Drug Rehab Programs: Variety and Effectiveness

There are thousands of drug rehab or drug treatment programs available throughout the United States. They term themselves drug rehab, drug treatment, addiction treatment facility, free standing addiction treatment, detox and a host of other names. I wanted to take a moment and explain the differences to you.

In many cases, your choice of a drug treatment or alcohol treatment facility will hinge on several factors: medical and psychiatric care, comprehensiveness of the program, licensure of program and staff, family program, relapse prevention program and aftercare program. In addition, there is of course a person's ability to pay for their drug or alcohol rehab facility.

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Listed below will be a list of the various types of programs you may encounter on your search for a drug rehab, alcoholism or addiction treatment program:

Drug Rehab (free standing facility ) this is a stand alone facility, specializing in the treatment of drug addiction or alcoholism. It is not part of a general hospital. Drug Addiction (free standing facility) same as above Alcoholism Treatment (free standing facility) same as above Drug Rehab (hospital based) this is a program that is usually located on a private wing within a general hospital. The addict or alcoholic who has developed complicated medical or psychiatric problems might be better off detoxing within the confines of a hospital. Allow an addiction specialist or physician to make that decision for you. Addiction Treatment (hospital based) same as above Alcoholism Treatment (hospital based) same as above Detox Program (hospital based or free standing) is a level of care in which a person is medically monitored in an effort to assist them with the withdrawal symptoms associated with drug addiction or alcoholism. The greater the medical needs of an individual, the better the chances of their need for a hospital based detox. Long Term Residential Addiction Treatment Programs are generally free standing facilities, designed for the addict or alcoholic whose recovery needs warrant a longer period of time than a typical 30 day addiction treatment program can provide.

As you can see there are many different types of centers available for drug rehab. Don't be fooled by promises of success rates or that one is less expensive than another, when you are trying to find an alcohol and drug rehab facility. Base your decision on where to go on your specific needs and the services the drug rehab provides.

Drug Rehab Programs: Variety and Effectiveness

Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

For most people, the consumption of alcohol is nothing more than pleasant activity that takes place at some type of social activity. Generally speaking, two drinks per day for men and one for women does not produce any harmful effects. Regardless, a large number of Americans suffer serious consequences due to their drinking. Current statistics state that nearly 13 million Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.

The consequences we speak of are quite serious and can be life threatening. Alcohol slows down and can alter brain activity, as well as, the central nervous system. Alcoholic drinking can increase the risk for cancer, cause cirrhosis of the liver, problems within the immune system, damage the fetus of a pregnant woman or create medical complications within the stomach or heart.

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It should be clear that alcohol in itself is a drug that can produce serious medical consequences, but when mixed with other drugs or prescription medications it becomes even more lethal. It is highly recommended that a person consult with their physician or pharmacist if they drink alcohol and consume prescription or over the counter medications.

Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence" has been termed a disease by the American Medical Association and this disease includes four distinct symptoms:

Craving or the compulsion to drink alcohol, The development of a physical dependence with symptoms of withdrawal present, Loss of control or the inability to control ones alcohol consumption, Tolerance or the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get drunk.

Many people wonder why some people can consume alcohol without any consequences, while others drink without limits. One reason has been linked directly to genetics. Another factor has to do with the environment and peer pressure, while a person's brain chemistry can play an integral part in how a person drinks alcohol. In most cases, it is a combination of the above.

Lastly it is important to note that not everyone that drinks regularly is alcoholic or even has a drinking problem. Everyone is different. The best thing to do if you think you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol is to consult a professional who specializes in the treatment of alcoholism. You can also take the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test online right now. If a person does have a problem with alcohol the one thing we are sure of is that without intervention, alcoholism treatment or an effective alcohol rehabilitation program, the amount and frequency of drinking will become progressively worse. So, if you know someone who is struggling with alcohol, find an alcohol rehab program and get them help today.

Alcohol Rehab: When Does Too Much Drinking Become Alcoholism?

