The American Medical Association as well as the American Psychiatric Association has classified alcoholism and drug addiction as treatable diseases, so where do the insurance companies stand? Apparently a comfortable distance from the people suffering as the overwhelming majority of those who failed to receive treatment did so due to either a lack of heath insurance coverage or due to a lack of insurance coverage that provided for treatment. In fact only 25%of addicts and 42% of alcoholics were aided by private insurance despite the well-established characterization of the condition. With the costs associated with treatment being what they are it is necessary for these companies to provide coverage that gives access to treatment options that are tailored the needs of the individual.

As insurance companies are disinclined to provide the services required by those insured or enroll past substance abusers, the situation seems pretty bleak to the majority of those attempting to get help. While there is no overnight solution, there are a few things that can be done to nudge the industry and society in general in a more rational direction. The most pressing issue is the encouragement of congress to mandate that private insurers cover the detoxification and treatment of those with policies struggling with addiction. This is being hotly debated in Congress as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. This bill seeks to ensure that the insurance companies behave responsibly in seeing that the insured are provided access to the treatment that they pay for and deserve. You can obtain information about what you can do to help pass this legislation at www.nmha.org or at www.wellstone.org . Congress is extremely close to passing the bill and it is vital that you act as soon as possible as their August recess is approaching and they will likely adjourn in September.

An optimistic outcome of the passing of this legislation is that it might prompt the insurance industry to launch long-term studies into treatment options alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous. While for the past 73 years it has been the backbone of mainstream recovery there has not been a single study that has proven it more effective than no treatment at all. This is not to say that it doesn’t work for anyone, but there are a sizable percentage of patients who find its theory of powerlessness incompatible with their view of addiction. Most people are often unaware that other options exist. There are a variety of centers that approach the problem of addiction with practical, down-to-earth solutions and it would be to the mutual benefit to the insurance companies and the substance abusers to investigate these alternative avenues.

For many coping with addiction the issue isn’t inadequate coverage, it’s a complete lack of it. With the cost of substance abuse treatment rivaling that of treating cancer this is a seemingly impossible obstacle to overcome. The solution to this seems to be the adoption by Congress of Universal Coverage. In this system currently being debated in the presidential campaign every American would have access to affordable health insurance. This would broaden the base of those paying into the insurance system drastically lowering the rates, which have risen close to 5 times the rate of wages over the last decade. The result is that affordable insurance is no longer the privilege of those working for large corporations and the government. The State of Massachusetts has already done exactly that. Every citizen of that state is covered and pays on a sliding scale in accordance with their wages. This shows that it can and does work. Again, the only way to see programs such as this enacted nationally is to get involved. The only thing standing between you and coverage for you and your family is apathy so call your congressmen, speak with your friends, and judge the candidates on their commitment to your future.

While few will be able to reasonably expect that a television show will swoop in and save the day, we can hope for a sort of intervention. This will be the collective intervention of those who recognize and act on the deeply flawed nature of insurance payments for the treatment of addiction. We ask the insurance companies to INSURE so that hopefully, soon, the choice to get treatment will be as simple as deciding to go.

Addiction treatment and addiction recovery are two distinct processes. The treatment process revolves around investigating the history of the addict and identifying the critical issued that lead the initial addiction. Once those have been identified the process of defining the circumstances that have allowed the addiction to continue or escalate can occur. For many addicts these processes can be traumatic, causing them to reflect on issues that they may not be ready to confront. Critical to the success of these processes is the willingness for the addict to face the issues and require closure. If this level of commitment cannot be achieved, the likelihood of achieving any long-term success is effectively nil. There may be some reduction in the frequency of abuse or there may even appear to be complete success, but sitting underneath the façade will be an addiction waiting to resurface with a vengeance.

In order for an addict to survive the drug rehab treatment process there will need to be a period where the cold hard facts of the situation are discussed and the benefits and pitfalls of the treatment options outlined. The addicts will be setting themselves up for failure if they commence treatment without being fully aware and committed to the entire treatment process. In reality any treatment process will not be completed if this is the case and relapse is likely to occur.

