Drug Rehab FacilitiesA person addicted to drugs or alcohol, at some point wants to get rid of his addiction. There are various reasons for the same, family, friends, etc. He then starts his search for a rehabilitation center. Read on to know about various drug rehab facilities...

Drug addiction is the intense craving for any one of the substances like alcohol, or drugs like cocaine, marijuana, hashish, nicotine, etc. When the addict does not get the drug to which he is addicted in sufficient quantities, he feels hopeless and the body gives dreadful reactions.

For a person to get addicted to drugs, there can be numerous reasons. People generally start consuming drugs to experience a feeling of euphoria or other reasons like peer pressure etc. There are others, who cannot cope up with personal loss and various kinds of pressures. For some, it is a status symbol to consume drugs or alcohol. But after a particular time, they are forced to get rid of the habit, either for health reasons or because of pressure from their near and dear ones, or just because they feel the need to give up the habit themselves.

Drug addiction is a menace to the society. People addicted to various substances, like alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, belong not only to the rich class of the society, but also to the lower and middle classes. There are a lot of questions, which might come up regarding the causes of drug addiction. But let's keep all such questions aside. We are here to discuss the drug rehabilitation facilities, that are available.

There are various steps for drug rehabilitation, which can help a person get rid of this life-threatening habit. Normally these are the steps, which are followed in most of the rehab centers. The first step is de-addicting the person from the substance. At this stage, normally a medically qualified doctor should be consulted. There are patients, who have minor to major withdrawal symptoms. When major symptoms are seen, the patient has to be given a substitute to the drug, that he was consuming. In the United States, 'Buprenorphine' is a drug, which is approved as a mild opioid. So people who want to give up the habit of the stronger opiates may choose this milder option. However, this drug is always prescribed by doctors themselves and not at the rehabilitation centers.

Normally the above step is followed by counseling sessions. These sessions can be either family or individual counseling with a counselor from the rehab facility, or with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. In this the practitioner helps the individual to keep himself away from the substance, using various counseling methods. The counselor tries to keep the addict preoccupied with other tasks, so that he is not reminded of the drugs. At the same time, care should be taken, that the concerned individual does not have a relapse. There is always a family counseling session, so that the family is in a better position to deal with the person, in his de-addiction days. The family is also counseled to be more supportive to the individual.

The next step is the treatment program. Here, the main focus is to prevent relapses. These therapy sessions are available as indoor or outdoor patient programs.

There are a lot of self help groups, who work in the field of de-addiction for alcohol and drug abuse as well. The methodology used by each one of them is different from the other. Some of the alcohol de-addiction groups follow the 12 point program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

When a person is in the stage of choosing a rehab, there are many factors, which he takes into consideration.The first thing, which comes to his mind is, whether the center is the correct one for him.If the medical help is going to be available day and night, is the next point on the 'To look for List'.The qualification of the staff on duty also needs to be considered. Whether the staff is certified by the government is also an area that needs to be checked.The other important factor, which needs to be taken into consideration is the cost. There is always a possibility, that the cost may be exorbitant and whether the person will be able to afford it or not. People also check, if the cost includes the medicine and various other facilities provided by the rehabilitation center.The success rate of the rehab facility in treating its patients is also an important factor.Many people also check, if a relapse program is available.There are drug rehab centers, which have holistic treatments, that cater to the physiological, emotional and spiritual needs of the individual. They help the individual with each of the problem area, he or she is facing. The families are also involved in the treatment.

There are also gender specific rehabilitation centers available. One of them is 'The Mark Houston Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center'. They have a minimum stay of 3 months duration. Ranch style homes are provided for the patients. This center also has a gymnasium, spiritual lawns and an area ear-marked for the family members. They also prescribe diet and exercise schedule for the inmates. This center also provides other value added sessions like sessions on finance, meditation etc..

When all the external parameters have been checked, it depends on the will of the individual to give up the habit. The stronger the internal will to quit, the easier it is for the person as well for the people helping the person, to remain dedicated to the cause. The main test starts after the person has returned from the drug rehabilitation facility. Here the person has to exercise more self control. The moment he achieves it, the bad habit is left far behind.

By Bhakti SatalkarRead more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/drug-rehab-facilities.htmlChristian Drug RehabilitationChristian drug rehabilitation combines Christian principles and values with spirituality and faith to help in the recovery of those addicted to drugs. Read on to know more on that aspect.

Drug addiction is one of the major issues that many, especially teenagers and adolescents, are trying to cope with. The number of people who take to drugs are increasing by the day and so the increased need for drug rehabilitation. Not everyone suffering from drug addiction opts for rehab, the reason being lack of determination and will. Most of those who successfully complete the process of rehabilitation also tend to get back to it sooner or later. However, constant efforts are being made to introduce rehabilitation programs that not only sets the person free from addiction, but also eliminates all possibilities of getting back to it. Christian drug rehabilitation is one such endeavor and it is being incorporated by most of the drug rehabilitation centers.

