Why Drug Addiction Treatment Is More Important Than Ever
The seriousness of addiction and the effectiveness of treatment
There are over 42 million people who suffer from drug addiction and sadly, most of those people are parents or expectant mothers. What addicts do not realize is that their addiction does not just affect them; their actions have the power to affect everyone around them, especially their children. Drug rehab centers in Arizona are working hard to educate everyone on the power of addiction and why drug addiction treatment is more important than ever when children are involved.
The most important thing to remember when learning about drug addiction is that it does not always start with peer pressure or curiosity; in most cases, it begins at home or in the womb. Experts have been saying for years that children are like sponges and soak up every bit of information they can get their little, hands, eyes and ears on. In fact, children who live with an addict are 50-60 percent more likely to begin abusing drugs just like their parents do. Additionally, women who abuse drugs while pregnant increase the risk of their babies being born prematurely or with an addiction of their own; they may also experience serious life-threatening risks or not live to full term.
Studies show that addiction, like certain mental health disorders, can be traced to family history, genetics and immediate environment; however, it is important to know that even though some of us are predisposed to addiction, there are many different ways to treat it. Rehab clinicians at drug addiction treatment centers are highly-educated and qualified to treat addiction no matter how it started or how severe it is.
photo Emuishere Pelicula via Flickr
Drug rehab centers in Arizona offer the most effective treatments in the best environments possible. The facilities are calm, safe and positive and encourage open and honest communication. Patients are closely monitored by medical professionals in order to ensure that progress is being made and to adjust programs accordingly. Each and every patient will get the attention and help they deserve.
Drug and alcohol addiction begins with a thorough assessment of both the physical and mental well-being of the body. Medical professionals check the body for any physical damage, as well as test the body for any toxic substances that may still be in the system. During the mental evaluation, patients will undergo certain testing to determine triggers, behaviors and any underlying mental health disorders they may be unknowingly suffering from. In most cases, addicts do not realize that they have a mental disorder with symptoms that are causing them to self-medicate.
In the drug addiction treatment community, rehab clinicians and medical experts have come to the conclusion that there are two theories about substance addiction and mental health disorders. The first is that mental health disorders cause people to self-medicate. A lot of people would rather skip the therapy sessions and find a way to numb the symptoms and pain rather than treat them. The other theory is that the chemicals in substances cause the brain to develop mental health disorders. Neither theory has been proven but there is definitely a direct correlation between substance addiction and mental health disorders, which is why drug addiction treatment centers offer multiple program options to treat both conditions.
After the assessments, patients will begin with a detoxification (detox) process followed by a series of traditional and experiential therapies. The detox process varies upon the severity of the addiction; it can last anywhere from 5-7 days to a couple of weeks. This process involves the safe removal of all toxic substances from the body; it is nothing like what celebrities do before an awards show. It is not a shot of green juice and healthy diet for a week, the process can be dangerous and should never be attempted without the supervision of a medical professional.
Following the detox process, patients will immerse themselves into a series of therapy sessions that help teach them how to control their addictive behaviors. Every therapy is designed for patients to recognize their maladaptive behaviors and replace them with positive coping mechanisms; they also help patients connect to their inner-psyche and pinpoint certain triggers that may be affecting their overall well-being.
Drug rehab centers in Arizona offer the best programs, as well as guidance and support during the difficult process of recovery. The only way to regain control of behaviors and live a life free from the dependence of stimuli is through the effective programs at drug addiction treatment.
Author: Sarah Grace
