Can Drug Addiction Be Treated
Yes, but its not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people cant simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives.
Addiction treatment must help the person do the following:
- stop using drugs
- be productive in the family, at work, and in society
How To Help Someone With Drug Addiction: 10 Ways To Support Them
June 02, 2020Addiction
When someone that you love is struggling with addiction, it can also feel like a struggle to find ways to help. The truth of the matter is that recovery from drug addiction is usually a long and complicated journey. With the support of a loved one, it can become that much easier to begin the journey and see it through to the end.
If you dont have much experience with drug or alcohol addiction, the whole situation can quickly feel overwhelming. Instead of ignoring the situation or backing away because of the overwhelm, take the time to encourage them to identify their problem and seek a solution.
Are you trying to navigate the complexities of addiction by being a support system for a loved one? There are certain things you can do to provide the most help. Some things should be avoided for the best chance of recovery.
Below, were sharing how to help a loved one with a substance use addiction and a few things to avoid while supporting someone through it.
Drug And Alcohol Charities
You may find yourself in the position where you absolutely cannot afford the cost of private residential treatment, nor can you afford to wait for free services from the NHS. There may be one other option to consider: drug and alcohol charities.
There are a small number of charitable organisations, both religious and secular, that offer free addiction rehab services. These charities operate thanks to the generous gifts of individual donors and corporate grants. From time to time, they may receive some limited government funding as well.
The main advantage of alcohol and drug charities is that they provide many of the same services offered by private clinics. This includes residential treatment programmes. All of the services they offer are typically free with no questions asked. However, there are downsides as well.
The main downside is that charity programmes tend to be limited in the amount of available beds. Unfortunately, they can only operate as funding allows them to. If they do not receive enough donations in a given year, they will not be available to help as many people.
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The Benefits Of Taking Action Early
Movies, books, and magazines often portray people who hit bottom before they can be helped. However, this representation is a myth. People do not need to bottom out to be helped. Research shows that early identification of the problem is a much more effective solution for substance use problems.
Early identification occurs at the first signs of a problem before anyone has suffered a traumatic event, dropped out of school, or lost important relationships, jobs, health, or self-respect.
Identification can be done through a health care professional screening, employee assistance professional, or family member. What happens after the screening depends on the results of the test. Some people can learn to cut back, while some need further assessment and possible treatment.
In general, all people are better equipped to work on recovery if their substance use problem is discovered and confronted early on. Treatment in the early stages of a substance use disorder is likely to be less intense, less disruptive, and cause less anxiety.
Waiting for people to ask for help is a risky strategy. Without help, family members can expect crises like arrests, medical emergencies, loss of job, public embarrassment, and even death.
Some people find that when they seek help for themselves, the person struggling with addiction gets angry. This may be perhaps because the efforts represent a loss of control. Also, getting help signals that you are serious about changing the situation.
Selling Items Of Value
Due to the importance of getting treatment for a serious substance addiction, it may be necessary to liquidate some non-essential items of value in order to finance the cost of rehab. Items such as sports equipment, digital equipment , collections of art, music equipment, used car or boats, sports memorabilia and jewelry can be sold quickly and easily.
All of these items are non-essential to survival and can provide the funds needed for necessary addiction treatment.
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What Are Free Rehab Programs
Free rehab programs are designed to provide treatment and rehab services to people who are unable to otherwise afford it. In most cases, these services are funded by taxpayers, federal and/or state programs, private donations, and grants.2
Eligibility requirements and limitations may vary by a wide range of factors, including the type of grant, allocation of funding, and who administers it. There are numerous state funding sources and different states have different requirements.2
Additionally, there can be limits based on demographic considerations that are stipulated in grants, such as programs that receive funding specifically for pregnant women, or the requirements based on the types of treatment and services offered .2
Different options are available to help cover the costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment. This can include:1, 3,4,5
Ways To Help Drug Addicts And What To Say To Someone In Rehab
When someone you love is struggling with addiction, naturally you want to be able to offer them some help. However, finding the correct ways to help drug addicts without enabling them to continue in their addiction can be difficult. In this article, we are going to take a look at what to say to someone in rehab by offer you the encouraging words for someone in rehab in your life.
