Drug rehabilitation is the most comprehensive method of treating addiction to drugs. Drug rehab usually employs more than one mode of treatment in empowering the drug-addicted individual to overcome his addiction.
In the United States, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA---see Reference 2) is the organized federal department responsible for the collection of data, creating and overseeing scientific studies, and the development of programs and protocols related to drug abuse.
Definition
Drug rehabilitation is a set of treatment modalities that supports the addicted individual in overcoming drug addiction. It also is key in identifying and aiding the individual with any underlying problems, including mental health issues, that lead to addictive behaviors and lifestyles.
Rehab Statistics
There were 23.2 million people age 12 and older who needed treatment for illicit drug or alcohol use in 2007 (the most recent statistics available), according to NIDA. Of those individuals, 2.4 million received treatment in a hospital, drug rehab center, or mental health center, leaving 20.8 million addicted individuals without treatment in the U.S.
Considerations
The basic tenet of any successful drug rehab program is that the addicted person must realize and take responsibility for his actions. Central to an addict's thinking is the minimization of his own behavior and the tendency to project his problems on external factors.
Drug rehab aids the addict with assuming responsibility for his actions, and thereby begins the process of revealing the addict's potential within himself to effect his own thoughts, behaviors and actions.
Medication
Medically-assisted detoxification, according to NIDA, is not a treatment of addiction, but the first step in the addiction treatment process.
Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are used in the treatment of opiate addictions such as heroin and oxycodone. Methadone and buprenorphine work to reduce withdrawal symptoms and suppress the addict's cravings. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opiate drugs and can only be used on someone who has been detoxified.
Behavioral Treatment
Medication treatment is only one facet of drug rehabilitation. Behavioral therapies assist the individual in changing her attitude/behavior related to drug use so she can fully participate in the rehab process, and develop healthy daily life skills.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment programs can be effective as drug rehab, especially for individuals with severe problems or who have relapsed after undergoing other rehab programs. Residential treatment requires the individual to remain at the facility, usually for a 6- to 12-month period. The environment at a residential treatment program is highly structured and designed to aid the addict in his recovery to be able to successfully re-socialize in his community.
