The first step for all patients is detoxification. The patient may be in a hospital setting for the duration of the withdrawal symptoms. The next step is rehab. The objective of rehab is to eliminate the drugs or alcohol from the patient's body and help them make behavioral changes to achieve long-term control over the addiction and abstinence from the addictive substance(s). Going through rehab and getting sober reduces the risk of many unpleasant results of addiction, including:
Due to the progressive nature of drug and alcohol addiction, detox and rehab should take place as soon as possible. Rehabilitation is never an easy process. Patients must come face to face with a part of their life they are probably not proud of. They must learn new methods of dealing with stress to replace the old methods that included drugs or alcohol. They must cope with cravings and deal with many different aspects of their life in new, healthier ways. Many patients participate in support groups or 12-step programs for an indefinite amount of time to help prevent relapse. Some learn new skills so they will be able to get (and keep) a job and return to the community. Rehab is difficult, but it is worth it to achieve a life free of drug and alcohol dependence. |
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