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Treatment Approaches For Drug And Alcohol Addiction
If you have a severe problem with drugs or alcohol, you might need hospital treatment. You might also need to do a detoxification program to get rid of drugs and alcohol in your body.
Rehabilitation can involve counselling to help you change your behaviour. You might also be prescribed medicine.
If you have a drug or alcohol problem and a mental illness, you will need help with both at the same time.
Rehabilitation might not be successful the first time. Many people need to go through the process more than once. But if it doesnt work first time, you will have learnt something, and it will make it easier next time.
S To Overcome Drug Addiction
There are a few steps that one can take to overcome drug addiction.
- First, an individual should have a strong reason to work on the addiction. This might be anything from children to happiness at work, to being able to keep up with your hobbies and family life.
- Secondly, identify the triggers of your addiction and make plans around it. It is important to treat the addiction as early as possible for this step to be effective.
- Thirdly, find a professional therapist and form a therapeutic relationship with them.
- Lastly, make lifestyle changes like eating well and getting more exercise.
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Who Meets The Criteria To Enroll In Free Drug Rehabs
Most of the free drug rehab centers have some requirements and prerequisites which must be met by clients for them to be considered for qualification in the rehab facility.
The following individuals may meet the criteria to be enrolled in free drug rehab:
- Individuals who show a genuine inability to pay. This is probably the most important qualifying factor.
- Veterans who are seeking addiction treatment.
- Pregnant women who are addicted.
- Pregnant women who are abusing IV drugs,
- Women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol within one year of giving birth.
- Being a resident of a state in which treatment is being sought.
- Being a member of a faith community in a state that runs a faith-based treatment center.
Free Rehab Centers: Looking For No
Reviewed by Michael Espelin APRN
Overcoming any addiction takes a great deal of determination but also requires money to pay for the treatment. Unfortunately, many addiction treatment programs are expensive and unaffordable for recovering people with substance use disorder . The saddest thing is when someone wants to quit but simply doesnt have the money to get help. How to get rehab for free? Does a free rehab program work? Is it possible to get into online rehab for free?
There are many resources available for people with SUD motivated to quit but struggling with the cost of addiction treatment. For example, some private free residential drug rehab centers offer no-cost treatment to unemployed, homeless, and impoverished people with SUD. Also, there are government-funded free 30-day rehab programs that provide outpatient care to people with substance abuse problems. In addition, many faith-based organizations run free Christian drug rehab centers.
If a loved one is battling addiction and cannot pay for treatment, this guide will help find the best free program for drug rehab.
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Can Drug Addiction Be Cured Or Prevented
As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isnt a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patients drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.
More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.
What Is Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a widespread problem that many people are dealing with. It can be extremely difficult to overcome on your own, but there are many treatment options available. There are inpatient treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, 12 step programs, and counseling. Its important to find the treatment option that is best for you and to seek help if you are struggling with drug addiction. The consequences of drug addiction can be devastating both physically and mentally, so its important to get help if you are addicted to drugs.
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Why Are Drugs Addictive
Its not just about lack of willpower. Drugs and alcohol ultimately change a persons brain to the point where the brain thinks it needs it. Even though repeated use leads to harmful or severe health issues, the brain still thinks it needs the drug. Drugs affect the brains reward circuit that causes the feeling of pleasure, like getting high off drugs and entering a state of euphoria. This is why you want to do it again and again and again. Genetics can play a huge role in addiction too.
Private Funding And Financing
Because the cost of rehab can be quite high depending on the facility and length of stay, it may be necessary to secure private financing for treatment if the individual is uninsured and cannot qualify for federal or state assistance. Some addiction treatment centers may offer scholarships, so its a good idea to talk to the admissions office as soon as you decide on a rehab.
If not, the treatment facility may offer financing plans that allow you to make payments after discharge. This arrangement is sometimes offered through a third party lender that can create a loan package. Be sure to discuss financing options with any treatment center being considered.
If you have savings, an IRA or a 401 plan, it may be necessary to take out some of that money to cover your treatment program. If your home has equity, you may be able to access that through a home equity loan and use it toward rehab services.
