The ultimate goal of the best alcohol drug treatment centers is to help people of all backgrounds and all life experiences establish a life they are satisfied with without addictive drugs or alcohol. The very best programs are made up of the three traditional phases of alcohol addiction treatment, which are detoxification, rehabilitation and continuing, long term care. In order to give a patient the best chance of success with their recovery, treatment plans must always be personalized to be as unique as the patient himself is. No two individuals are going to respond to a treatment plan the same way, so it is vital that every person is given the tools to recovery that are most effective for him or her.

When a person goes through outpatient detoxification from alcohol and/or drugs, it should be accomplished safely and comfortably with the help of medical personnel. Although not every outpatient program will allow it, the best alcohol drug treatment centers will allow patients to remain at the facility and be monitored for several hours a day. They will also be able to quickly arrange hospitalization if it becomes necessary.
There are many different parts of the rehabilitation phase, but the best programs will have patients attending five times a week. Patients should be taking part in group therapy and education during rehabilitation. The frequency of these sessions is gradually reduced as they make progress over a period of several weeks. By the time the rehabilitation phase is complete, they will have attended 20 to 30 sessions.

The last phase of the traditional treatment programs, the continuing care phase, consists of a group therapy session once weekly. Specialized groups in these sessions are able to focus on particular issues. Structured intensive outpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs at the best alcohol treatment centers in Maryland are just as effective as hospital rehabilitation is, and they are also more effective than non intensive outpatient programs. Families are included in treatment, and there are some group sessions every week for relatives and even close friends to attend along with the patient. Everyone learns about dependence, and they have an opportunity to discuss experiences about the illness as well as the process of recovery.

Every patient comes with a different story, a different history and different personal goals. The best centers are those that are able to customize and personalize treatment according to each individual patient. There are many factors that work together to determine the rate of success that patients achieve. Each completes different levels of recovery at different stages and at different paces; allowing this variety in pace and rate of recovery is what makes outpatient drug and alcohol treatment such a success.

Question by Danyel: What type of education would I need to become an RN at a substance abuse detox facility?
I am currently going to school for pre-health with a nursing concentration, until I have the requirements to apply for nursing. I would like to be able to work as an RN in a substance abuse facility. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advise as to how to go about doing this? I do not know if I will need to specialize in a certain area in order to do so or not? If anyone could help me out in regards to what to do education wise I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by MeMeMe
Hi,

First off, good for you for wanting to work in addiction treatment! I’m an addictions counselor and have been working in mental health (mostly suicide prevention) for 7 years and we certainly need more qualified RNs in the field. So I think you will have an easy time finding work once you’re finished with school.

As for your question… To become an RN, you need to go to nursing school. Although I’m sure you already know this. As for specializing in addiction treatment, I don’t believe there are any additional requirements, but it would be good if you have experience working with addicts or at least a greater knowledge of treating clients with addiction. So I would suggest trying to get an internship of some sort with a treatment center in your area. They may not let you do much while you’re in school, but you will be able to put it on your resume. You can learn a lot from observing how things work in treatment. The other suggestion I have would be to take some extra classes that focus on substance abuse. Drug addicts and alcoholics face a variety of special issues separate from the “normal” population you would be working with in a hospital. Most community colleges and some universities now offer programs where you can learn more about these issues. I don’t know where you live, but you may want to start looking for college programs titled “Addictions Counseling” or “Addictions Studies.” Classes you may want to take would be any type of pharmacology, a bloodborne pathogens/infectious disease class, and even alternative treatments to addiction classes. It could also help to take a few classes for addictions counselors like group therapy, individual therapy, or something similar. These will definitely help you in the future in terms of communicating with your clients.

The most important thing I would think an RN working in addiction should have to be educated about is prescription drugs of abuse. Normally when I do an intake on a client coming into treatment, they have been medically prescribed multiple addictive drugs that only contribute to and exacerbate their disease (addiction). Usually these include opiate painkillers, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives and tranquilizers. I had a client once who was on NINE different benzos which she had been on for years, all prescribed by doctors for things like insomnia, anxiety, and even hypothyroidism. This is so egregious and disgusting to me! They were killing her. She obviously had to be medically detoxed for risk of seizures and death from her meds. And needless to say, after being evaluated by our MD, she didn’t NEED any of the pills.

Anyway, I’m rambling. Just excited to see someone wanting to help in the field of addiction treatment. It is rare these days, it seems. But what a satisfying and rewarding job. Good luck to you!!!

