| So now you are at a stage where you have made a | | | | progress so indicate. In group therapy sessions the |
| decision to get yourself treated at a suitable drug and | | | | addict gets to know and share experiences with |
| alcohol rehab center or to get someone you know | | | | people in a similar condition and gain strength and |
| admitted to such a center for professional help. | | | | maintain resolve. |
| Naturally one would be curious to know what exactly | | | | In some drug and alcohol rehab facilities, especially in |
| happens to the addict once he gets himself admitted | | | | Christian rehab centers, there may be regular sessions |
| for therapy with the assurance of getting rid of the | | | | of prayers and Bible based training. In such courses the |
| problem. Now is the time to get to know the centers | | | | patient is counseled to draw strength and inner resolve |
| and the treatments offered and which one suits you | | | | from God and from the fact that He is always there |
| best as regards the nature of the treatment and the | | | | to support and sustain you should you trust him |
| costs. There are simple centers which simply focus on | | | | absolutely. Most centers also have some form of |
| treatment with no frills, there are sophisticated centers | | | | meditation, inner contemplation, yoga and similar |
| with a lot of facilities like swimming pools, gyms, tennis | | | | alternative therapies. The end purpose of such spiritual |
| courts, etc and there are faith based rehab centers | | | | reinforcement is to remove the "need" from the |
| which focus on overlaying the treatment process with | | | | psyche of the patient once and for all so that once he |
| a strong patina of spirituality and faith in God. | | | | is out in the world temptations or other influences have |
| The basic fact irrespective of which kind of treatment | | | | no effect on him. |
| center you opt for is that they are all having | | | | As the treatment progresses the addict experiences |
| professionally qualified and experienced personnel to | | | | painful and uncontrollable withdrawal symptoms which, |
| handle each case individually. The course of treatment | | | | if not properly monitored and handled may result in |
| would run along the following lines: | | | | relapse. This is a matter of utmost concern at almost |
| A visit to the center for diagnosis. A patient is | | | | all the rehab centers and they keep a careful watch |
| thoroughly diagnosed for his physical and psychological | | | | on the patients, teach them and support them |
| condition and a prognosis given based on the | | | | medication-wise and therapy-wise too. |
| assumption that the patient will rigorously stick to the | | | | As the therapy progresses medications are reduced |
| guidelines laid down for him. At this stage perhaps | | | | and there may be more focus on strengthening the |
| costs would be discussed and options offered. | | | | individual spiritually and mentally impressing on the |
| Depending on the condition of his addiction he is | | | | addict the need to remain steadfast in his resolve to |
| advised of the choice of inpatient or outpatient | | | | quit and stay clean. |
| treatment. | | | | Family and friends are involved and by their constant |
| Once this choice is made the treatment commences. | | | | support leverage the therapy to a further level of |
| For a typical inpatient treatment the first thing that is | | | | effectiveness. The patient is also kept engrossed in |
| done is to make the addict abstain from usage of the | | | | physical activity and his mind is also kept engaged. |
| substance to which he has been addicted. | | | | Post therapy, once the patient is discharged, comprises |
| Next is the detox stage where medications are | | | | of counseling and monitoring of his status. Addicts find |
| administered to rid the body of the poisons | | | | this stage very difficult to come to terms with as they |
| accumulated, treatment for any conditions of the liver, | | | | have to start a new life with the shadow of addiction |
| kidney, heart and other vital organs, and a nutritious diet | | | | over them and it is not easy to gain a job or rejoin |
| planned based on the analysis. | | | | society. This stage of therapy is crucial. |
| Concurrently psychological counseling and therapy is | | | | More or less this is the general pattern followed at |
| given to the patient. He is also given the mental | | | | drug and alcohol treatment centers. Most implement |
| support he needs, the encouragement and care to | | | | the 12 point program along with other programs with |
| sustain him in his resolve to quit his addiction. This | | | | the motive of bringing about a complete change in the |
| therapy and detox can be rather intense in the initial | | | | persona of the addict and restoring him to a normal life. |
| stages with constant monitoring. Family and friends | | | | If you wish to know more approach the center of your |
| giving support are also counseled so that they too | | | | choice and ask about the details and observe the |
| provide the necessary support and encouragement to | | | | ambience and the patients to get a first hands feel |
| the patient. | | | | before committing. There is no "one size fits all" |
| Next on the agenda would be group therapy and | | | | program as these centers have acknowledged it for a |
| individualized counseling sessions, check-ups and | | | | fact that each individual needs to have a course of |
| adjustments to the course of treatment should the | | | | treatment which will give the desired effect. |