Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Saint Louis (877) 804-1531
Drug addiction is a condition when dependence develops on legal or illegal drug substances. A person with drug addiction problems can't control their drug use and it continues despite harmful consequences. Addicted persons crave drugs and may want sobriety, but they can't do it alone. Drug rehab is an effective way to help addicts who want to stop abusing drugs and alcohol, using safe and effective drug treatment.
Drug addiction requires treatment in a qualified treatment facility. To find out how to find the right programs and centers for you or someone you love, contact Saint Louis Drug Treatment Centers.
What is Drug Rehab?
Drug rehab is the treatment for dependency on the psychoactive substances in legal and street drugs. Though it may be labeled drug rehab, these substances include alcohol. Drug rehab is needed for safe, healthy and sustained recovery from all types of addictions.
There are primary addictions, the substance addictions to drugs and alcohol, as well as secondary addictions. Secondary addictions may include gambling, shopping, sex and exercise addictions which have all been observed with substance abusers.
Secondary addictions are likely due to chemical changes in the brain that addiction has caused. Once the brain has been altered by the primary addiction, the door opens for secondary ones.
Typically, a secondary addiction is observed with drugs in the same class as the original drug. For example, if the primary addiction is to cocaine, an abuser can easily develop an addiction to meth, as both are stimulants.
Secondary addictions aren't limited to drugs, activities are also observed as secondary. An addict addicted to meth is vulnerable to developing an addiction to exercise or other activities to work off manic energy levels.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Symptoms
Drug and alcohol addiction symptoms include:
- Using on a daily basis or multiple times a day
- Having intense cravings for substances
- More quantities of the substances needed to obtain the same effects
- Time is spent obtaining and using substances
- Spending large amounts of money on substances
- Missing obligations and favorite activities because of substance use
- Stealing and deception is used to get substances
- Risky behaviors while under the influence of substances
- Spending increasing amounts of time and energy on obtaining and using substances to the neglect of all else
- Attempts to stop using substances are not successful
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop taking substances
Different Treatment Center Options for Addiction
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a safe and controlled environment to begin longer term treatment. A medical detox is administered to eliminate all illicit substances physically. Residential treatment then begins and may last a few weeks to a few months.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient drug rehab programs hold daily meetings, but participants don't live in the rehab center. Outpatient rehab treatment for drug addiction includes attending 12-step groups as well as individual counseling with therapists.
Importance of Treatment
Most abusers try numerous times and cannot stop by themselves. Physical and mental dependency on substances has a powerful hold due to brain chemistry alterations. Abusers can't stop or decrease substances consumption without experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms. These situations, coupled with fearing life without substances as a coping mechanism, makes abusers avoid treatment.
A medically supervised detox virtually eliminates withdrawal symptoms. Abusers do not have to experience any discomfort, providing they have a medical detoxification. Knowing this helps people overcome fear of treatment. By explaining a safe detox and how it can help someone get the treatment they need to become sober has been proven effective in convincing them to enter treatment.
Learn more about detox, rehab, and other treatments for drug and alcohol addiction when you call Saint Louis Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.