Drug Rehabs – What’s Right for You or Your Loved One

Struggling with the use of drugs and drug addiction is an overwhelming burden.  No one ever intends on becoming a drug addict, but when drug use gets out of hand, addressing the addiction becomes a life or death necessity.  Many individuals attempt to solve their drug problem on their own.  For some, it works.

  For most, however, drug rehabs may be the answer.

Such rehabilitation programs come in all shapes and sizes and are offered for many kinds of addictions, from the overuse of hard, recreational drugs to dependence on prescription pain relievers.

Drug rehabilitation is a long-term, multi-faceted process and for some, residential drug rehabs are the only answer. Advantages of inpatient drug rehab facilities include 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-per-week support and attention.  That means it’s more difficult to backslide into destructive drug use and often, results can be achieved more quickly.  Such programs can be quite tough, but to the drug user who’s committed to recovery, this could be the best solution.  Lengths of stay vary and individualized programs are offered.

Outpatient programs encompass a number of different options, from 12-step programs to intensive cognitive behavioral therapy.  As with inpatient drug rehabs, the length of time spent on the programs vary, but abusers will be living on their own rather than at a monitored facility. 

These assorted outpatient programs vary in intensity, ranging from low-key drug education classes to very intensive day treatment programs, similar to what one might encounter at a residential treatment facility.  Some drug users may choose a group such as Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous, a self-help organization that’s controlled by its members and encourages participants to offer support and guidance to each other.

The option you choose for yourself or your loved one may depend both on the severity of the addiction and the support available to the addicted at home.  If the user has a strong support group in place, outpatient drug rehabs may be fine.  Those with overwhelming drug addiction problems and little family support may fare better in an inpatient facility where monitoring is strict and support is ongoing.