Alcohol and drug addiction affects all strata of society. From the down and out, who may steal to obtain funds to finance their substance of choice, to the extremely rich, who can well afford the “finer things in life”. Men and women of all races, religion or no religion, urban or rural areas, addiction does not discriminate.
For individuals that have decided that “enough is enough”, and determine that they need help, they have taken a very significant first step in the process of recovery. If living in south Florida, looking into an outpatient program in Palm Beach may just be the first step they can take to get their chaotic, reckless and often dangerous life back in order.
There are different levels of drug and alcohol addiction. From the user who is still functional in life, yet are beginning to see things slipping away (missing classes, relationships souring, the job starting to be affected by making mistakes or missing some time as a result of continued or increasing use, and so on) to the addict that can’t function at all without having their substance in their system, all need some level of help.
Inpatient treatment programs, where the addict stays 24/7 at a treatment facility, with doctors and counselors on hand at all times, is designed to best help those hardcore addicts. Those that need the medical and mental supervision immediately. For the addict who’s life and safety may be at risk if they don’t get this structured, supervised care until they can advance to less “extreme” levels of care.
The next step in the treatment process, and perhaps where many addicts start off with, is enrolling in an outpatient program.
Patients in an outpatient program live in their own homes. Unlike inpatient programs, where patients must stay on site at all times, outpatient clients are free to go about living their normal lives. Going to work, shopping, socializing, and all other life responsibilities are taken care of freely. Outpatient clients simply come to the treatment facility for their treatment during their assigned time. It could be on a daily basis, weekly, or on a bi-weekly schedule.
Patients in outpatient programs need to have the confidence to know that they can abstain from the temptation of going back to their substance of choice while out in the world on their own. One false notion that many users have is that now that they’ve been clean for awhile, and perhaps have had some measure of treatment, they can go back to their favorite substance just for “a little”.
They’re convinced they won’t need as much as before, that they can stop anytime that day, and any day for that matter. If they convince themselves of this, and attempt this “ease back into it just a little”, they’ll find, perhaps with dire consequences, that they’ll always be sorry. If this is indeed the case, then inpatient treatment is necessary. That substance has taken over their life, and this must be addressed by professionals that are experienced in helping those most in need.
When it comes to drug addiction, the first thought that comes to many people’s minds are those that are addicted to those illegal, back alley drugs users get on “the sly”. Cocaine, meth, heroin and the like picked up secretly in a meeting with the dealer. Less is thought of when it comes to prescription drug addiction. Yes, the drugs are obtained legally. But the dependence and overuse of prescription drugs holds the same dangers as addiction to any other substance, and also must be addressed with treatment.
Different prescription drugs have different effects on the body. Opioids, with effects similar to opium, are used for the treatment of pain. Benzodiazepenes, like opioids, are very physically addicting. Stimulants and depressants in their own rights are as dangerous to quit as any other prescription drug. If the addict attempts to quit “cold turkey” on their own, this is an admirable goal, but could be extremely dangerous to do. Withdrawal can cause serious illness, even death.
Users with a prescription drug addiction would most certainly best be served by checking into a prescription drug detox program. These programs provide a safe, medically monitored environment where the patient can get specialized care, tailor-made to their needs and level of addiction. Different drugs will require different types of treatment, and a consultation with a counselor at the treatment facility will help the user see what their best treatment will look like.
