Drug and alcohol treatment centers also are referred to as rehab centers, therapeutic communities and sober living homes, report counselors at the nonprofit Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services, a treatment consulting firm. The programs are designed to provide a safe environment for alcoholics and drug addicts to withdraw from the substance and begin the process of recovery.
History
Counselors at the referral site Treatment Centers report that alcohol and drug treatment was available in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the form of asylums. Alcoholics and addicts were treated at the same sites as mentally deficient individuals with conditions such as schizophrenia or other mental defects. As the disease concept of addiction and alcoholism gained acceptance, coupled with the advent of Alcoholics Anonymous in the early 1950s, the beginnings of the modern-day treatment facilities were formed.
Benefits
Drug and alcohol treatment centers provide a safe, secure environment where patients can immerse themselves in their recovery, free of day-to-day obligations and temptations. In treatment, addiction specialists trained in fighting the disease surround addicts and alcoholics.
Types
There are many types of drug and alcohol treatment modalities available. Inpatient and outpatient programs alike may use techniques based on 12-step recovery programs, holistic therapies, Scientology, cognitive behavior therapy or medication in their treatment. Length of stay can vary from three days to three years.
Identification
Treatment programs can be specialized to allow the clients to identify with their peers while in treatment and to allow the staff to customize programs to specific populations. There are special drug and alcohol programs for teens and women, veterans and religious groups. Some programs deal specifically with people who have a dual diagnosis of another mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder. Other programs work with single mothers or people who have been incarcerated.
Features
Initially, patients go into a treatment center and are kept under observation during the withdrawal period. Many treatment centers utilize medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms, while others rely solely on drug-free withdrawals. Most programs employ doctors and nurses to oversee the new patients. Counseling is offered in groups and one-on-one to help patients uncover the reasons why they used and how they might move on living sober. Educational programs teach addicts the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and introduce clients to services and programs they can tap into once they are released.
