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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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
drugabuse.com
