Addiction and Drug Rehab

Addiction is a physiological, psychological and emotional dependence/craving for any substance/activity the user perceives to make him/her feel better. Drug addiction refers to addiction to chemical substances and includes both illicit ( street) drugs and prescription Drugs. Some of these substances can cause permanent damage to brain function. The addiction can and frequently does take over the addict’s life often destroying family, social and work relationships.

Now we come to the need for drug rehab. As with many issues prevention is the optimal course of action. Even if every person could be educated fully on the dangers of drug use we would still find those with the attitude “It won’t happen to me.”

Drug Rehab is any program that purports to have the addict abstain from the use of drugs i.e. to get the addict clean. These programs also provide support, counseling, life-skills so the addict can return to society as a useful productive member of that society.

These programs also try to provide the skills so the addict won’t return to drug use as a means of coping with life’s stresses (both good and bad).

There are many different formats Los Angeles drug rehab centers use. Some are based on the 12 step program which when followed is quite successful for alcoholism. Some are based on a 30 day residential intense counseling format. These two formats have shown to be less successful with drug addicts. Similar format programs but for a 60 to 90 day period of time seem to have a better success.

There are specialty rehab centers which cater to “dual diagnosis” clients as well as centers which provide treatment for gay and lesbian clients. Another program uses a type of purification including high doses of vitamins and minerals in conjunction with a sauna designed to sweat out the toxins. Their program includes classes of life building skills taken in conjunction with a partner for support and encouragement through the difficult times.

Many of these programs are very expensive and beyond the reach of most addicts who’ve spent everything and often turned to crime as a method of feeding their habit.

All of these programs have varying degrees of success. Much is dependent upon the addict. Different programs work better for different people. Individual success is influenced somewhat by the addict’s perceived support system, and could be further influenced by a system of regular follow up from the treatment center. Drug rehab is an ongoing lifelong process.