If someone you love has recently gotten into alcohol or drug rehabilitation, they are going through a difficult time in their life. This is a tough time for everyone, but it’s especially hard for loved ones who are close to the person. It’s important to let them know how you are feeling and to be supportive during this difficult time. Here are some things that you can do to help your loved one through drug rehabilitation and treatment:
– Explain the difference between residential and outpatient rehabilitation. The term “residential” refers to the stay at a rehabilitation center that is more than a thirty-day rehab program. Outpatient treatment centers usually last around seven days. Both of these terms are used interchangeably. Alcohol treatment centers offer both residential and outpatient programs. Residential treatment centers are more intense in the medical detox part of the program.
– Ask the doctor for lists of medications used in the drug rehabilitation and treatment program. A doctor who specializes in addiction may not be aware of all the drugs and medications that are used. You should find out what medicines are used specifically for this program and which ones are used in other rehabilitation programs. You may need to switch doctors when it comes to the use of specific medications.
– Ask about relapse prevention techniques and methods. relapse prevention techniques and methods are designed to limit relapses (occurrences) of substance abuse and addiction. An example of this is the use of medications and counseling that are given to patients prior to the medication or counseling is taken during the rehabilitation process. This reduces the chance of relapses (returns) after being off of the prescription drug or medication used in the treatment.
– Do you or your loved one feel like your loved one is alone? If so, the chances of your loved one starting to use drugs again are high. Drug rehabilitation is not a cure all and does not completely rid a person of their addiction. Relapse is a huge concern and something that you as a concerned family should be aware of. Your loved one needs help to get through the process. They may require counseling to help them address the issues of their addiction.
– Find a medical practitioner that is comfortable working with your loved one. He or she must be very comfortable with your loved one participating in a rehabilitation treatment program. It would be a great idea for your patient to have his or her own primary physician that specializes in addiction and substance abuse. This way, if something goes wrong, there will be someone else to take care of your loved one. In addition, the medical practitioner will have access to various different types of therapy.
– There are a number of programs that offer both inpatient and outpatient services. There are different levels of inpatient services. The intensity and duration of inpatient alcohol and drug treatment may differ from case to case. Some facilities offer short-term detoxification programs that allow a patient to receive the appropriate medical treatment for the withdrawal symptoms and can reduce the risk of relapsing. Longer term detoxification programs are used when the patient is taking medications for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other mental health disorders.
Drug rehabilitation and treatment centers also offer medication-assisted treatment programs for individuals who are suffering from bulimia or other eating disorder while they are undergoing treatment. This is usually referred to as an “orexia nervosa” treatment. The medications used for this type of treatment may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and vitamin and mineral supplements. It is important that you contact a doctor when you or a family member exhibits signs of drug abuse or if you or someone you love is seeing a doctor for any reason.