Question 1

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Accepted Answer

Treatment length varies for everyone, but your focus should be on the results of your treatment and ensuring your own sobriety.

If you're facing an addiction, seeking treatment can be intimidating. You may be wondering what your friends and family will think, how much it will cost and what the length of rehab will be. There is no single formula for treatment because every form of addiction is unique.

It's important to recognise that how you recover from addiction will be different from anyone else's treatment and recovery.

However, there are several basic treatment options to choose from based on your specific need. The general length of rehab programs are:

30-day program
60-day program
90-day program

When choosing a program, you should focus on what will bring you the highest chance of long-term success. Most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to get sober and initiate a plan for continued recovery. Research shows that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment. Lengthier treatment programs can seem intimidating at first, but they may end up bringing you the best results.

Question 2

What Is Drug & Alcohol Rehab Like?

Accepted Answer

In the process of active addiction, people suffering from substance use disorder lose material possessions, relationships with people, and other things that were once very important to them. As part of drug and alcohol rehab, you will strive to recover those things through acknowledging mistakes, fully immersing yourself in treatment, and working hard to make the necessary changes to beat the disease of addiction. Drug addiction often changes a person's behaviour, which affects all aspects of his or her life, including work and relationships. In residential rehab, patients do their best to regain their normal lives in a safe and healthy way.

Question 3

Who Is Most At Risk For Drug Addiction?

Accepted Answer

It's true that some people have a higher risk of abusing and becoming addicted to drugs. Knowing your risk factors can help you to be proactive in avoiding triggers and other situations that may make drug use more likely.

Here are some of the most common risk factors associated with drug addiction:

Being A Man.

Even though the progression of addictive disorders has been seen to be faster among women, men have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted to drugs.

Family History.

Is drug addiction common in your family? Researchers believe there may be a genetic predisposition to drug addiction, meaning if someone in your family has dealt with drug addiction, you have a higher risk of dealing with it yourself. This is only true among blood relatives, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling.

Mental Disorders.

Having other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make you more susceptible to drug addiction. This is because these disorders may sometimes lead to coping through drugs, alcohol or other substances.

Lack Of Family Involvement.

When parents aren't involved in their children's lives, or their children simply lack supervision, the risk of drug addiction goes up. This is because not only is it easier for the child to acquire and abuse drugs, but it also promotes difficult family situations and a lack of a bond, which may compel drug use.

Taking A Highly Addictive Drug.

Some drugs are more addictive than others. For instance, cocaine is known as a highly addictive drug. Painkillers may also create a faster tolerance and dependency. Even so, taking drugs that are thought to be "less addictive" can still put you on a path to drug addiction.

While the above risk factors may increase a person's chances of becoming addicted to drugs, anyone can succumb to drug abuse and addiction. Addiction recovery programs can help.

Question 4

What Are The Causes And Effects Of Drug Abuse?

Accepted Answer

While specific incentives differ from person to person, generally speaking, people start using drugs to escape or mask pain.

In some individuals, the onset of drug use can be from untreated psychiatric issues, including anxiety and depression. The rush of pleasure from using drugs can provide temporary solace from suffering, which can stem from much mental health or other issues, including the following:

Trauma or abuse
Mental illness
Low self-esteem
Poverty
Relationship problems
Loss of a loved one
Stress
Chronic pain or medical conditions

But whatever their reason for starting, once addiction sets in, the disease usually spirals more and more out of their control.

The sad truth is that more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities are caused by substance abuse than by any other preventable health condition. Prolonged drug dependence interferes with just about every organ in the human body, and while different drugs have different damaging effects, these are some of the common conditions substance abuse can cause:

The damaged immune system, which increases susceptibility to infection
Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Liver overexertion or liver failure
Seizures and strokes
Widespread brain damage that can interfere with memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as permanent brain damage

Some of the worst effects of substance abuse aren't even health-related. Drug abuse can have a number of damaging consequences on an addict's social and emotional well-being, including:

Loss of employment
Relationship loss
Incarceration
Financial trouble
Homelessness
Risky sexual behaviour

Many problems can be reversed or minimised by getting sober, but there may be some health and emotional issues that simply won't heal with time. The best way to prevent permanent damage is to seek professional drug addiction treatment ASAP to overcome the addiction.

Question 5

How Can We Prevent Drug And Alcohol Addiction?

Accepted Answer

While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse.

Here are the top five ways to prevent substance abuse:

Understand How Substance Abuse Develops.

Substance abuse starts by:

Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
Seeking out intoxication every time you use
Abusing prescription medication

Avoid Temptation And Peer Pressure.

Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It's often said, "we become most like those we surround ourselves by," meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug-free, develop a good way to just say no, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving in to peer pressure.

Seek Help For Mental Illness.

Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counsellor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.

Examine The Risk Factors.

Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction. Several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors, the more likely you are to overcome them.

Keep A Well-balanced Life.

People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practising stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

Develop Goals And Dreams For Your Future.

These will help you focus on what you want and help you realise that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.

Question 6

What Is The Role Of Family In the Prevention Of Drug & Alcohol Abuse?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse and addiction can damage family dynamics, erode trust, and weaken communication. Family members who experience a loved one battling with a substance use disorder (SUD) often endure a host of painful emotions. Equally frustrating is the hopelessness loved ones feel in response to substance abuse. Family members may feel at a loss when seeing a loved one caught in the grips of substance abuse. For example, stumbling upon burnt spoons and used syringes can create paralysing feelings of fear and shock.

However, family members can help their loved ones achieve and maintain sobriety. Despite seeing a loved one struggle, family members can and ideally do play a major role in the treatment process. The role of the family in addiction recovery is large and important.

Family is the most important and powerful influence in your child's life. A majority of substance-free adolescents credit their parents for their decision not to use illegal substances. Even if you're not a parent, you still can play a significant role in a youth's life. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, mentors, volunteers, teachers and coaches all can help guide youth toward healthy choices at every stage of life. Caring adults can take action by having frequent conversations with the youth in their lives about the dangers of substance use. Let youth know YOU are a resource.

35+ Best Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Clinics In Melbourne [2022]

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35+ Best Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Clinics In Melbourne [2022]

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