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by E: Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
seriously. I’ve been abusing alcohol heavily to self medicate my chronic anxiety on and off for the past ten years or so.. I’ve been to detox a few times, rehab, and hospitals. Of course I’ve dealt with legal trouble as well, because drinking gets me into a lot of trouble as well. I’ve tried counseling, medication, group therapy, holistic treatment, diet change, church, and more than often: trying to force myself to “stop being weak.” Nothing works. According to the state I’m bipolar which qualifies me for disability (I receive SSI and SSDI) here are some of the medications I’ve tried: adderall celexa lexapro effexor wellbutrin buspar lamictal seroquel abilify dalmane ambien trazodone diazepam straterra buspar vistaril. All of those drugs had severe side effects I could not deal with. The cons outweighed the pros. The adderall turned into severe abuse and I became psychotic for months… It took about 6 months after an overdose to calm down. I’ve never experienced mania in my life without drugs so I know for a fact I’m not bipolar. I’m often depressed but mostly anxious. I have VERY lightly abused a few prescription painkillers but honestly not enough to ever call it a serious problem…might have been heading that way for a bit but I sobered up for 18 months, where I put all my strength and energy into “recovery.” I committed myself to AA (the worst program alive) and went to therapy every week. I spoke with my case manager and continued searching for spirituality. I got a job, moderate exercise, and ate will. I was still dying inside. I went to a hospital that put me on heavy mood stabilizers that triggered compulsive over eating which is horrible since I have underlying health issues so I had to quit. The other unbearable side effects I’ve experienced from medication is insomnia, tardive dyskinesia, heart palpitations, swollen throat, cystic acne, and worsened suicidal thoughts. Not worth it, at all. My anxiety is chronic and involves obsessions, social distress, and panic attacks…I used to have them really bad when I was younger and they are coming back. I contacted a load of psychiatrists and none are accepting new clients. The agency I’m assigned to does not prescribe addictive medication especially to people with substance abuse issues. my neighbors use xanax and I have connections if needed be. I’d rather try a lighter one though such klonopin. I’ve heard that it is the less addicting? I’m not drug seeking…just want to treat my symptoms. i’ve used ativan and valium before and they were life savers but I never went after them hard because I was so scared of withdrawal or adding more problems. Thing is, I think about killing myself every single day…maybe I’m a person that just needs a real anxiety medicine, for life?? Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. I feel doomed at the moment. thankyou

oh wait dalmane worked beautifully but it was only a temporary prescription and i was too scared to ask the doctor for a refill because i’m insanely terrified of that kind of pill addiction
to yummy- I’m pretty sure I listed a bunch of medicine I’ve tried before. they dont work. anywys bye
micki 48. shut . the. f*ck. up. I’m well aware nearly every option has been eliminated…….. it’s not my own head that did it……..lol. idiot. I’ve been doing this on and off for 10 years…my body is hyper sensitive to all medication. I’m not making it up when my heart goes into tachycardia…. lol. when my stomach swells up to the size of a 6 or 7 months pregnant lady because I eat something my stomach doesnt agree with, that’s not all in my head. When i take a medicine one night and wake up with blisters all over my face the next, it’s not in my head. people like you are so ignorant. yes I’ve been to therapist after therapist, and so far, I’ve only ran into two who were worth my time. Intelligent enough with useful strategies. Unfortunately both of them left their practices without much notice. One was sick, and the other gave no explanation. One was a psychologist by the way, mind you assume that I’ve only been to therapists. Anyways I want y
you to know that you are stupid. The reason I say this is partially because I’m bitter and miserable, but mostly because it’s true.

Best answer:

Answer by As it should be
the internet says Dalmane is a Benzo.
I think your first reaction toward their addictive nature is your wisest.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Addiction is an incurable disease that can be treated and managed successfully. With the help of qualified addiction recovery therapists and effective addiction counselling, addicts can live positive and enriched lives, devoid of substance abuse and relapse.

Addiction is a manifestation of severe underlying emotional issues and therapy sessions directed by professional addiction recovery therapists provide a safe environment to confront these issues and work through them.

Importance of therapy

Addiction recovery therapy is a critical element of treatment because addictive behaviours are symptoms of underlying problems. Simply ceasing addictive behaviour, while an important part of recovery, does not address the root causes of that behaviour.

While the fundamental nature of addiction treatment will remain the same, different individuals may require regimens that emphasise different approaches. Intensive one-to-one counselling and support group therapy assists addicts in the emotional phases of addiction recovery therapy.

An experienced addiction recovery therapist can assess individuals and determine a recommendation of individual or group therapy sessions, or a combination of both.

Individual therapy

Addicts need to learn how to cope with their feelings of fear and anger, as well as other feelings and emotions that they might have difficulty processing in order to express them healthily.

Focused individual therapy provides a safe and confidential setting, where addicts can divulge their problems and deal with their troubled pasts and core issues. This holistic approach to reaching the root of the addiction is instrumental in helping addicts understand their dependencies and avoid relapses.

Group therapy

Support group therapy provides an interactive platform for sharing experiences, and members can relate to the challenges and worries of fellow addicts. Support and hope emerges from friendships created at these meetings and addicts feel less alone and isolated in their struggle for recovery.

This environment of mutual support is in itself a source of encouragement and helps addicts in better managing their emotions and improving self-awareness. Receiving support from peers as well as giving that support back are some of the ways that group therapy empowers addicts to overcome addiction and step back into society.