Drug Rehab Center - Solution For Drug Addicts

In our society, drug addiction is one of the most common problems that people are facing these days. Usually, it has been seen that the younger generation are the most common sufferers of this vicious evil of addiction to drugs and alcohol. At the time of article published, statistics shows that most of the patients that enroll in the center for Drug Rehab in New York are the teens or younger generation people. It has been seen that younger generation starts taking drugs for fun and sooner or later they gets traps in the vicious circle of addiction. One of the bitter truths is that people are getting addicted to painkillers and prescription drugs more often. With the frequent use of pain killers and the prescription drugs makes them addicted day by day and becomes very tough to figure out that whether person is addicted to drugs or not. So, in order to remove this plague, it is better to give some assistance by admitting them in treatment center for drug rehabilitation New York.

If you find that person is addicted to drugs, the first and primary thing is to get admitted in a good rehab center. There are ample numbers of centers for Drug Rehab New York which offer treatment program for addicts. Treatment programs offered by centers are designed according to the nature of addiction. The professionals design the treatment program in order to carve the nature of both dependencies such as psychological and physical. To deal with physical dependency they use detoxification process, where toxic materials are removed from the body of drug addicts. This is one of the toughest phases of treatment because the withdrawal symptoms are so severe that patients may go back to the drugs. Despite the fact that, the process of detoxification is effective in ensuring the physical recovery of the patients, but it is also essential to ensure physiological recovery for the effective rehabilitation. Once the detoxification program is over, the addicts have to attend various counseling and therapies. These therapies help in strengthening the mind of the addicts which reduces the desire to use drugs. Professionals also give one- to-one counseling classes that help in reducing the stress which is very important in fast recovery of addicts. Therefore, once the physical and psychological treatment is completed successfully, it means that half of recovery of patients is done.

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Since, people don't get addicted in one day therefore in the same way treatment cannot be done in a single day. In order to get proper treatment you have to keep Patience because the treatment is always a time taken procedure. Duration of treatment program always varies because the effects of withdrawal symptoms are not the same for all addiction. Generally, treatment program provided by the inpatient rehab center to the addicts takes few months and in some case it may extend more than that.

Hence, in order to get most appropriate programs for Drug Rehab New York residents have to be careful in choosing the programs and centers.

Drug Rehab Center - Solution For Drug Addicts

Does Rehab Really Help?

What are the different types of rehab?

There are such a vast amount of rehabs it is hard to narrow them all down. I believe it would be safe to say that there is a rehab or treatment facility for just about every major addiction, disorder, or affliction. The rehab industry has really began to boom in the past decade or so.

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The most popular rehabs are Drug rehabs, Alcohol Rehabs, Eating disorder rehabs, and Religious rehabs. There are also rehabs that are all inclusive and try to treat just about everything that can be treated, under one roof.

Is one rehab better than the next?

The answer to this question is really a matter of opinion. It depends on what you are using as points of comparison. Some rehabs have better living facilities but not so great counselors. Another rehab will have a great program for drug addicts but lack in the eating disorder area. So, as you can see, it really depends on what you are going to rehab for.

It is best to do a research on different rehab facilities and find the one that will best accommodate your specific needs. For example, if you struggle with an alcohol addiction, you don't want to go to a rehab that specializes in eating disorders just because the rehab is closer to the beach than the one that specializes in Alcoholism.

Does rehab really work?

Rehab really works if the person attending the rehab is willing to accept the help offered there. However, if the person is forced to be there by family or friends it most likely will not. The reason for this is because the ill person will feel as if they are being sent to the rehab as a punishment. They will not be open to accepting the help that is offered there.

If you are thinking about sending someone to rehab, my suggestion would e to sit the person down and ask them if they are willing to get help. If you try to force them, they will probably end up hating you for it.

Does Rehab Really Help?

Exercise Bicycles - A Good Source For Cardio And Rehabilitation Of A Knee Injury

What is one of the more reliable ways to get a good cardio workout or rehab a knee injury? There is no doubt exercise bicycles provide an excellent cardio workout. Stationary exercise bicycles are one of the industry leading products for burning calories and fat. In fact these bicycles work all lower body muscles as well as upper body to some degree.