Additionally in the addiction treatment process the addict will require ongoing support and encouragement. This will be required from family, professional staff and potentially peers or others suffering the same or similar addictions. There will be no quick fix and the addict will need to set and achieve short-term goals. Depending on the nature of the addiction this may be in terms of hourly, daily or weekly goals. It is important for the addicts’ sense of self worth that they are able to look themselves in the mirror and believe that they are worth the time and effort required to make the change.

The addiction recovery process has a focus on maintaining the long-term success of the treatment undertaken. The addict will need to understand that there is no timeframe that can be placed on recovery as an ongoing process. To survive in recovery the addict will need to identify the situations that could potentially bring about a relapse and identify alternatives to those situations. The previous life that the addict led will not be appropriate and significant changes must occur in relation to lifestyle and acquaintances.

It is important that the addict focus on the positive aspects of their recovery. Too much attention directed on what the addict will not do is in fact likely to cause the addict exhibit the behavior that they are trying to avoid. There are many opportunities in the treatment and recovery processes for celebrating milestones, and while this is important for the overall success of the program and esteem of the addict, it is also important that they don’t become the focus of a recovery program. Celebrating with individuals who are undergoing a similar process can encourage addicts to maintain their focus. Critical to any recovery process is having the knowledge that others have suffered the same ordeals and survived.

An inpatient drug rehab center works in much the same way outpatient services do – except that it operates like a hospital or jail, a person does not leave in between the treatments. A person at an inpatient drug rehab center stays in that center for the duration of their treatments. An inpatient drug rehab center provides all of the services that a person can find in outpatient places, and even more.

At an inpatient drug rehab center, people are able to get the treatment that they really need and do not have to worry about outside influences. There will usually be a period in which a person who has entered an inpatient drug rehab center will not have any contact with the outside world – including their friends and family. This is not done to create any kind of tension, and it is not done to punish the person in an inpatient drug rehab center. It is done so that the person might concentrate on getting better, and concentrate on themselves without worrying about things that are out of their control – things on the outside of their treatment.

At this kind of center, a person has the time and the ability to really concentrate on their problems and to really make some progress. It is really only in an inpatient drug rehab center that a person is able to get away from all of the things in their lives that might be causing them problems, and really concentrate on the things that they need to do in order to get better.

An inpatient drug rehab center provides plenty of counseling for each of the patients, and each patient can receive counseling that relates directly to their specific drug addiction problem. It is important for a person to have individualized counseling, because each addiction problem is different, and each person must be able to find the kind of help that they need, without worrying about maintaining any particular mindset or dealing with anything other than their problem.

Inpatient drug rehab centers also provide counseling for families, and information for people who know someone in the center. There are counselors who deal only with friends and loved ones of the patient, because it is important to remember that families and friends of people with drug addictions are going to have lots to deal with, just as the patient will.

At the inpatient drug rehab centers, it will be imperative to allow each patient to deal with their own problems. This doesn’t happen in lots of out patient centers, because the work will be more generalized for everyone. In an inpatient drug rehab center, a person can get individualized help, and this help is something that they will really benefit from.

It might be distressing to have your loved one gone from your life for treatment, and it may take time for loved ones to rebuild relationships after they have dealt with their drug addictions. However, it is worth it because it is only through getting help that a person can truly heal.

For example, here are some different types of addiction rehab programs:

• In-patient residential treatment programs (short or long-term)
• Outpatient intense treatment
• Medically supervised detoxification
• Cognitive behavioral style of treatment
• The Matrix Model for stimulant abusers
• Supportive-Expressive psychotherapy
• Motivational Enhancement style of treatment
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Behavioral therapy for adolescents
• Prison-based programs
• Support group recovery (Twelve Step programs)
• Rational Recovery

These are only a few of the treatment types and addiction rehab methods of recovery. Unfortunately, the number of treatments available is so large that an addict who sincerely wishes to recover is so confused, he/she gives up finding an addiction rehab rather than engaging in what seems like an endless maze of treatment options.

