January 28, 2019

What Do You Do In Rehab?

For much of the past century, addiction and its link to the brain has been shrouded in mystery. Scientists began studying people with addictive behavior in the 1930s, but even then, people with substance or alcohol abuse issues were erroneously thought to simply be morally flawed. The idea at the time was that if an individual possessed more willpower, they would be able to overcome their addiction.

In more recent years, views toward addiction have changed dramatically, and new discoveries about the brain and how it works have allowed us to develop more effective ways of treating substance abuse. These new methods of prevention and treatment can help reduce the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on individuals, families, and communities.

The Impact of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Sadly, deaths from overdoses are on the rise in all 50 states. Drugs have moved ahead of guns and cars to become the number one cause of accidental death. It is estimated that one out of every ten Americans over the age of twelve suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction, and more than two-thirds of American families have been affected by substance abuse.

Effects of Substance Abuse on the Individual

A full-blown addiction to drugs or alcohol hardly ever starts that way. Typically, people begin using these substances recreationally, but over time the drugs and alcohol take a tighter hold. While a person may convince themselves that their habits aren’t destructive or hurting anyone, that is simply not the case. While drinking or taking drugs can make you feel good at the moment, these substances can cause long-term damage that can be difficult to reverse.

The negative effects of drugs and alcohol abuse are extensive and can include:

Changes in brain chemistry – Drugs and alcohol alter chemicals in your brain that change the way you feel. Over time, your brain adapts to these changes and can no longer function normally without the added stimulation.
Health problems – Drugs and alcohol can impact nearly every part of your body. Use of these substances may cause abnormal heart rates and heart attacks, collapsed veins, muscle cramping, kidney and liver damage, and a whole host of other complications.
Legal issues – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to you having your license suspended. Also, using or even possessing illegal substances can result in hefty fines and jail time.
Financial worries – An addiction can quickly become expensive as you buy more drugs and alcohol to keep up with your body’s demands. Substance abuse can also impact productivity at school and work, and a failed drug test can lead to loss of employment. Additionally, if you are caught abusing drugs and alcohol, your insurance rates can go up, and you may face hefty fines and legal fees.
Injuries and death – The use of drugs and alcohol exponentially increase the likelihood of physical injury. Additionally, people under the influence have an increased risk of death by suicide and homicide.

Effects of Substance Abuse on the Family

Alcohol and substance abuse not only affect the individual—their family members are significantly impacted as well. One person’s addiction can lead to financial stress, health issues, and psychological distress for their loved ones, and when it comes to their children, the impact is especially significant.

Effects of Substance Abuse on Children

One in five Americans has lived with an alcoholic relative at some point in their childhood, and the toll that takes on the psyche can be seen well into adulthood. Parental addiction has been shown to cause loneliness, guilt, poor self-image, anxiety, fear of abandonment, chronic depression, and a greater likelihood of children developing an addiction later in life. The use of drugs or alcohol while pregnant can also cause a host of behavioral and developmental issues that will follow a child for the rest of their life.

Hope for Recovery

The good news is that there is hope for recovery and you can have a normal life after rehab. If you are suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is essential for you to know that you can find freedom. The sooner you seek a treatment facility, the better.

Why People Delay Treatment

While there are options for treatment and opportunities to overcome addiction, many people are hesitant to enter rehab or a treatment recovery center.

Some of the reasons people delay or resist treatment include:

They think they have no chance of recovering
They worry they will not be able to afford treatment
They don’t want to leave their families or friends for an extended period of time
They don’t want to miss work
They are afraid of the unknown

While these concerns are understandable, they should never stand in the way of a person getting the help they need to live their best life possible.

Types of Addiction

At Beach House Recovery, we have developed specifically tailored programs to help you overcome whatever kind of addiction you may be facing.

The treatment options for addiction we offer include:

Entering a recovery program and undergoing a medically supervised detox and subsequent treatment program is the best shot you have at recovery.

Why a Medically Supervised Detox is Important

Many people dealing with alcohol or substance abuse believe that they have the willpower and fortitude to detox at home and avoid entering a treatment facility, but the truth is that trying to go “cold turkey” and detox on your own can have some dangerous—and even fatal—consequences. Withdrawals can induce seizures and hallucinations, which can be both frightening and life-threatening. Also, the discomfort of going through withdrawal can be so intense that it leads to relapse. The best insurance for recovery is going through a medically supervised detox.

What to Expect in a Medically Supervised Detox

The length and stages of a detox depend on several factors, including the substance of abuse, the severity of the addiction, and other factors unique to the individual. Typically, a detox will take up to seven days and a person will experience a range of symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal can include:

Nausea or vomiting
Tremors
Anxiety
Insomnia
Sweats
Headaches and body aches
Hallucinations
Intense cravings
Seizures

At Beach House Recovery, our medical team monitors clients’ vital signs during the detox process and administers supplements and medications to help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. Once detox is complete (and sometimes in concurrence with detox), clients can begin their inpatient treatment plan.

