Drug addiction is never an easy topic to discuss. However, conversations are necessary since increased social and economic stresses have led to rising drug addiction rates all over North America. For example, the US Surgeon General reveals that over 21 million Americans abuse substances. Only ten percent of these receive treatment.
Increasing individuals and families are being forced to search for drug addiction treatment. Although the available information may appear overwhelming, choosing the right drug rehab program for one’s individual needs is now easier than ever.
Various drug addiction rehab programs are available in most major North American cities.
Types of Drug Addictions
There are various drug addictions currently affecting North Americans. These include:
- Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax, or Librium
- Cocaine and crack cocaine
- Crystal methamphetamine and Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)
- PCP (phencyclidine)
- Marijuana
- Opioids
- Over the Counter and Prescription Medication
- Steroids
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Some general symptoms of drug addiction include disrupted sleeping patterns, changes in friends and relationships, changes in appearance and hygiene, negative performance at school or work, anger, irritability, and depression.
Drug addiction symptoms can also be broken down into physiological, social, and physical symptoms. For example, some psychological symptoms include the inability to stop using, risk taking, obsession, and the continued use and abuse of substances despite health problems.
Social symptoms include stopping activities and hobbies, secrecy and increased solitude, denial, financial problems, legal troubles, and excessive consumption of substances.
Physical symptoms include appetite changes, changes in appearance, and sleepiness. In addition, many individuals can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation, cravings, seizures, trembling, sweats, chills, and even violent behaviour.
Types of Drug Rehab Programs
Various types of drug rehab programs are available. Some examples include inpatient or outpatient programs, detox, and medically-assisted programs.
- Detox– Often, the first step before any sort of drug rehab program is detox. Detox programs are often about 30 days.
- Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs – Inpatient drug rehab programs offer clients a safe and stress-free environment with room and board. These structured programs also offer patients seminars, workshops, therapy, and activities. Inpatient programs range from 30, 60, to 90 days. Certain programs run for longer periods of time as well.
- Outpatient Drug Rehab Programs – Outpatient drug rehab programs offer a great deal of support, but are less intensive than inpatient programs. While some require daily attendance, some only require individuals to check in for a few hours each week. These types of programs are often much less expensive than inpatient programs, as they do not require overnight accommodations and meals.
Outpatient programs are best suited for individuals who cannot afford to take time off work, or have family obligations.
- Cost-Free Outpatient Drug Rehab Programs – In addition, various outpatient programs also include 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which focus on healing drug addiction through a variety of steps. NA is an international, not-profit, community-based organization that helps addicts recover from their addictions.
- Medically Assisted Opioid Drug Rehab Programs – Various outpatient programs offer individuals addicted to opioids various types of medically assisted programs, including methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine.
Benefits of Drug Treatment
Some benefits of drug rehab include reducing or eliminating drug use, increasing employment opportunities, and improving mental and social performance. Individuals will receive practical life training that will help them live in healthy and productive ways. During drug rehab, there will be a focus on the root causes of addiction, with emotional and psychological healing.
For individuals that enter inpatient programs, there is also the added benefit of personalized treatment plans. In addition, individuals will receive round the clock care and support to help them live drug free. This is especially important for individuals who are heavily addicted to substances. Simply quitting is not safe, and medically supervised detox and rehab is required.
Many drug rehab programs also offer aftercare services, include online and in-person support groups, alumni events, and guidance.
Drug Rehab Costs
Drug rehab costs depend on a variety of criteria, including type of treatment, length of stay, included amenities, and geographical area.
Inpatient programs are often more costly than outpatient or 12-step programs. In addition, costs between inpatient programs vary, depending on amenities offered and location. For example, some programs offer private chefs and customized meal plans, as well as yoga, meditation, and horseback riding.
Costs often range from $2,000 to $20,000 USD. According to the US Department of Defense, opioid-related drug rehab with methadone will cost approximately $6,552 USD per year, $5,980 USD per year with buprenorphine-assisted treatment, and $14,112 USD per year with naltrexone.
In addition, detox programs often range from $250 to $800 USD.
Choosing the Right Drug Rehab
Choosing a drug rehab can be an overwhelming ordeal. However, a few simple steps can greatly simplify the process.
For instance, after deciding between inpatient or outpatient programs, it is imperative to find a drug rehab within one’s budget.
Asking friend, coworkers, and family for recommendations is an option. However, for individuals uncomfortable with this, a simple Google search can reveal a wide range of choices. It is important to read client testimonials and ask for referrals. In addition, be sure to read reviews.
Next, it may be possible to visit the drug rehab beforehand to see if it is the right fit. Determine if the program meets one specific needs. For example, certain drug rehabs may focus on opioids, prescription medication, or alcohol.
Determine what length of time is appropriate. In addition, ensure that the treatment program can tailor a treatment plan specifically for one’s individual needs.
Finally, choosing the right drug rehab depends on the severity of addiction. For individuals suffering from acute addiction, inpatient programs are recommended, while those with milder forms of addiction, or controlled addiction, may benefit from a structured outpatient program.
Drug rehab programs are available for all types of substance addictions. Do not hesitate to contact one today if you or a loved one needs help.