As many addiction rehabs as there are – all differing in recovery approaches – top-quality programs of any type have essential components and expectations in common. In order to maintain their certification as a drug rehab program, these crucial standards are common to all certified addiction rehab programs:

1) Your addiction rehab should be staffed with expert drug counselors. When you investigate a program, be sure to ask about the qualifications of staff members. They should have at least state-level credentials as a licensed addiction counselor, and national-level credentials are an additional bonus. In alcohol rehab, you are entitled to know that addiction therapists have appropriate qualifications to perform their jobs.
2) The addiction rehab that you choose should share your views about how you cope with change, your personal values, and the degree, if any, of spirituality that may help you recover.
3) You have an absolute right to be treated with dignity and respect by your addiction rehab staff members. You may be an addict, but you are still a valuable person and should be treated accordingly.
4) The addiction rehab of your choice is required by law to respect your privacy and confidentiality. You can sign release forms that allow disclosure of your treatment history to your next of kin, your attorney, your physician, and a judge. However, your spouse, children, and Uncle Nick have no need to know how your addiction rehab is working for you. The only legal exception to these very strict rules of confidentiality is if your counselor or physician has a reasonable belief that you are at risk for harming yourself and/or others.
5) Your addiction rehab counselor, and other staff members of your program, is likely to be in long-term recovery him/herself. Who is most empathetic in your recovery than another addict who once battled the same demons that you are facing and conquering? Your counselor may or may not disclose his/her history of addiction; you should respect your counselor’s privacy just as your own privacy is respected.
6) Your drug rehab should allow you to decline certain services that you don’t want, or that you believe you don’t need. For example, your addiction rehab program can recommend certain medications to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, medications for depression and anxiety, medications to help you remain abstinent and medications that treat certain medical problems that are related to your addiction. An alcohol rehab program that meets your physical and emotional needs should never try to force you to take medications if you don’t wish to take them.

These are merely a few questions about finding an addiction rehab and/or recovery counselor that are important for you to ask about when choosing an addiction rehab program that will meet your needs. If you have access to the Internet, use your search engine to find addiction rehabs and services; read everything available about these programs, and leave an email message to request the addiction rehab’s information package, and/or ask for a staff member to return your call.

Following these simple, but essential, steps will place you firmly on the road to recovery!

In the midst of all this suffering, how can there be a way out? Is there any hope of defeating the monster and living a drug-free life again? A life before pills, bottles, needles, and powders? A life where you had a family who loved you, a job that you liked, and friends that weren’t shoving needles in their veins? A life where there was no monster?

Yes, there is! As hopeless as it sounds, you can have your life back. No matter how tightly your addiction holds you, you are stronger. You can break that hold forever. Recovery won’t be handed to you; you will have to work for it. Your addiction had a beginning; recovery also has a beginning. It starts with a choice – your choice to take back what belongs to you; your life, your health, and your spirit. Things that you thought were gone forever can be restored if you make that choice and mean it.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to recover from addiction; there is only your way. On your journey to recovery, you will meet friends along the way who can help you when you falter, speak to you about hope when you’re feeling hopeless, and lend you strength when yours is weak. When was the last time you slept through the night without drugs, enjoyed a meal, or played a game? As you recover, small things that you once took for granted will play a vital part in your life; health, nutrition, fitness, spirituality, restful sleep, affection, fun, and laughter!

Drug addiction is a cycle. You started with recreational use, believing that you can fully control your drug use. It become more frequent, and then even more frequent until your mind and your body were owned by addiction, the monster you created. However, recovery is not about self-blame. It is about personal responsibility and a total lack of denial about your addiction. Only then can the cycle of recovery begin.

A long term drug rehab center is a place where a person goes to live or to stay in order to deal with their drug problems. It is often a place that a person cannot leave, even if they want to, because they have been ordered to stay or have been signed in against their will, and they cannot leave until the doctor or the person in charge has deemed that they are free of their problems and have the tools necessary to function in normal society again. These kinds of centers become very popular because they have many different treatment programs available, and they are a positive alternative to jails or prisons. Sometimes, a person who is convicted of illegal drugs may opt to go to a treatment center in order to serve their time. This kind of long term drug rehab works better than a prison, because a person will receive the support that they need and may be less apt to get in trouble again.