Essence of Christian Drug RehabilitationThe rehabilitation process focuses on the beliefs and principles of Christianity. Spirituality and faith form the essence of this rehab program. The approach is based on scriptures, biblical teachings and prayer. It emphasizes on the need for healing of the mind, body and soul and not just freedom from addiction. The treatment administered is based on the faith that Christ alone can heal, can free addicts from addiction and can take them on a path of painless physical and mental recovery. This therapy tries to rebuild the addicts' relationship with God through prayer and reading and understand the Bible. It inculcates a faith in them that the love of Christ will help them recover, and by accepting the will of God they can begin their journey towards complete rehabilitation.

ProceduresChristian drug rehabilitation incorporates various procedures in order to ensure complete healing of the addict. Apart from the usual drug addiction treatment, programs like study of the scriptures and the Bible, church visits, religious services, daily chapel services, service to others, group discussions, pastoral counseling, etc. are incorporated. These programs help the addict to cope effectively with the recovery process. They also learn the reason for their addiction and the adverse effects that it has had on his/her family and loved ones. An important feature of Christian drug treatment is the involvement of the addicts family in the process of his/her recovery. It tries to rebuild the addicts relationship with his/her family and loved ones. Their love and support aids the rehabilitation process and also helps the addict regain his/her lost faith and confidence. The scriptures reinstate the Christian principles and way of life, thereby motivating the addict to abstain from drugs. It also incorporates the 12 step recovery program introduced by the Alcoholic Anonymous. This 12 step program is merged with biblical teachings. Through this program the addicts are spiritually awakened, and they accept that they had no power over the substance that took over their lives; but now believe that a greater power could free them from the addiction. They believe that they willingly turned to God for help, and have discovered their moral values. The addicts admit all wrongdoing to God, themselves and others, accept that God alone can mend their character and eliminate all shortcomings. They make a list of all persons they have hurt or harmed due to their addiction and agree to make amends. The addicts agree to be consistently aware of their wrongs, admit it and improve themselves through prayer and meditation. They also agree to understand God and the plan that God has for them. Through this program, the addicts promise to practice the principles of biblical teachings throughout their lives, and also try to convey the same to other addicts as well.Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/christian-drug-rehabilitation.htmlInpatient Drug Rehab CentersDrug addiction has become a common problem in recent times, threatening the life of the addict. So it is important that an addict be given necessary treatment at the right time. Inpatient drug rehab centers are becoming a popular and effective way of treating drug addiction. Let us take a look at their benefits.

In today's fast paced life, when people get burdened with a variety of problems, they start taking drugs to get instant relief. As indulging in drugs relieves them from their tensions, they go back to them frequently, leading to drug abuse and subsequently to drug addiction. Initially, drugs may act as a stress buster, but soon people have to face physical and mental consequences, like, high blood pressure, depression, heart diseases, etc. The consequences of drug addiction affects not only the addict, but also family, friends and co-workers. However, with the emergence of drug rehab centers, treating drug addicts comprehensively has become possible.

There are two types of drug rehab centers, namely, the outpatient rehab centers and the inpatient rehab centers. Outpatient drug rehab centers are those where patients do not stay, but frequently visit for treatment and counseling sessions. However, in this option, once at home there are high chances that the addict may go back to drugs. For this reason, such drug rehab centers are considered to be a more efficient way of treating drug addiction.

Inpatient drug rehab centers are places where the patient would have to stay for some period of time, which can range from a month to a year, depending upon the severity of his condition. The chances of recovery from drug addiction are higher at such rehab centers because patients get professional assistance round the clock. However, it is advisable to research well about the various rehab centers before selecting one. A good and effective rehab center is one that has a personalized plan for every patient. Some inpatient rehab centers have a common traditional method for treating all patients but a particular type of treatment may not be effective for everyone. One must choose a rehab center which constructs a rehab program according to the needs of each individual because every person is different and so the treatment administered to each one should also be different.

Before selecting an inpatient rehab center, one must also check whether it is authorized by the government. One must opt for a rehab center which houses experienced medical professionals and specialists. Finance is also an important issue to be considered. Usually, these rehab centers are quite expensive. Here, one can take the help of a medical insurance agent who can give advice regarding the costs of various rehab centers and also expenses that will be covered by one's medical insurance. However, a decision should not be taken only on the basis of expenses. To help the patient fully recover from drug addiction, it is important to choose an inpatient drug rehab center that gives the best services.

