For many people, drug addiction is a serious problem. Statistics compiled by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that an almost staggering 20 million Americans dealt with some type of substance addiction during 2017.
In severe cases, said addiction progress to dangerous extremes in which the health and life of the individuals in question can be threatened. Under such circumstances, inpatient addiction treatment might be necessary.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment Overview
Individuals who enter inpatient treatment programs are subject to an intensive, aggressive treatment designed to help the individual beat their addiction. Typically, said programs last at least 30 days but can and often do last for longer durations. During the program, the patient resides in a tightly controlled environment geared towards keeping the recovering addict away from the problems and distractions that precipitated their addictions, to begin with.
Subjects Addicts Will Learn During Inpatient Treatment
Overcoming substance addiction involves a significant degree more than merely eliminating the body\’s physical and biological reliance on the offending drug. True recovery also encompasses mental and social educations. During inpatient treatment, a recovering addict will receive instruction on numerous topics including:
Addiction Is A Disease
Many people find this statement difficult to accept. However, such assertions have been confirmed by scientific researchers. Said medical professionals assert that addiction is a disease like any other known health malady. Overseers and counselors at addiction centers will stress that addicts are sick and not weak, easily influenced or any other stereotype that uninformed persons have labeled addiction in the past. That said, like any disease, the purpose of treatment is to help the addict overcome said malady to once again lead a happy, healthy and productive existence.
Accountability
Another issue many addiction treatment centers will place significant emphasis on is accountability. Granted, addiction is a disease that impacts an individual\’s brain and often causes a person to become dependent upon a particular drug. That said, such circumstances do not entirely excuse their actions. Drug counselors stress that addicts must be accountable. Accountability requires accepting that a problem exists and demonstrating the willingness to do whatever is necessary to overcome said affliction.
The Willingness To Request And Accept Help
Many people might realize they have a serious addiction. A solid percentage of such persons may also understand they need help but are to prideful or feel ashamed to request help. Many inpatient treatment facilities will additionally stress that the recognition that help is needed is the first step towards beating an addiction.
The Importance Of A Support System
Addiction often occurs in individuals who feel isolated. As their dependence progresses, this isolation could worsen. Loneliness can often precipitate relapse once the individual leaves treatment. Therefore, strong emphasis is placed on forging a strong system of supportive persons that can include:
Family Friends Fellow recovering addicts Co-workers Clergypersons This list is not comprehensive. The important issue is that the recovering addict establishes a network of trustworthy people said individual can turn to when facing challenges or circumstances that might rekindle the desire to engage in potentially destructive behavior.
Communication Is Crucial
The ability to express one\’s feelings and emotions are often critical to squelching addiction. Counselors at inpatient treatment centers will often initiate opportunities for recovering addicts to voice their inner feelings and emotions. Engaging in such activities can help said, individuals:
Identify inner pain and struggles Pinpoint issues that precipitated their addiction Improve verbal skills Build confidence Help forge existing or new social relations The specific settings within which such sessions occur may vary from facility to facility. At certain institutions, said events might take place in private counseling meetings. Other places might make such events more of a group catharsis.
Leading A Structured Life
Leading a structured life is vital to overcoming addiction. Drug use and subsequent dependence often occur as a result of idle time. Addiction counselors often stress the importance of avoiding idle time by keeping one\’s mind and body occupied and engaged at all times.
Living A Healthy Lifestyle
While eliminating potentially harmful substances from one\’s body is a significant step towards ultimate good health, establishing and practicing good habits often prove beneficial to a recovering addict\’s mind, body and spirit. Such practices might include: Consuming a healthy diet Obtaining exercise Receiving adequate sleep Partaking in enjoyable but productive hobbies These are merely a few suggested lifestyle improvements recovering addicts can make. It is important to identify positive lifestyle traits that will keep said individuals on a straight path.
Contacting Us
If you or someone you love is an addict and could benefit from inpatient treatment, please contact us today at 800-411-8019.