Unlike some other products in the fitness industry an exercise bike can be used for more than one purpose. When looking for a great way to rehabilitate an injury to the lower body without putting a lot of pressure on that injured joint you might want to invest in a fitness bicycle. With the proper resistance settings these bicycles can be of great assistance in the rehabilitation process of a knee injury.

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These bicycles has been for years recommended by personal trainers and physical therapists for clients or patients suffering from joint damage, after surgery rehab or just in need of a good workout. Exercise bicycles are known to have low-impact and they don't put a lot of pressure on knee joints. Being in a seated position helps to disperse body weight evenly and as a result takes the pressure off the joint for that reason they're great for therapy.

Those who suffer from arthritis who use these machines regularly have less pain and more joint flexibility. Using these bicycles helps to promote blood circulation in the injured joint, reducing inflammation resulting in much better mobility. The small amount of upper body movement that it take to operate these bicycles does not put strain on the lower joints. Now with the availability and convenience of a home exercise bicycle you can workout or rehabilitate an injury in comforts of your own home without the madness and distractions of a fitness center.

There are three types of fitness bicycles recumbent, upright, and spin exercise bicycles. Like any other fitness product the price varies with the quality of course you get more features with the higher end bicycles. Remember results is what's important. Choose your bicycles according to your specific need you don't want to cause further damage to an injury. Of course you should always consult with your physician before the start of any rehabilitation plan. Now with better knowledge and understanding you should take into consideration that an exercise bicycle will definitely be a remarkable source for your rehab or workout plan just 15 to 20 minutes daily will help tremendously.

Exercise Bicycles - A Good Source For Cardio And Rehabilitation Of A Knee Injury

The Importance of Alcohol Rehab Centers

Alcohol dependency affects over 15 million Americans, with a shocking half a million of those between the ages of 9 and 12. Alcohol and alcohol related problems contribute to at least 0 million in annual health care costs and loss of productivity. Nearly a quarter of those admitted to hospitals have some type of alcohol problem or are diagnosed for alcohol related consequences. With the statistics at crisis levels, it's important to examine the role that alcohol rehab centers can play in solving these problems.

There are three main approaches to alcohol rehabilitation: Behavioral therapies, 12-step programs, and pharmacological treatment. Most inpatient rehab centers employ a combination of approaches to provide more comprehensive treatment.

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Alcoholics Anonymous is the most well-known 12-step program. Most treatment programs, whether outpatient or inpatient, encourage patients to attend one of these self help groups. Some even offer 12-step meetings within their facilities or educate the patient about the program in a learning environment. Behavioral therapies are designed to prevent relapse by teaching the skills necessary to avoid temptation and function normally once their initial treatment is complete. Pharmacological treatment includes the use of medications such as disulfiram and naltrexone to combat the physical symptoms and urges of alcohol dependency.

In 1999, more than 700,000 people received treatment for alcohol each day. A vast majority of them were treated in outpatient facilities. The more intense type of this treatment involves the patient visiting a hospital treatment program for several hours a day on several days a week. The less intensive form of outpatient treatment focuses on counseling sessions once or twice a week, sometimes involving group sessions and family therapy as well as individual counseling.

The advantages of outpatient treatment include lower treatment costs, shorter treatment programs, and the ability to maintain outside relationships and activities while undergoing treatment.

Inpatient alcohol rehab traditionally lasts for 28 days. However, with rising health care costs, this number is diminishing. Studies in the mid 1990s found that inpatient treatment is especially helpful for patients with additional medical and/or psychiatric conditions (also known as dual-diagnosis patients) or for those whose environments are not supportive of rehabilitation.

In addition to the 28 day rehabilitation program, some alcohol rehab centers offer extended stay treatments. These programs allow a patient to enter a therapeutic community for six to twelve months, providing the time necessary for both detoxification and counseling as well as social and occupational therapies that can help them function better once they return to society. These programs are ideal for patients with longer histories of addiction, impaired social functioning, or involvement in serious criminal activities. Alcohol rehab programs that treat adolescents and children also provide for continuing education, such as high school and college courses during the inpatient stay. The longer treatment plan allows for the slow re-socialization of patients to a drug-free and crime-free life.

