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Drug Abuse Treatment Information
by Contributing Writer
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Overview
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2006 there were over 23.6 million men, women, and teens over the age of 12 who needed treatment for an addiction to an illegal drug or addiction to alcohol. Drug abuse is a definite problem for the United States and does not seem to be going away. For the people who choose to change their lifestyle and discontinue their use of illegal drugs, treatments are available to help in that process.
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Types
Drug abuse treatment can be given in several forms, depending on who the person is and what their drug of choice is. Oftentimes, behavioral therapy is used in conjunction with medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawing from a strong drug such as heroin produces symptoms painful to the user, making it physically impossible for them to get the drug out of their system without the use of pharmaceuticals made for that purpose. However, medication for withdrawal is completely ineffective without behavioral therapy to go along with it. Behavioral therapy teaches a drug user to change his behaviors and oftentimes gets to the root of the issue that caused the drug use in the first place. If the user does not change his behavior, he will leave treatment and go back to using the drug again. Another type of treatment is residential treatment, which includes keeping the drug user in a facility with other users, specifically for the purpose of detoxing their bodies and using behavior modification as well. In-patient residential treatment can last for as little as one to two weeks or as long as a year, depending on what drug the person is abusing and his response to treatment. After treatment is completed, some users opt to go to a group home or "halfway house" to slowly begin their lives outside of treatment. Residents of these homes work outside the facility but are monitored and often drug tested so that they are still held accountable for their actions.
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Cost
Treatment for drug addiction can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on what type of treatment the user needs. Some insurance carriers provide coverage for these treatments; however, most people must pay out of pocket. There are some nonprofit organizations that survive on community donations, but they can only house a certain number of residents at a time and often waiting lists are long.
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Time Frame
People who are drug addicts will most likely always have a tendency to want to use their drug of choice. Addiction is a disease that does not disappear; however, with extreme discipline and proper treatment, it is a disease that can be manageable, and many addicts go on to lead normal and healthy lives without using again. However, according to Addiction Solutions, 70 to 90 percent of addicts who have received treatment relapse within the first 12 months.
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Geography
There are many drug treatment facilities, both short term and long term, available in almost every major city in the United States. Many resources are available to help refer addicts to a place where they can receive help, from churches to nonprofit organizations. Some work places also offer confidential help to refer drug addicts to a place of treatment. Travel may be required in order to seek treatment from a facility that offers help for the abuse of a specific drug.
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Warning
It is important to research any drug treatment facility before treatment begins. Look at the statistical rates of success and the methods of treatment. Cost is also a factor, and it is important to consult with insurance providers to find out how much of the treatment is covered.