A long term drug rehab center is a place where a person lives while they are dealing with their drug addiction. They will have a place to sleep and a place to live, and often their entire days are full of activities and counseling and treatment programs. Many times there is a period of intense detox, in which a person does nothing but get off of the drug that is currently in their system. During this time, a person might not be able to participate in other activities, and often has no contact with people outside of the treatment center. This is done in order to ensure that the person can focus only on their drug problem, and can really concentrate on getting better.

After this initial period, there are counseling sessions and groups that meet with the person with a drug addiction. These sessions and group meetings provide many services. An important part of dealing with a drug addiction is education, so a person has a chance to learn about their drug addiction and about addictions in general. They have people to talk to, people who have gone through or are going through the same thing that they are, and they feel like they are in an environment where they can trust others and can say things without fear of intimidation or punishment.

There are also counseling sessions and programs for families of people with drug addictions. During the course of long term drug rehab, families can receive help in order to better understand their family member’s problems, and they can also receive help for themselves. All of these programs will help the family better deal with their problems, and will help the entire family cope with the drug addiction and dealing with it when the person with the drug addiction leaves treatment.

All of these parts together create a very successful idea when it comes to drug treatment. Many experts agree that even though the person is separated from their families and lives for an extended period of time, it is worth it because when the leave they are better equipped to deal with their problems, and much less likely to relapse.

Perhaps it is that the normal options for drug addiction counseling no longer work. If a person has tried all of the out patient alternatives – the counseling, and the out patient meeting programs which are aimed at helping them quit whatever drug they are having problems with – there is another solution available. If these programs fail to help someone get their life back on track, an inpatient drug rehab center might be the only alternative they have left.

These kinds of centers, those that are completely inclusive and where you do not leave in between treatments, provide many of the same services that can be found at the traditional counseling and outpatient drug treatment centers. However, there is much more to an inpatient drug rehab center, and it is an alternative that is worth exploring for many people.

This kind of center is especially beneficial for someone who has no control over their surroundings, or who feels like they cannot control themselves or their addiction. If a person cannot control their surroundings, or is not able to stop doing the things that they are seeking treatment for, an inpatient drug rehab center might be the best option for them,

This kind of center is extremely beneficial to addiction recovery, because it allows a person to have the maximum control over getting better. At an inpatient drug rehab center, people are able to get the treatment that they really need and do not have to worry about outside influences.

If a person has tried the normal alternatives and is not able to defeat their addiction, or if a person feels that they cannot find a place in which they feel safe enough to share what they are going through, an inpatient drug rehab center might be the best option for them. It is important to note that these kind of programs are most useful for people who feel that they have no alternative, but they are beneficial for everyone.

This kind of center is very beneficial when it comes to treating drug abuse, because here a person will have the time to really concentrate on their problems and to really make some progress. It helps not only the person with the problem, but also the family and friends of that person.

You might want to consider this kind of drug rehab center if you simply cannot find a way out of your problems. It is also a viable alternative for those who are in trouble with the law, because often a judge will count time spent in an inpatient drug rehab center towards jail time that someone must serve. It fits both purposes, because you can get help, get well, and serve your time. That way, when you have finished your treatment, you can get on with your life, and you can really begin to live. You must remember that even if a treatment seems like the end of the world, it is really simply the return to real life. There is no real life when you are addicted to drugs, and an inpatient center will help you get clean so that you can really begin to live. It will help you, your family and everyone in your life. And most of the time, you can find these services for free!

No matter where you are in the United States or overseas, you will be able to find a place for drug rehab. There will usually be staffed counselors along with facilities for treatment, counseling, and family care. There will also often be community resources. These are places where you can find the help you need and want. For many people with problems, drug rehab might be the only step that is left – and it might be the only thing that can enrich a life that has been wasted by drug abuse. It may also be the only thing that can save lives.

