People abuse several different kinds of drugs. Some include over-the-counter drugs and items such as cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, and aerosol cans containing amyl nitrite and ephedrine. Prescription drugs such as oxycontin, darvocet and vicodin are also common addictive drugs. Street drugs such as crack, marijuana and heroin are also drugs for which many people develop addictive qualities toward. When the drug use begins to interfere with everyday life, rehab is a lifesaving solution.
Inpatient Centers
An inpatient drug rehab center is a more advanced care program to meet the needs of those struggling with addiction. Inpatient centers focus on patients who have a serious problem with addiction, especially prescription drugs and street drugs such as heroin and crack. The inpatient center is staffed with medical professionals in a clinical setting. The clinical setting may include a hospital bed, vital sign monitors and Intravenous medicine. This allows physicians and nurses to closely monitor the patients as they detox. It also allows them to give them the medical care they need as they face troublesome symptoms from drug withdrawal such as fever, nausea, hypertension, tremors, hallucinations and violent outbursts. Once patients have successfully detoxed physically, they can begin to attend a residential or outpatient rehab.
Residential Centers
Residential drug rehab centers are where a patient stays at the facility up to six weeks. The center often has private rooms where the patient can bring along a small amount of approved personal belongings. Generally no cell phones, family visits or outside contact is permitted, except for small designated intervals. The residential center focuses on treating the patient in group settings and individualized meetings. Patients may receive non-habit forming medication as they detox but will be under the medical supervision of a RN and physician. Patients must be completely self-sufficient. This type of center helps rehabilitate patients through behavioral therapy and prepares them to deal with the temptation and stress they may face as they exit the center.
Outpatient Centers
Outpatient rehab centers are not as intense as inpatient and residential centers. They offer the same stabilizing care and support, but patients are allowed to leave the premises at the end of the day. They work with flexible scheduling so that the patient can still go to school or work as needed. Most try to focus on dealing with the thoughts and emotions that come while being off the drug. They assist with dealing with stress and how to cope through temptation and stressful situations so they don't relapse. Outpatient centers are recommended for those who need ongoing support or have relapsed and already been to a residential center.
Sober House
A sober house is an alternative to a residential drug treatment center. The sober house is an actual functioning home where the tenants are in charge of paying the bills and rent at the house. There is generally a group of former addicts who also reside in the home. Support and accountability are provided by the roommates and by clinical staff or therapists who make scheduled visits. In the sober house, the patient is generally allowed to go to work, school and interact with family and friends. The house serves as a comfort zone area for those who still may feel tempted if they return back to their original living setting.
Home Support
Home support is a type of drug rehab in which a therapist or medical professional comes to the patient's home. The professional may plan visits on a weekly basis or as needed by the patient. A behavioral therapist or clinical psychologist qualified in addiction is generally the best choice. He may also come and talk with other household members to give everyone advice and skill lessons on how to make the home a safe environment and hold the addict accountable for her actions.
