Dawsonville Drug Rehab – Applying the Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
Dawsonville Georgia
Dawsonville is 10 miles from Amicalola State park, site of the Amicalola falls which is the tallest cascading waterfalls this side of the Mississippi, and is also a charming town known for its laidback lifestyle. It is one town which is regarded as a prime spot for retiree-living, due to its relaxing atmosphere, low real property taxes and the fact that it is only half an hour away from scenic spots. Dawsonville is also situated in Georgia, which incidentally is the state located strategically between New York and Miami, which as the whole world knows is the major distribution hubs in the East. Therefore, it is not surprising that crack and cocaine is widely distributed in its major cities, particularly Atlanta. It is also a fact that from the millions of people who are now addicted to illicit substances, only around 16% receives treatment – and that is a rather optimistic estimate, seeing that there is stigma associated with drug addiction and someone struggling with it is trying very hard not to show it.
Now, if you are part of the 16% who knows that treatment is available, or who wants someone to get help, then surely, you understand that treatment for substance abuse is serious, and not something anyone can engage in halfheartedly. By that though, it doesn’t mean that anyone who was only forced into rehab will never get rid of drugs in his system, in all the meanings of the phrase. Medical research shows that people who were forced into rehab by their families, by an employer or by court order have just as much chance to make it as any guy who volunteers. While self-motivation can help, there are also several components at play which can ensure the success of a treatment plan. It only means that for treatment to work, you need to at least know what you are looking for. In this article, the principles of drug addiction treatment is discussed, along with tips on making sure you get the services of a good facility, be it a Dawsonville drug rehab center, or another Georgia rehab center.
1. Drug addiction is an illness. It affects the brain and its functions. Therefore, someone struggling with substance abuse has poor impulse control and sense of judgment, and may have a hard time halting the use of illicit substances without the help of well-trained personnel and their own friends and family members who can give support.
2. There is no one-for-all formula in drug rehabilitation. What works for one person may not work for another. Speak with a rehabilitation counselor to find which rehab center is best for your needs. Note that your needs may vary according to the nature of the addiction, the substances involved, the environment and the existence of other psychological problems. There should be pre-engagement assessment.
3. Treatment should be readily available. The patient may have suddenly decided to commit to rehabilitation. At the moment he decides upon this, he should be able to access treatment as soon as possible. That is why at the first signs of substance-abuse trouble, you should find out about possible treatment programs and centers. Dawsonville drug rehab facilities and other Georgia rehab centers are good option for those in the east coast for its proximity and laidback environment.
4. Substance addiction treatment should target multiple aspects, and not just the substance abuse itself. The approach should be holistic, with the psychological, social, educational, vocational and even legal problems arising from the addiction being taken care of.
5. The period of treatment of critical. There is a higher risk of falling into relapse if the patient halts the treatment plan before the recommended period of time is reached. Therefore, importance should be placed on keeping the patient in treatment. Keep the patient engaged. Ample support should be provided during withdrawal. Pressure from outside will also work. Employment requirements as well as a court order can compel a person to continue treatment.
6. Pharmacotherapy can help tremendously. Medications such as methadone and buphrenorphine can help. Gums and patches as nicotine replacement can also help. While the use of methadone and similar chemicals are currently controversial because people see those drugs as a substitute and not a cure, they can be effective. Their pharmacological effects are very different from heroin and they can be controlled as well. Moreover, unlike heroin, they do not result to fluctuations in drug levels. They keep the patient stabilized until such a time that there is no more craving, or that the craving is manageable enough for non-pharmacological treatment.
7. Counseling and therapy works. Individual counseling, along with intensive cognitive behavior therapy and group counseling builds motivation and resistance to drug use by enabling the patient to do more constructive activities. Problem solving skills can also be improved so that the brain can regain its pre-addiction functions and to make cognitive therapy more effective. The later can help the patient in developing impulse control by being aware of triggers and cause-effect relations.
8. There should be a background check for other existing mental problems. This is because drug use is also often brought about by depression, low self-esteem and bi-polar disorder. The patient should be able to deal with his addiction and with the existing mental problems as well.
9. Detoxification is not always the answer. Keep this is mind whenever you look up the services of Dawsonville drug rehab facilities, or any other facility for that matter. Detoxification can literally help you get the substances out of your system, and the withdrawal systems can even be medically managed, but it doesn’t stop there. It should be followed by more treatment to make sure that you don’t go out and get intoxicated, again.
10. Substance use should be monitored. While drug rehab facilities are supposedly illicit drug-free, no one can be entirely sure. Substance abusers under treatment should be kept away from drugs; and after their treatment, they should be able to stay away from drugs. There should be a close watch on lapses and relapses so treatment can be modified or intensified as needed.
11. There is a higher risk of the heroin users getting infected by communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS. This should be assessed and the appropriate services are to be carried out.
Your choice of drug rehab centers can make or break you or your loved ones’ second shot at life. Make sure you make the right choice by choosing one, be it a Dawsonville drug rehab facility or another center, which practices these principles of drug addiction treatment.