Drug addiction often leads to problems in a person's relationships. Many such rehab centers conduct counseling sessions for family members, to bridge relationships between patients and their loved ones. This is very important for the speedy recovery of the patients, as this ensures them full support from their family during difficult times.

Joining an inpatient drug rehab center is the best way to treat moderate to severe drug addicts. The change of environment acts like a positive break from their routine life, where they can rest and think about their lives. They also get a chance to meet other drug addicts and together they start creating a new life. While the physical treatment helps in recovering from the effects of drug addiction, the counseling sessions teach the patients several skills to cope positively with the problems faced in the outside world. Treatment at an inpatient drug rehab center frees a person from drug addiction and opens the door to a life full of possibilities.Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/inpatient-drug-rehab-centers.htmlDrug Abuse RehabilitationRehabilitation centers provide a home for drug abusers who strongly believe in changing themselves. These centers also give the families and relatives of these abusers, a new ray of hope.

A controversial memoir of James Frey, narrates the story of a 23-year-old alcoholic and a drug abuser. The book, 'A Million Little Pieces', presents the readers with the horrific consequences of drug abuse and alcoholism. The book talks about how the protagonist goes through the war of rehabilitation to find his peace. Despite its gory details, the author maintains a positive outlook through his character James, who refuses to blame anybody for his condition and believes that he is a victim of his own choices.

Very rarely do we come across such people, who accept their mistakes. It takes a mighty heart to own up to a wrongdoing. Often drug abusers take to drugs, in order to get rid of stress and experience extreme joy. Another commonly found reason for alcohol and drug abuse, is peer pressure. They begin, thinking it is for fun. To derive momentary pleasure, they become regular users and gradually become addicts. Over a period of time, the use of psychotropic drugs becomes an habitual act.

Mostly seen amongst teenagers and adolescents, drug abuse is on rampant rise. A huge market and an abundant availability of drugs, has left many young people addicted to it. Drug addiction is dominant among both, the underdeveloped section of society as well as the developed societies. The reasons for people who take recourse in drugs, are however, an absolute contrast. For instance, people from low economic backgrounds, use drugs to get rid of depression and the other lot uses it as a tool to satisfy their snob appeal.

Rehabilitation centers have come up in the recent past, to teach drug abusers, the techniques to overcome their addiction. The programs implemented by the medical practitioners and psychologists at these rehabilitation centers, aim at enabling the sufferers to cease the use of psychoactive substances. The drug abuse rehabilitation programs work towards releasing the patients from their psychological and physical dependency on drugs. An abrupt stoppage of drug intake, can strike the patient with withdrawal symptoms, that affects the body for a long time.

Psychological therapy attempts to involve the patient in a drug free environment. A 'twelve-step program' is a method adopted by most rehab centers, which focuses on making the drug abuser realize that there exists a greater power to attain happiness. The program also targets at making the user admit that his addiction has gone far beyond control and that it can now, only be treated with help.

Rehabilitation centers primarily follow counseling treatments to motivate the addicted person to overcome his addiction. Many drug rehabs have the option of customized programs for individuals, depending on the severity of the problem. The rehabs provide the patient with a leisure environment for therapeutic benefits. Outdoor activities at these centers, brings them closer to nature and helps them to understand the finer nuances of life. Gradually, the rehab programs ensure that the affected person sees the positive change in himself/herself.

Drug abusers fall a prey to their own unstable minds. Socially unacceptable, drug addicts are treated with contempt and disregard. They are subjected to isolation by the society. If we accept cancer patients and treat them with love and care, then what happens when it comes to drug addicts? To have healthy neighborhoods, it's imperative that we condone these addicts, who are at a 'dis-ease' with themselves and us. Let's make a collective effort rather than selective deletion, 'to make this world a better place for you and for me and the entire human race', as Michel Jackson Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/drug-abuse-rehabilitation.htmlDrug and Alcohol Rehab ProgramsAddiction is one vice that can cause more damage to an individual than any other problem. But, if you want to get rid of an addiction, doing it the right way is of utmost importance to make sure that you are not bitten by the relapse bug. Let us appraise drug and alcohol rehab programs.

They say that every individual who succumbs to addiction has fairly deep rooted reasons for it. Many times, the end of a long time relationship makes a person get into the rut of addiction. And many times, when a person does not have any sense of accomplishment, he gets addicted to "boozin'" or "smokin' up" or "dopin'". The harsh reality still stands that several educated and knowledgeable people get into the vicious addiction circle where "relapse" is a recurring keyword.

Rehab programs have shown an impressive performance in addiction rehabilitation. Be it Alcoholics Anonymous or Drug Abusers Anonymous, such organizations help addicts see that they are not alone in the battle. Where misery loves company, the company assists the growth. Such programs make the individual go form "high-now-high-again" to "sober-now-sober-always"! There are several reasons why these programs work for some and not for few.

