Drug addiction is a severe medical problem that most health practitioners recommend rehab for a long-term successful treatment option. However, numerous addict might find it challenging to cope with rehab facility programs and soon fall back to their addiction. All hope is not lost because new studies in the medical realm indicate that people differ on the best treatment approach since alternative treatments might be sufficient. With constant changing society’s attitude addiction, people have become more compassionate, and these news approaches will aid many addicts to gain their lives back.
What if rehab does not work?
Community addiction approach.
Community management and treatment approaches for addiction available include 12-step approach such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). Some of the benefits addicts can get from adopting the AA plan include receiving mentorship from recovered patients and group participation that imparts positivity in their life. However, the method is not compatible with everyone.
The method is not run by medical practitioners but by recovered patients that become mentors to the others. Unlike, traditional rehab facilities managed by certified therapist and counselors, the 12-step approach are generally self-help programs. If you and addict, complementing the AA program with a visit to a professional medical counselor will yield the best results. Apart from AA, other methods within the 12-step process include:
- Moderation Management.
- SMART Recovery.
- Women for Sobriety.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS).
- Life-Ring Secular Recovery.
Each program or group provides an exclusive experience, which involves support, sense of association, and empowerment. With these range of options, you can research on the internet about each group mission and recovery approaches before attending. There is need to physically find out more about the groups in person by visiting their sessions to see if their program suits your needs. Furthermore, community programs improve the connection between persons suffering from addiction and potentiates recovery. Additionally, the 12-step methods provide you with a range of groups to choose from and settle on once you feel accepted and safe.
Quitting drugs.
Quitting drugs one is addicted to, also referred to as ‘cold turkey’ is a resourceful step, but you have to weary of the withdrawal side effects. Stopping of agents at home has numerous challenges apart from the physical withdrawal signs include mental cravings. Therefore, you should research on the potential withdrawal effects of the drug you take. Each agent has unique withdrawal effects affecting physically and mentally. Some of the common withdrawal manifestations of alcohol and other agents include :
- Insomnia.
- Fatigue.
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea.
- Sweating.
- Diarrhoea.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
Although a large number of addiction cases detoxify on their own, it’s challenging to stop using drugs or alcohol without a doctor’s supervision. The success of a cold turkey depends on the situation, medical history, and the person’s attitude who want to quit drugs. However, statics indicate that the method results in high rates of relapse. Relapse defines a person who stopped using a particular addictive agent and then starts using again. Some drugs such as opioid painkillers and heroin have intense withdrawal manifestations that can be life-threatening. Other agents that have severe withdrawal symptoms include:
- Benzodiazepines.
- Sedative drugs
- alcohol
Rapid detox.
Physicians aiming at reducing the withdrawal manifestations of addictive agents developed rapid detox method. Rapid detox lasts less than two days and removes all opiates and other drugs from your system. You should consult your doctor after the failure of rehab on rapid detox and the risks of the procedure. Furthermore, unsupported claims describe the process as somewhat a ‘miracle cure’ with smooth, swift, and painless.
Moreover, rapid detox lacks addiction counseling and thus, might have high cases of relapses. Rapid detox skips counseling process, which is a critical step in effective long-term treatment in addiction cases. Therefore, addiction counselors and therapist feel it’s valid for a short-term. However, there is little evidence of rapid detox effectiveness, efficacy, and it is not cost-effective.
Exercise.
Research shows new methods of dealing with addiction include exercising. Exercises indicate a reduction in relapse cases and thus, is used as a complementary alternatives of rehab. Apart from training, you can stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle to potentiate recovery and prevent future substance abuse relapse. However, the efficacy of exercising and dieting have no substantial evidence.
Therefore, research is underway to determine the effectiveness of these new methods to extend the addiction treatment option. If you desire to stop taking the substance of abuse and the rehab programs failed, worry no more. We can help contact us for alternative addiction treatment. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833-820-2922.