An important part of drug abuse treatment is finding solace within yourself, and dealing with your addictions and problems. There are many options that are available to people in a center that deals with drug abuse treatment. No matter what, there will be people to talk to. If these people are licensed medical professionals, mental help professionals, trained counselors, or simply people who are ready and willing to lend an ear, the centers have someone to talk to. It is also important to mention that there will often be free numbers that are associated with the substance abuse treatment centers. No matter what steps you take in order to get help with your drug abuse problem, a center is a good place to start.

Often, because of medical attention clauses, if you seek help at a drug rehab center for an issue involving illegal substances, you will be treated for the medical issue primarily. These centers are not concerned with prosecuting offenders, they are concerned with providing treatment and helping people overcome addictions. Counseling and treatment courses are their first priority.

Oftentimes, you can find drug abuse treatment that includes a place to stay, for the night, or for a week, or for an extended period of time. During this time period, you will be able to detox and to take care of yourself, while you are dealing with your addiction. Because these places are often lock down facilities, there will be no way for you to access drugs, and therefore you will be forced to detox, and will be able to deal with the rest of your problems. A facility that allows you to stay and detox while you deal with your addictions is often the best place to go. With no distractions, and nothing to worry about except for getting well, a drug abuse treatment facility is often the best option because you will have more of a chance of making a successful recovery.

It is also important to note that a big part of drug abuse treatment is treating families that have dealt with drug abuse. At these centers, families will also find help and counseling. They might have emergency shelters for families and children, and they might assist families in applying for government help when it comes to substance abuse. These centers are staffed by people who really understand the way these government programs work, and the staff are there to help anyone apply for assistance.

If you are in need of help, find a center for substance abuse in your area. They all provide support and counseling for anyone who requests it, and most of the time all of the services that are provided are free of charge and are also confidential. The change to your life will be remarkable, and you will be better able to function in your family and in society.

The behavior of the addict can have a huge impact on the progress of the treatment process and can determine whether the addict will be vulnerable to relapse or not. If the addict is, by nature, rebellious, deceitful or spiteful, professionals of the center for substance abuse treatment will try to determine why. There are often underlying causes for negative behavior and it is only by tackling the root of the problem that this behavior can be changed. This, however, may be a slow process as changing the habits of a lifetime do not tend to occur quickly. It will depend very much on the addict and his recognition of the problem and his determination to change.

Social patterns can present something called peer pressure, which we have all succumbed to at some point during our lives. It is a natural human desire to want to fit in with our friends but it takes a strong character to know when to say no. Some instances of peer pressure may be completely harmless but others may persuade the individual to do something against his nature or will that he knows will harm him. However, overcoming this peer pressure can be difficult. A center for substance abuse treatment will address this problem, encouraging the addict to discuss his vulnerabilities and recognize the social situations where he may be more likely to follow the trend. The addict will also be encouraged to analyze his current group of friends to determine if they really are friends or just a group of people who encourage negative behavior.

It is important for the addict to recognize that any problems within his family may be contributing to his need for escape through substance abuse. Divorce, constant arguments, pressure from family members or some other source of stress can have a negative impact on the addict. Professionals will try to determine what family problems may exist and help the addict to recognize the effect these issues may be having on his stress levels. Individuals under stress tend to be more inclined to consider abusing substances than less stressed individuals. Drug rehab centers will not only help the addict but will also try to find a solution for the whole family that will ultimately ensure the progress of the addicts’ treatment is successful.

The overall health and diet of the addict will also be addressed. The addict must be in a fit state to receive treatment and will learn how to take care of his body, thus encouraging a more positive lifestyle with less damaging chemicals going into the body. Detoxification of the body will be carried out and the addict will learn about this process and why it is a necessary part of the treatment process. The addict will begin to appreciate his body more and have much more respect for the natural processes of the body, just by experiencing what it feels like to be healthy and free of addiction.

Counseling must be a big part of any addiction treatment process. Any issues that may be affecting the treatment process or the on-going recovery of the addict outside the center for substance abuse treatment will be fully discussed and analysed in an attempt to get to the root of the problem and clear the path for the addict to make a good recovery.

