Save Lives! Call (877) 520-3456

Frequently Asked Questions

Why go to "drug or alcohol rehab"?

Removal of denial is a major hurdle for every person to overcome. In most cases, the drug addict or alcoholic tend to minimize their use and the consequences associated with it. They tend to block out or deny the negative impact drug or alcohol abuse is having on themselves and their family. While in drug or alcohol rehab, thru the use of various clinical techniques, patients are assisted in "breaking" thru their denial and working towards accepting and taking responsibility for their actions.

The initial goal to achieve while in rehab is abstinence. As long as drug or alcohol remain in the blood stream, a person's thought process remains somewhat distorted. This process of gradual clearing may take days or even weeks as a person progresses through their detoxification process or "detox". As a person's system clears, so does their thought process. In cases, where a person's thought process remains "clouded", a psychiatric evaluation may be in order.

One aspect of addiction and alcoholism shared by everyone is the deterioration of personal relationships. People begin to isolate, as loneliness and depression set in. The rehab experience places addicts and alcoholics in an environment focused on the sharing of similar experiences. It is widely accepted that the bond that takes place between recovering people is unmatched. This process helps in creating strong interpersonal relationships. In many cases, these relationships will serve to form the beginning of a person's new support system.

Some people think rehab is a form of brain washing. While it is not, professionals nationwide tend to agree that most of the brains addicts and alcoholics bring into rehab with them, could use a good washing. Many of the belief systems addicts or alcoholics depend upon have created exactly what they have today. Through educational classes, lectures and reviewing recovery literature, you will begin to replace old ideas with new ones, designed towards achieving and maintaining a long term recovery. Don't worry; you will still be able to have fun!!

What if someone has been in drug rehab or alcoholism treatment before?

Addiction and alcoholism are chronic diseases which leave a person prone to relapse. As such, it is not unusual for a person to experience multiple treatment episodes prior to achieving long term recovery. Most individuals that experience long term recovery have relapsed at some point in their addiction recovery process and that relapse ends up being the springboard to abstinence.

When relapse occurs and you are considering reentering treatment there are several questions you might want to ask yourself:

What if the drug addict or alcoholic doesn't feel they have a problem?

Denial is certainly part of the recovery process and is to be expected. Addicts and alcoholics are rarely honest when it comes to describing their drug or alcohol use, especially when speaking with loved ones. Regardless of the person's initial motivation, lack of willingness or lack of honesty, if they will go to treatment, take them. One of the primary responsibilities of the treatment team is to deal with patient resistance. There are not very many people who like change. If your friend or loved one calls you from treatment and wants to leave and is still minimizing their problem, do not take any type of action before speaking with the person's primary therapist at the treatment center. Chances are they might just want to use drugs or alcohol again. For those people in complete denial and unwilling to access treatment, you might need to seek the services of a trained interventionist.

Why can't an alcoholic or drug addict just quit on their own?

Almost everyone who has suffered from drug addiction or alcoholism was under the belief that they would be able to either control or stop using drugs and alcohol on their own. They truly embraced the belief that things would never get out of control. Most attempts to stop or slow down result in a return to their drug of choice. Professionals associated with addiction medicine acknowledge that long term drug and alcohol use result in significant changes in brain chemistry. These changes may persist long after drug or alcohol use is discontinued. These changes in brain function may have behavioral consequences, including the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol despite adverse consequences. This is the defining characteristic of addiction. When you couple the aspect of craving and withdrawal symptoms with this concept, it is easy to understand why so many people find it difficult to recover without treatment.

Addiction and alcoholism are viewed as a disease and are progressive and chronic. If left untreated they can even be fatal. The good news is this disease can be placed into remission with complete abstinence. The bad news is that it will reappear the moment a drink or a drug enters the system. You know a person is an addict or alcoholic when a person experiences cravings, is preoccupied with the next drink or drug and continues use in spite of adverse consequences.

What are some other resources I can check out?