Drug addiction and abuse affects millions of American families every year, yet most families coping with addiction have a difficult time. Even though addiction is widespread in America, most do not know where to look or who to ask for help. It is not as easy as opening the yellow pages or doing a simple google search. Addiction is an incredibly complex issue that requires a unique and detailed plan to overcome. Drugs change the way the brain functions and subsequently how addicts behave. Finding the right drug rehab is difficult, but it is easy when you know where to look. Getting referrals is a great way to start. The nature of drug addiction makes it difficult for some to seek help or even acknowledge the problem. Drug addiction carries a specific stigma that prevents addicts and their families from reaching out for help. The best way to get the best help is by talking with others who have gone through a similar situation.
Drug Addiction and Getting Help
Drug addiction is an incredibly complex issue that affects every aspect of an addict’s life. There is no single treatment for an addiction, each program is designed specifically for an individual. If you know someone who has gone through an addiction and treatment they could be someone with good advice. What you must remember is that each addict and their addiction is different from everyone else’s. Drugs and alcohol affect each individual differently. For example, they may refer you to a treatment that worked for them, but it could not work for you or they could keep you away from a place they did not like, but it could be the place for you. It is essential to your rehabilitation that you enter a treatment center that is right for you. It must be one that treats and addresses your needs in a manner that is suitable to your personality/lifestyle. So, who can you trust? When gaining information on different treatment options it is important to keep an open mind. Ultimately it is up to the addict to choose the rehab that is right for them. When speaking with friends or family it is important to understand that you are listening to biased reviews from others. The best possible strategy is to gain information from as many sources as possible, but also speak with professionals who can give you information that is unbiased, statistically and scientifically backed. Treatment center professionals understand addiction and treatment. They can provide the most accurate information and recommend a treatment option right for you.
Choosing a Treatment Center
After you have gained some information from those who have experienced rehabs first hand it is important to get your own firsthand experience. By listening to others you gain some insight, but not nearly enough nor credible enough to commit anywhere. The worst mistake, when choosing a rehab, is to commit to one without visiting or speaking with someone from that center. It is essential to speak with someone from the center or even visit it firsthand. You should speak to the staff or tour coordinator about the options available at the center. Questions to ask include:
-do you use evidence based treatment programs?
-is the staff certified and how much experience do they have?
-is there a medical professional on staff at all times?
-what activities do you offer?
-do you offer detox treatment onsite?
-what is the policy on family visitation?
There are many factors that must be addressed before committing to a drug rehab. Do your homework before committing. You should accept referrals from anyone willing to offer insight, but you must speak with a treatment center before entering a specific one.