Centers for substance abuse treatment provide everything the addict needs to make a successful recovery. However, it will inevitably come down to the addict himself as to how much determination and willpower he has to remain healthy and free from substance abuse permanently.

An inpatient drug rehab center works in much the same way outpatient services do – except that it operates like a hospital or jail, a person does not leave in between the treatments. A person at a drug rehab center stays in that center for the duration of their treatments. An inpatient rehabilitation programs provides all of the services that a person can find in outpatient places, and even more.

At an inpatient drug rehab center, people are able to get the treatment that they really need and do not have to worry about outside influences. There will usually be a period in which a person who has entered an inpatient drug rehab center will not have any contact with the outside world – including their friends and family. This is not done to create any kind of tension, and it is not done to punish the person in an inpatient drug rehab center. It is done so that the person might concentrate on getting better, and concentrate on themselves without worrying about things that are out of their control – things on the outside of their treatment.

At this kind of center, a person has the time and the ability to really concentrate on their problems and to really make some progress. It is really only in an inpatient drug rehab center that a person is able to get away from all of the things in their lives that might be causing them problems, and really concentrate on the things that they need to do in order to get better.

An inpatient drug rehab provides plenty of counseling for each of the patients, and each patient can receive counseling that relates directly to their specific drug addiction problem. It is important for a person to have individualized counseling, because each addiction problem is different, and each person must be able to find the kind of help that they need, without worrying about maintaining any particular mindset or dealing with anything other than their problem.

Inpatient drug rehab centers also provide counseling for families, and information for people who know someone in the center. There are counselors who deal only with friends and loved ones of the patient, because it is important to remember that families and friends of people with drug addictions are going to have lots to deal with, just as the patient will.

At the drug rehab, it will be imperative to allow each patient to deal with their own problems. This doesn’t happen in lots of out patient centers, because the work will be more generalized for everyone. In an inpatient drug rehab center, a person can get individualized help, and this help is something that they will really benefit from.

It might be distressing to have your loved one gone from your life for treatment, and it may take time for loved ones to rebuild relationships after they have dealt with their drug addictions. However, it is worth it because it is only through getting help that a person can truly heal.

You will feel some discomfort while you get the drugs out of your system. Your body and your mind is telling you it wants to use drugs and fighting that feeling can be very difficult and uncomfortable.

The idea of rehab is to get to the root of the problem that causes addiction. This causes the addict to bring up painful memories, and confront trauma they’ve had in their lives. A large part of addiciton is to mask the pain that one has had over their life. The addict must get honest whith them selves and others about their use and the things the have done. The realizations that one comes to while doing the work are very painful, and it seems easier to use drugs than continue going through that pain.

As the drugs leave the system, and they continue to deal with the issues, the fog begins to clear. Once they start behaving in an esteemable fashion, then self esteem begins to grow. As self esteem begins to grow the the need for dugs becomes less and less.

Have you seen any of these signs of addiction?

• Unable to enjoy events, have fun or relax without drugs or alcohol?
• Missing work or school? or, seeing poor performance or grades?
• Repeatedly selling possessions, stealing or borrowing money?
• Irritability, mood swings, and erratic behavior (especially when not high)?
• Loss of concern with hygiene and appearance?
• Suspicious little behaviors like slipping off to the bathroom, basement or other dark areas often?
• No longer associating with people who don’t drink or use drugs?

If you are noticing any of these signs in yourself or one you love, It is time to seek the help of a drug rehab program. Pick up the phone today and call, research the internet, or talk to a school counselor, or therapist. There are many options out there, and there is help and hope.

A certain non-profit organization, for instance provides assistance to families of those who are participating in that facility’s rehab program. This help comes in the form of a food bank that families are allowed to utilize every 90 days, and a clothing bank that provides clothing every six months.

This certain organization also provides a free meal EVERY DAY at 5:15 PM. So, the family is assured of at least one hot meal.

Further, when they have the funds to do so, the organization will help with utility bills and rent. This isn’t a “given”, again it depends on whether or not the money is there.