Treatment Beyond Detox

While many withdrawal symptoms will lessen and even disappear by the end of detox, other symptoms may continue, or even develop, in the weeks and months following. These symptoms are part of a phenomenon known as “post-acute withdrawal syndrome,” or PAWS.

Symptoms of PAWS include:

Sleep problems
Irritability and hostility
Cognitive difficulties
Depressed feelings
Drug or alcohol cravings
Anxious or panicked feelings
Low motivation or apathy
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Heightened sensitivity to stress

These and other symptoms are why it is so important to seek out a medically supervised detox and treatment program. For most cases, detox is not sufficient on its own to ensure lasting sobriety. More time is needed in a supervised inpatient treatment program so PAWS symptoms can be evaluated and managed by medical professionals.

What Do You Do in Rehab

At Beach House, clients convalesce in our comfortable “home away from home” where they receive round-the-clock monitoring and care from an experienced and nurturing team of medical professionals. Upon entering the program, clients undergo a thorough medical and clinical assessment of their needs and receive a customized treatment plan to give them the best chance for a full recovery.

The Benefits of Inpatient Rehab vs. Outpatient Rehab

While some clients may choose to go home after detox and continue their treatment in an outpatient rehab capacity, the benefits of staying in an inpatient treatment program cannot be overstated when it comes to the chances of success in overcoming an addiction.

The benefits of inpatient rehab include:

A better detox completion rate
A seamless transition from detox to inpatient treatment
Round-the-clock medical supervision
Greater intensity of care, meaning a higher chance of success
A community of peers to support you and cheer you on
The absence of former triggers that lead to substance abuse
A higher rate of treatment completion, which is linked to better long-term recovery outcomes

What to Expect in an Inpatient Rehab Program

At Beach House, we want to set you up for the best possible chance of recovery. That’s why our programs are customized around you. That being said, all of the treatment programs will share the same fundamental aspects.

You can expect to receive the following in all of our treatment programs:

Medically supervised treatment for a minimum of 35 days
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for cravings, when appropriate
A 7:1 client-therapist ratio, which is well below the industry standard of 11:1
Accommodations at our beautiful, brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Juno Beach, Florida
Excellent care from experienced and warm medical and clinical professionals
Proven methods of clinical intervention
12-step recovery groups
Optional family therapy

Clients also participate in daily group and individual therapy sessions with credentialed professionals. These varied forms of therapy have been shown to help those suffering from substance abuse find the freedom from drugs and alcohol they desire.

These therapy programs include:

Motivational Interviewing – This client-centered form of counseling helps facilitate a desire for change in the client. Therapists guide clients toward freedom from addiction by encouraging greater self-awareness and a self-directed desire and willingness to grow.
Trauma-Informed Therapy – This therapy program helps clients heal from past trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may be at the root of their substance abuse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Clients may be given some medications to help their chemical dependencies or co-occurring diagnoses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Therapists work with clients to replace the cognitive and behavioral patterns that feed their addictions with healthier coping mechanisms.
Mindfulness Meditation – Clients learn techniques to become more attentive to their inner and outer worlds in a greater, nonjudgmental capacity. This helps them become more resilient to relapse after they have left the program.
Yoga – Yoga has been shown to increase body awareness and overall wellbeing and helps clients learn how to overcome stress, which can be a trigger for relapse once they leave the program.
12-Step Peer Support and Life Skills Groups – These groups are an essential part of daily life in the inpatient treatment program. In the safety of these groups, clients learn vital skills that will serve them once they leave the program, such as dealing with anger problems, cravings, trauma-based issues, and grief.
Family Therapy – Therapists work with the client and their family to bring healing and understanding within the client’s closest support system. This helps create a safe place for the client to return to after therapy and is a vital component in preventing relapse.

How Much Time Can You Expect to Spend in Rehab

The amount of time a client spends in an inpatient treatment program can depend on a number of factors, including the severity of their addiction, their level of insurance coverage, job and family considerations, and their prescribed course of treatment. At Beach House, we recommend no fewer than 35 days in an inpatient rehab program.

Studies show the rate of recovery success increases significantly the longer a person stays in a drug or alcohol treatment program in a sober, drug-free environment. Clients experience their strongest cravings during the first 28 days of recovery when they are experiencing acute withdrawals and post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Participating in a treatment program and receiving dedicated medical and clinical care during this time sets clients up for success later on.

Conclusion

Freedom from alcohol and substance abuse can be achieved, but it is important to act as quickly as possible. While the prospect of entering rehab can seem daunting, it is an essential step on the road to recovery.

At Beach House Recovery, our Florida rehab treatment programs are individually designed using proven methods and “best practices” to provide the greatest chance of success for our clients. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to fight your addiction. If you want freedom from addiction, we strongly encourage you to seek treatment now and let us help set you down the road to success.

Sources:

beachhouserehabcenter.com

drugabuse.com

drugabuse.gov