Fundraising Or Crowdfunding
Family members may be able to help you pay for rehab as well. Suggest that they make the payment directly to the facility so there will be no question that the funds are being used as intended. Friends may also be able to help raise money for your rehab costs using Crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe.
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Who Qualifies For Free Rehab
The treatment centers run by nonprofit organizations will often provide payment assistance for those in need of services. Several nonprofits offer free treatment at their own rehab centers or at private facilities through scholarships. Many religious organizations also offer payment assistance to individuals who qualify, and several religious organizations offer faith-based drug and alcohol rehab for free as part of their ministry services.
Most government-funded rehab programs have strict requirements for eligibility. If you apply for these programs, you will likely be required to show proof of US citizenship, income, lack of adequate insurance, and state residency.
Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Programs are only available to eligible veterans receiving care from the VA system.4 These free addiction treatment programs include various services such as detoxification, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.
How Many Prisoners In Canada Are Addicts
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction found that over 51% of prisoners in federal correctional institutes had an alcohol problem, and 48% have had problems with drugs. Over half of the Canadian federal offenders admitted that substance use or abuse was directly or indirectly related to one or more of their convictions.
Despite the efforts of prison administrators to eliminate the possibility of drug use in prisons, its still a large problem. Conducting random cell searches or testing urine samples wont stop addicts from obtaining their way of getting high. If theres a will, theres a way.
But not only does this decrease their chances of finding sobriety once theyre released, it increases their risk of exposure to HIV, Aids, and hepatitis C. These diseases are transmitted through the blood and worst of all, there is no cure.
But there is a cure for addiction, if its offered. Some prisoners in British Columbias Kent Institution dont receive psychiatric help for their addictions until their release date edges closer.
Fentanyl is the primary drug of choice in B.C., and because of this, the average lifespan in beautiful province of B.C. is starting to get lower.In 2012, fentanyl overdose deaths were at 4%. In 2018, that number rose to 85% in B.C. alone. Its no wonder the province is facing a public health emergency involving drug overdoses.
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Ways To Help Drug Addicts: #2 Involve The Addict In Sober Activities
When going through the addiction, drug use takes over the majority of your time and energy, because of this, addicts can become overwhelmed with a seemingly daunting question: what is there to do besides drugs? While the answer to this question may seem extremely simple and almost silly to someone who has never struggled with addiction, for any addict, picturing any activity without the aid of drugs or alcohol can seem rather strange and impossible. One of the best ways you can help a struggling addict break through this problem, is by exposing them to a number of fun and interesting activities while sober. That means anything that you enjoy doing. Take them on vacations, work together on arts and crafts or projects, share a hobby together, and go to new and interesting places. As long as the activity does not involve drugs or alcohol, its fair game, and it will ultimately help them create a better more productive life for themselves.
Local Drug/alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
Anyone seeking free addiction treatment should not give up. It is admirable that you recognize the need for change. One way to begin is to visit local addiction treatment centers or attend a meeting and make connections with recovering addicts already in a program. Recovering addicts are always eager to help other addicts. Accepted enrollees to some local rehabilitation centers benefit from local sponsors and are generally accepted on an as needed basis.
A common way to commence the search for free drug or alcohol addiction is to connect with a local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous group and attend a meeting. These meetings are typically held at local churches or other public venues. Notices of meetings are posted on the Internet or in other public locations. Participants welcome new candidates for recovery.
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State Supported Rehab Programs
Most states and even some cities and counties offer outpatient and inpatient alcohol and drug treatment facilities that are completely tax supported and charge no fees. These programs can range from short-term detoxification centers to long-term residential treatment facilities and individual outpatient counseling at local clinics.
State-sponsored programs generally have a long waiting list, as they are primarily utilized by people who are already in the “system” due to their interaction with agencies such as the Department of Family and Children Services, the county health department, or the criminal justice system.
Also, because these programs are supported by tax dollars, in times of economic stress, they also can experience cutbacks in funding and restraints on the services they can provide, at the very time the demand for their services are increasing.