What a comfort this must be to the rehab patient! Going through long-term drug rehab is already stressful enough, and when a patient has to worry about his or her family on top of everything else, it just makes it harder. So, when he or she learns that there is one less thing to worry about, that’s just going to make the who process a little easier.

A little reminder here (OK, to be honest, a little guilt trip here). Non-profit means just that. The organization DOESN’T get any money from any government agency or get support from a phlant…philan…oh, heck, some rich person with money to burn; it relies on donations.

So, all those out there who (but for the grace of God) are NOT in a long-term drug rehab program how about making a donation? Just get on the Internet, type in “non-profit organizations” find one that does offer drug rehab programs, and give.

Anyway, the program starts with drug education and ends with emphasis on making a successful transition back into the community (English translation: getting out of the joint and getting on with life. You dig?) If it is determined that a prisoner needs more in-depth treatment, there are residential and non-residential programs available.

The residential drug rehab program is different in that inmates participating in that are put into a whole different section of the facility. It is very intensive, and goes five days a week, with half of each day spent entirely on programming. The rest of the day is spent on work skills, and any other education that might be needed.

Inmates who do decide to go into a program such as this may see some of their prison time reduced. Some may see as much as a year removed from their sentence. This only applies to non-violent criminals, though. The guy who has decided he is channeling “Jack the Ripper” probably won’t get this little perk. And, for good reason.

Anyway, back to the prison substance abuse treatment program. It’s been shown that inmates who go through these types of programs that are offered have a better chance of making it “on the outside”, and do not seem to return to the former drug use habits. So, it’s a good thing.

It’s only being done in some prisons. Why not all prisons?

Is a minimum TWO-YEAR stay too long? (There are some centers that START at two years.) In other words, if a patient isn’t willing to come in with the understanding that he or she doesn’t leave for AT LEAST two years, then they don’t get in.

On the other side of the coin, when an inpatient drug rehab center does not require its patients to stay but a minimum of three weeks from the day they walk in the door until the day they leave, is that going to the opposite extreme?

Again, it depends on the individual. One person may be ready to leave one week after entering rehab, because he or she realized that the goal of becoming and remaining drug or alcohol free had already been accomplished the day the decision was made to do so. Another may need all the time that he or she can possibly be given, and it still not really have been enough.

Should the detox and withdrawal phases be counted as part of the time, or should the time be counted AFTER these phases have been passed through AND the patient has gotten over the effects? Probably not, as the patient more likely will either not remember or WANT to remember those experiences, preferring to instead think back over the times when he or she was aware that strides were being made.

No easy answers, really. Financial concerns that will surely come from a lengthy stay could pose additional stress on an already not-too-steady patient. But, if there is help in that area, then that won’t be a problem.

Anyone out there want to contribute any answers?

For that matter, should “success” be measured at all? Doesn’t that automatically set some people up for failure, especially if the guidelines offered seem too stringent or too narrow?

Some personal thoughts and opinions on the matter. Feel free to respond.

Success begins when the person admits there is a problem. Success continues as the person works through the problem. HOW this is accomplished does not have any effect on success.

If the idea that success must be achieved seems to hinder more than it helps, then a recovering addict may wish to call it something else– “Reaching a goal” “entering a new phase of life”, whatever. As long as the feeling of accomplishment is recognized, that’s what important.

Along the same lines, sometimes, being “successful” tends to give the impression that something has been accomplished once and for all. So, if a relapse happens, the feeling that the success has been taken away can be overwhelming, to the point that someone may give up on ever becoming drug/alcohol free. Because of this, using other words or terms may prove to be a better suggestion.

All words have meanings; however, when the meaning of a word turns out to be a stumbling-block, wouldn’t it be better to substitute another word that might just fit better?

Besides, when it comes to drug rehabs, he only words that ARE important are DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE! (Especially the “free” one.)

Anyway, just last week (Oct.21-27), there was an article in a local about drug rehabilitation centers, and Synanon was mentioned. After approximately 15 years (the center has been defunct since the 1990s) with hardly any mention at all of the center, it shows up in a news article. Guess that proves the old saying “There is nothing new under the sun”.