Family therapy

Family counselling is an important aspect of effective addiction recovery therapy. Family members are able to provide more information about an addict’s dependency and lifestyle, allowing trained addiction recovery therapists to apply this insight to the addiction recovery process.

This also allows family members of the addict a chance to heal as they undergo counselling that mends relationships and re-instils the trust within families. With the help of qualified addiction counsellors, family members can be equipped with valuable knowledge to aid them in continuing to help their addicted relatives when they leave the rehabilitation centre.

While working through the difficult issues at the heart of addiction, addicts should be reassured that they are not alone, and that they have the support of their family, counsellors and peers.

By combining professional addiction counselling and treatment, in an environment of love, trust and understanding, addicts are able to learn the tools they need in the pursuit of abstinence and recovery.

Addiction is an incurable disease that can be treated and managed successfully. With the help of qualified addiction recovery therapists and effective addiction counselling, addicts can live positive and enriched lives, devoid of substance abuse and relapse.

Addiction is a manifestation of severe underlying emotional issues and therapy sessions directed by professional addiction recovery therapists provide a safe environment to confront these issues and work through them.

Importance of therapy

Addiction recovery therapy is a critical element of treatment because addictive behaviours are symptoms of underlying problems. Simply ceasing addictive behaviour, while an important part of recovery, does not address the root causes of that behaviour.

While the fundamental nature of addiction treatment will remain the same, different individuals may require regimens that emphasise different approaches. Intensive one-to-one counselling and support group therapy assists addicts in the emotional phases of addiction recovery therapy.

An experienced addiction recovery therapist can assess individuals and determine a recommendation of individual or group therapy sessions, or a combination of both.

Individual therapy

Addicts need to learn how to cope with their feelings of fear and anger, as well as other feelings and emotions that they might have difficulty processing in order to express them healthily.

Focused individual therapy provides a safe and confidential setting, where addicts can divulge their problems and deal with their troubled pasts and core issues. This holistic approach to reaching the root of the addiction is instrumental in helping addicts understand their dependencies and avoid relapses.

Group therapy

Support group therapy provides an interactive platform for sharing experiences, and members can relate to the challenges and worries of fellow addicts. Support and hope emerges from friendships created at these meetings and addicts feel less alone and isolated in their struggle for recovery.

This environment of mutual support is in itself a source of encouragement and helps addicts in better managing their emotions and improving self-awareness. Receiving support from peers as well as giving that support back are some of the ways that group therapy empowers addicts to overcome addiction and step back into society.

Family therapy

Family counselling is an important aspect of effective addiction recovery therapy. Family members are able to provide more information about an addict’s dependency and lifestyle, allowing trained addiction recovery therapists to apply this insight to the addiction recovery process.

This also allows family members of the addict a chance to heal as they undergo counselling that mends relationships and re-instils the trust within families. With the help of qualified addiction counsellors, family members can be equipped with valuable knowledge to aid them in continuing to help their addicted relatives when they leave the rehabilitation centre.

While working through the difficult issues at the heart of addiction, addicts should be reassured that they are not alone, and that they have the support of their family, counsellors and peers.

By combining professional addiction counselling and treatment, in an environment of love, trust and understanding, addicts are able to learn the tools they need in the pursuit of abstinence and recovery.

There are many great Florida drug rehabs that provide effect treatments and therapies for addicts. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, patients can learn to control their condition and live normal, productive lives. Like people with diabetes or heart disease, people in treatment for drug addiction learn behavioral changes and often take medications as part of their treatment regimen.

Apart from drug detox Florida, there are behavioral therapies that include counseling, psychotherapy, support groups, family therapy, etc. Treatment medications offer help in suppressing the withdrawal symptoms and drug craving. They also help in blocking the effects of drugs. Generally, the more treatment is given, the better the results are. Many patients require other services as well, such as medical and mental health services and HIV prevention services. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that treatment works to reduce drug intake and crimes committed by drug-dependent people. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through treatment are more likely to have jobs.

The ultimate goal of drug abuse treatments is to enable the patient to achieve lasting abstinence. The immediate goals are to reduce drug use, improve the patient’s ability to function and lessen the medical and social complications of drug abuse. There are several types of treatment programs for drug abuse. Short-term methods last less than 6 months and include residential therapy, medication therapy, and drug-free outpatient therapy. Longer term treatment may include, for example, methadone maintenance outpatient treatment for opiate addicts and residential therapeutic community treatment.

Florida drug rehab offer treatment programs and counseling to fit the needs of the patients. Group therapy and one-on-one counseling sessions are crucial in paving the way to recovery. Therapists and counselors get to the root of the problem and help patients learn to let go of the issues that they have that make them dependent on drugs and other substances. Family therapy is also considered helpful when it comes to drug rehabilitation. Not only does it make the patient’s relatives understand the problem, but also provides them information on how to support the patient once they are out of the rehab center.

One of the most important parts of treatment is the aftercare. Once patients leave the center, they need a lot of support and care. Apart from this, supervision also needs to be given as there will many ways for them to get back into the habit. Aftercare programs are there to help and support them.