In the process of rehabilitation, the individual's will power and determination are of stupendous vitality. If the addicted individual cannot see the need to drop the addiction, they cannot be sent for rehabilitation. Rehab is by choice, not by force. Each person has to hit his own personal rock bottom in order to get the will to give up drugs and alcohol. These organizations, then, help such people stick to their choice and see that it can be easy.

The best part about rehabilitation programs is that each individual has a "buddy". The buddy will monitor your behavior, and you can monitor his. You can discuss your triumphs, depressions and weak moments (if any). This system makes them realize that it is possible to feel and share your feelings without being "high". You can find a significant improvement in the quality of your personal and social life as well as performance at work, which had taken a hit because you chose to get a "hit", start reviving and people are happier to be around you (except, your drinking or doping buddies, of course!).

Such programs will not work if you think that it's a magic. It will not miraculously take away the urge of drinking or smoking up. In fact, there will be times when you will be tempted to just pour yourself a drink or roll up a joint for yourself. The trick is to get busy, go shoe shopping, get a bubble bath, start brainstorming on the next marketing event, check your accounts or start writing. Do anything possible that will keep your mind involved and busy. But, make sure that you don't change your living environment temporarily, because as soon as you get back to it, the welcoming arms of Mrs. Relapse shall be there to greet you.

There are several organizations and institutions that have rehab programs. Several neighborhoods also take up annual rehab drives. The means are there, but the key word is the will. For, "where there is a will, there is a way". So, take a conscientious decision to detox yourself and improve the quality of your life. If you have done that, your rehab has already begun!

By Rashida KhilawalaLast Updated: 9/29/2011Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-programs.htmlHow Long do Drugs Stay in Your SystemDrugs can remain in body for a few days or even weeks. Here is a list of drugs along with the minimum and maximum duration that they are found in the body.

Drugs are synthetic products which can be used as medicines or narcotics. They are of different types and are differentiated on the basis of their effect on human beings. For e.g., certain drugs and medications are classified as depressants, while some others are stimulants. Prescription drugs are taken for medicinal purposes to overcome depression or physical or psychological disorders. However, certain drugs, mostly, narcotics, are consumed illegally and are termed as drugs of abuse.

Drug Duration Chart

The duration, any drug stays in the body, varies, and can last for hours to days to even more than a couple of weeks. With the use of modern methods of drug testing, it is even possible to detect whether a person had a drug 2-3 months backs. Drug tests include urine test, blood test and hair test which also help in the diagnosis of the type of drug a person has taken. One also needs to take several other things into consideration like the amount of drug the person has taken, whether the drug was taken orally or injected in the body, the person's age, gender, etc. Secondly, a person's rate of metabolism (or metabolic rate) also plays an important role in determining the duration the drug stays in the body. If a person has a slower metabolic rate, it takes a longer time for drugs to get out from the body.

The frequency at which a certain drug is taken (drug abuse) and the drug tolerance capacity of the person also determine the duration of the drug in the body. Most commonly used drugs like codeine, used to relieve cough and pain, can also stay in the body for more than one day. The following is a chart showing the duration of drugs in the system, in case of prescription as well as drugs of abuse.

Prescription Drugs

TypeMinimum Duration in the BodyMaximum Duration in the BodyAmphetamines1 day2 daysAnabolic steroids1 week3 weeksBarbiturates2 days3 daysBenzodiazepines2 days8 daysCodeine1 day2 daysDilaudid2 days90 daysKetamine2 days4 daysPhenobarbital2 weeks3 weeksSuboxone2 days5 daysOxycodone1 day2 daysValium2 days7 days

Recreational Drugs

TypeMinimum Duration in the BodyMaximum Duration in the BodyAlcohol8 hours12 hoursCocaine1 day2 daysFentanyl1 day90 daysHeroin1 day2 daysGHB1 day2 daysLSD2 hours5 daysMarijuana2 days30 daysMDMA1 day5 daysMethadone1 day7 daysMethamphetamine2 days4 daysMethaqualone9 days15 daysNicotine1 day2 daysOpiates1 day2 daysPCP1 day30 daysQuaalude1 hour90 hours

As there are severe and even fatal effects of drugs on the body, people are advised not to abuse them. It should also be noted that drugs are more addictive as compared to alcohol or cigarette. However, all the three are equally harmful. If a friend, or a partner is found to suffer from drug abuse, he should be encouraged to go to drug rehabilitation where recovery is possible.

Drug abuse is a sure way to end life as it is addictive and life-threatening. So, it is wise to stay away from it. Take care!

By Madhura PanditRead more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-long-do-drugs-stay-in-your-system.html