A drug rehabilitation center from the ‘70s still getting attention in 2007. Wonder if that’s because the “baby boomers” are reaching Social Security age? (That was a big deal, too, especially with the very first “baby boomer” applying for Social Security).

Seems as though the nostalgia craze has really hit where the baby boomer years are concerned, especially the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Not a day goes by that something is not said about that time. Probably has to do with all the anniversaries that have recently passed: Woodstock, Brown vs. Board of Education (desegregation), etc.

Kind of sad, though, when you think about it, that any drug rehabilitation center, past or present, still has to be mentioned. Yeah, it’s true that drugs and drug addiction has been around practically since the beginning of time, but, hey, if (a man can be on the moon, a “reusable” spacecraft can be invented, some diseases be completely eradicated…add anything else that can be thought of here) why can’t something be done about the “war on drugs”?

Other people believe that it’s a one-time thing: that once the person has “kicked the habit” and returned to normal life, the rehab is over, at least until the next time, if there is a next time.

That is probably as individual a thing as the choice of a program itself. More than likely, no two people are going to feel the same.

This person may feel that he or she will have to continue to “touch base”, through meetings or regular counseling sessions, or continual self-examination or something. And, he or she may make no bones about the fact that they were/are “in rehab”.

Another person may walk out of the clinic, and never look back, and never give it a second thought, unless for some reason it is necessary for them to disclose the treatment. Then, he or she might have the attitude of “That’s in my past. It no longer applies. And, I don’t want to talk about it, or don’t feel the need to let anyone know that this ever happened.”

And, that’s fine. But, it’s for sure that drug rehabilitation is going to have long-term effects (isn’t that the idea?) and the person who went through it is going to be different in some way. How that person chooses to see it, however, is going to be up to that person.

Going to AA or NA? ANNNKKKK! (Think game show “wrong answer” buzzer sound). Not going to work, big waste of time. Why, programs like that stop just short of using “brainwashing” techniques!

Participating in a drug rehab treatment program offered at that facility over there at the medical center? AAH-OOGA! AAH-OOGA! (“Dive! Dive! Dive!”) No, no, no! They use methadone to help a person through withdrawal! What a joke!

Pulling oneself up by the bootstraps, putting down that bottle or pipe or whatever and licking that habit once and for all, with no help from anybody, nothing but brute strength and willpower! Now, that’s the spirit! (Wild applause, “We are the Champions” playing in background).

Hey, that’s the attitude some of these websites have. If someone has doubts that the above is true, then just type in “alternative drug rehab treatment” and stand back.

OK, OK, yes, yes, we know, we know. Different strokes for different folks! BUT, no one is served when programs are held up for criticism.

Comparison is fine, as long as that’s what it is. But, when lambasting a program is disguised as “comparison”, that’s wrong, too. And, it doesn’t help ANYONE in ANY way.

There simply is no right or wrong drug rehab treatment, unless the treatment does more harm physical, mentally, or emotionally, than good. And, that’s all there is to it.

Anybody want to try to catch some of the worms that escaped? Didn’t think so. OK, how about “chasing” one and contributing a thought or two?

If the place is good, and the patient likes it, then, that’s what matters. If the treatment is straightforward, proven to work, and isn’t “out there”; but, rather, is backed by or based on some good old common sense, then, terrific, that’s what’s needed.

There are rules, of course, and they are enforced. And, while he or she is a “guest” there, the recovering person’s life is pretty much NOT his or her own. They are told when to get up, when to eat, when to go to individual counseling, when to go to group counseling, just about everything they need to do, they’re told when and how to do it. That’s OK, though; that discipline is needed right now. A little “bossing around” isn’t going to hurt one bit.

Still, coming to the center was the best decision ever made. Differences and improvements are seen almost immediately. This patient is not sick any more, and is actually beginning to regain a little self-confidence. That is due to the “reward” method of treatment. One patient got to visit with his family last week. He said that he can’t remember the last time he enjoyed something so much. Yeah, there’s still has a long way to go. So, what to do? That’s easy. Just accept that it’s going to take a while, and press on.