spiralled out of control.
It is often easier to deny that addiction is an issue as then there is no need to face the disappointment on the faces of loved ones. With so much shame and embarrassment attached to addiction, those who find themselves with issues would often rather pretend that nothing is wrong, than accept their fate and have to deal with the consequences.
If you are worried that you might have an addiction, or if those you love have suggested you might have a problem, it is a good idea to take an honest look at your life and your substance use. It could be the case that you have been abusing certain substances but do not yet have a full-blown addiction. Or maybe you have allowed your use of these substances to get out of hand and are now struggling to control it.
The only way to overcome an issue with drugs is to deal with it head on. If you are in the early stages of substance misuse, you will probably be able to sort your life out by cutting back on your use and speaking to a professional.
However, if you are finding that you cannot quit or even cut down on your use, you might already have a physical dependence; in this case, it is likely that you will need treatment.
Who is Affected by Addiction?
The misconceptions about who is affected by addiction and who needs drug rehab can often prevent some affected people from accessing help. They believe that they couldn’t be affected because they do not fit the profile of the stereotypical addict. They convince themselves that this means they are not in need of help and simply carry on as they are.
For example, those who have developed a physical dependence on prescription drugs might be convinced that they could not possibly have a drug addiction as they have never touched an illegal drug in their life. To them, addiction is about the substance and nothing else. In reality though, addiction is more about the amount of control a person has over the substance he or she is using.
It is not possible to pinpoint an exact cause of addiction but there are certain risk factors that make it more likely for one person to be affected than others. It is worth remembering, that nobody is exempt; anyone who uses a mood-altering substance can develop an addiction.
You are not exempt from addiction because you are a certain age or because you come from a particular area. And you are not exempt because you have plenty of money and have had a good education. Addiction does not discriminate.
The reality is that addiction can affect anyone. It is true that those with a family history of addiction are said to be more likely to be affected than those who do not. Moreover, those who have suffered traumatic experiences are also at a higher risk but not necessarily guaranteed to develop addiction. The only way to guarantee you will not go on to develop an addiction is to abstain from all mood-altering chemicals completely.
What is Addiction Treatment Like?
If you do require addiction treatment, you are probably wondering what it is going to be like. Most people are worried that they will be unable to cope with drug detox and rehab and their fear of these processes can be enough to stop them from asking for help.
Nevertheless, you should know that not accessing help for addiction is likely to mean that your situation will get worse. If you have a physical addiction to drugs, this will need to be addressed first, which is done with a programme of detoxification.
Detox is the process that most affected individuals fear because it is during this that the substance they have been using must stop being used. The idea of living without drugs can be a struggle for some people and because they have been unable to go without it for any length of time for so long, they fear they will be unable to cope.
In a detox facility, help is available to those who want to quit drugs. Professional staff with experience and knowledge of the process are available around-the-clock to care and support the person and even administer appropriate medication if necessary.
In a dedicated detox facility, the entire process is safer and more comfortable. The individual will stay in the clinic for around seven to ten days and will likely experience a number of withdrawal symptoms as his or her body tries to get back to normal now that chemical substances are no longer being used. The body will be trying to flush out any chemicals and toxins that have built up over time and will also attempt to normalise various functions that have been affected by the substance use.
A detox is uncomfortable, but it does not have to be painful or traumatic; when handled correctly, it is much easier than the person was expecting. It should be pointed out that there is always a risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and it is not possible to predict the type or the severity of the symptoms one will experience. But in a supervised facility there will be virtually no risk as staff know how to manage the worst symptoms and may even be able to prevent them.
Moving on to Drug Rehab
The issue of who needs drug rehab often comes up before and after a detox. Some people believe they will not need to continue with a programme of rehabilitation once they have broken the cycle of addiction, but this is never the case.
The aim of detox is to tackle the physical addiction, but it does nothing to address the psychological element of the illness. This must take place with a programme of rehabilitation where the cause of the addictive behaviour can be identified.
During rehab, various treatments will be used to help the addicted person learn how to live a substance-free life going forward. Bespoke treatment plans are typically used, with the reason being that experts have realised the best way to ensure a permanent recovery is with treatment that has been designed around the needs and circumstances of the individual.
Bespoke treatment plans tend to include both traditional and holistic therapies, which help to heal the whole person. Experts know that the mind, body, and spirit must be healed and not just the illness if the individual is to have any chance of long-term sobriety.
If you would like more information on addiction, the recovery process, or who needs drug rehab, please get in touch with us here at Addiction.org.uk today. We can help you to determine if you have a need for treatment and can put you in touch with those who provide such treatments.
Our services are completely free and confidential, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us.