One of the cornerstones of successful alcohol rehab is detoxification. The symptoms associated with cessation of alcohol consumption are collectively referred to as alcohol withdrawal syndrome. These can include insomnia, irritability, tremors, seizures, delirium tremens, and hallucinations. As a result of the dangers of these sometimes life-threatening symptoms, many alcohol rehab programs require an initial period of detoxification. Even if an alcoholic will be getting outpatient treatment, they may require inpatient detox first. However, there are some detox programs that are administers on an outpatient basis, when the alcohol withdrawal syndrome is less severe.

A successful alcohol rehab center will have a trained, professional staff that ensures quality individual support of patients while maintaining an alcohol and drug-free environment. It will provide comprehensive counseling, education, and referrals to community resources for continuing recovery after treatment. It will offer alcohol and drug education to its patients while conducting outreach to reduce the stigma of addiction and alcoholism in its surrounding community. Most importantly, a quality alcohol rehab center will have a documented record of success rate in rehabilitating patients and the ability to demonstrate the longevity of their patient recovery.

The ultimate goal of alcohol rehabilitation is a productive and sober life for the alcoholic once they complete treatment. The ability of a rehab program to provide the addict with treatment and usable skills to help them abstain from alcohol (or to consume in controlled moderation) is their true measure of success.

The Importance of Alcohol Rehab Centers

Alcohol And Drug Rehab Centers Will Treat Cigarette Smoking If New Law Passes

New York could become the first state requiring all outpatient addiction treatment programs to help their clients quit smoking under proposed legislation. The law would only encourage alcoholics and drug addicts to quit smoking, not require it. Those who agree to quit smoking would be provided with treatment including drugs to relieve cravings, while patients who refuse to quit could still be treated for other addictions as long as they don't smoke in the treatment facilities. The ban would also apply to treatment center workers. Whether this will increase the success rates of alcohol and drug rehab is in dispute.

New Jersey has required residential addiction programs to treat nicotine addiction and be smoke-free since 2001, but officials in New York say it would be the first state to require smoking cessation efforts in outpatient programs, which account for two-thirds of the 1,100 treatment alcohol and drug rehab programs in the state. Programs in New York that fail to comply with the smoking regulations could lose state certification and would have to stop treating clients.

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It has generally been thought that asking patients to quit smoking while fighting addictions to alcohol or drugs like heroin or cocaine is asking too much. But state officials say a deeper understanding about addiction "triggers" and the dangers of tobacco itself have changed the consensus. Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo, the commissioner of the substance abuse agency that oversees all state-sanctioned alcohol and drug rehab facilities, said in a written statement, "We now know that's not true. Including tobacco dependence while treating other addictions actually leads to higher recovery success rates. We need to focus on the overall wellness of our patients and not ignore this deadly addiction."

However, the higher recovery success rates Carpenter-Palumbo refers to are disputed in the scientific community. One recent study from the University of Minnesota found that recovery rates are actually lower if patients are weaned off cigarettes while they are trying to break free of alcohol or drugs. And according to Dr. Richard Hurt, the director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic, most studies have shown that treating nicotine addiction along with alcohol and drug addiction has no effect on treatment effectiveness.

According to the U.S. National Institute against Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), between 80 and 95 per cent of alcoholics smoke cigarettes - three times higher than among the general population. And a recent Research Society on Alcoholism study using advanced magnetic resonance imaging on human brains found that cigarette smoking not only worsens alcohol-induced brain damage (which was already known) it also causes brain damage by itself. And there are strong links between some forms of cancer and the combination of drinking and smoking.

So it seems uncertain at this point if quitting smoking will help alcohol and drug abusers recover from their addictions and stay clean after completing alcohol or drug rehab. But even if only for the improvements in long-term mental and physical health, it seems to be a good idea to try quitting smoking while recovering from addiction at an alcohol or drug rehab center.

Alcohol And Drug Rehab Centers Will Treat Cigarette Smoking If New Law Passes