Helping a loved one with addiction problems is incredibly tough and many people feel conflicted about sending them to a rehab facility. Understanding the long term drug treatment steps for your loved ones in rehab can help you decide whether a facility is right for them and give you peace of mind. If you are unsure about what the long term drug treatment process involves, these are some of the key steps. 

Detoxification Process

In many cases, if a person is heavily addicted to drugs or alcohol, it is dangerous for them to stop taking substances immediately. The body becomes used to having these substances in the system, so when they are removed, addicts experience withdrawal symptoms. In people that have been using drugs or alcohol for a long time and regularly consume large amounts, it is important that all traces of drugs are removed gradually. This gives the brain time to adjust and helps to manage the withdrawal symptoms. Treatments centers offer a detoxification process to make sure that this is carried out safely. 

When tackling addiction problems, there are two aspects that must be dealt with; the physical and the mental. Although addiction issues often have their roots in mental health, it is hard for somebody to tackle this side of things if they are physically unwell. So, long term drug treatment steps for your loved ones in rehab usually focus on the physical symptoms of addiction first, through a detox program. 

Inpatient Programs 

There are a number of options for people going through rehab. The most serious addiction cases will be dealt with through an inpatient program. This means that your loved one will live at the facility full-time, with a group of other people in recovery. They will receive support and counseling sessions, both individual and group sessions, to determine the causes of the addiction. They will also learn techniques and methods to help them resist cravings and avoid a relapse. Usually, people stay in an inpatient program for one to three months. Residential inpatient programs are very similar, but the surroundings are more like a standard living space and less like a hospital. 

Outpatient Programs 

People in inpatient programs would struggle to resist their cravings and stick to their sobriety without fully immersing themselves in their recovery. However, some people with less serious addiction issues do not require a full-time stay. Instead, they attend outpatient programs that involve regular group sessions at a rehab facility. Once the session is over, they are free to leave and it is up to them to manage their sobriety between sessions. 

There are varying degrees of outpatient programs with different intensities. This option is most effective for those with a strong support network at home. 

Aftercare Planning For Their Recovery

Once they have completed their rehabilitation program, your loved one will have an aftercare program in place to help them with the transition back to normal life. This will be planned according to their specific needs and it helps them avoid relapsing in the future. 

These steps have been proven to work, so if you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction issues, it is important that you find a local treatment center. Here at the Robert Alexander Center, we have a number of specialized treatment programs to help. 

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