Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Some people cannot quit their substance abuse because they have become physically dependent on the substance. Substances such as alcohol and heroine create a physical dependence within the person that is very difficult to overcome. When the person is becoming hooked to the substance, they find that they have built up a tolerance to the substance and need to progressively use more and more of it in order to continue feeling its mind altering effects. What they do not realize is that their system is becoming so accustomed to the substance that it is learning to rely on it in order to function. A person’s biochemistry changes around the substance they are abusing and in many cases, become dependent on it.

Any type of substance abuse or substance addiction that persists over time does a great deal of harm to the abuser. Drug abuse and alcoholism are the epitome of a vicious cycle. Someone who has never struggled with substance abuse or addiction may not understand why someone would keep returning to behavior that was harming them. It is a valid question, but unfortunately, science does not fully understand the origins of addiction and substance abuse. We do know that it is all an effort to create brain chemicals associated with pleasure, such as dopamine, but we do not understand why an addict’s ability to resist cravings is so impaired. This reoccurring behavior makes the individual’s addiction or substance abuse like a prison sentence to them.

There are also a number of substances that are not physically addictive, but are emotionally addictive. Even if a substance does not create a physical dependence within a person, such as in the case of marijuana, it can still create an emotional or psychological dependence within the person. People who are prone to addiction or substance abuse problems have underlying psychological reasons for their dependence issues that can date back to their childhoods. Determining the cause of an addiction is something that a mental health professional should handle as it involves complex psychology and a thorough understanding of mental processes.

Substance abusers who have overcome denial and admit to their problem want to quit. They acknowledge the negative effects that their susbtance abuse has had on their lives and they are seeking a way out. There are a number of treatments and self help remedies available to those who are looking to end their substance abuse problem, and choosing between the various methods can be confusing. The one that statistically demonstrates the most success is residential rehabilitation, for a few important reasons.

The primary reason for this is obvious. The person has been physically separated from the substance they abuse. This is the most valuable and straightforward aspect of residential rehabilitation. Nowhere else can a person receive totally secure protection from the susbtance they are abusing. In a residential rehab center, the doors are locked around the clock, staff monitors clients closely at all hours of the day and night, and incoming guests or deliveries are carefully screened to ensure that no trace of a harmful substance enters the facility where clients can access it. This ensures that the client’s recovery from substance abuse is not compromised.

When clients work there way through a residential rehabilitation program, they receive new psychological tools and resources to help their recovery be successful. Underlying psychological causes of substance abuse are explored and dealt with in a way the substance abuser has probably never experienced before. They are lead in mental health and wellness sessions, counseling appointments and workbook exercises in order to receive cognitive behavioral methods of coping without substance abuse.

And lastly, clients in residential rehabilitation receive a new biochemistry through diet, exercise and medication. The goal of rehabilitation is not only to strengthen the client’s minds, but also to strengthen them physically through detoxification, healthy eating and beneficial exercise. Most people come into rehab with unhealthy bodies but leave with a much cleaner bill of health.

There are times when recovering from alcoholism can feel impossible and you want to give up, but you don’t have to go through it alone! Perhaps your family has been asking you to consider treatment, or your coworkers have been wondering if you have a problem with alcohol. Or perhaps alcoholism has already unwound much of your life and you are residing in a shelter or a mission, such as the mission in Kelowna. If you are ready to take your recovery from alcoholism seriously, there are a number of alcohol addiction treatment program options available to you. You and your loved ones can find a program that is suited to your needs, completely with a supportive, knowledgeable staff and a variety of therapy options. There are many programs to choose from in alcohol addiction rehabilitation, and it is important to consider certain pointers while you are reviewing your options.

First and foremost, everyone’s alcohol recovery is individualistic, so no two people require exactly the same treatment. When you are looking for the right program, remember to choose one that addresses your particular needs and situation. The closer the program is tailored to you, the more likely your success in the program is.

Also, the treatment should include extensive examination into your personal lifestyle, in order to help you make a specific recovery plan. Alcoholism can affect your personal relationships, work performance, school performance, daily obligations and your physical and mental health. Proper treatment should help you create a plan to approach these facets of life with a sober mentality.

You cannot recover if you don’t want to, as any good program will require work and commitment from you. At times, the process will feel taxing and heavy because you are challenging old ways of thinking to adopt new ones, and it could be that you require more time in developing these new life patterns than another person. Make sure the alcohol addiction treatment facility you choose offers a time frame that works for you, as well as after care services to support your new found sobriety.

Alcoholism and addiction in general are almost always the result of some other mental or emotional problem you experience, such as past trauma, depression or anxiety. Alcohol is used to soothe and cover up these afflictions, so sobriety means they will have to be dealt with. It is recommended that you find a program that can address these problems as well, from a medical and mental health standpoint. Be sure to ask about the programs certifications and licensing in order to find a credible treatment center.

Visit kelownamission.com for more information