Are Rehab Centers getting Better at Diagnosing and Treating Addictions?

Sobriety is a herculean task for an addict of any kind, be it alcohol, drugs, or any other form of addiction. But you can always find hope and recovery no matter how hopeless your addiction makes you feel. The recent years have seen a growing number of ex-addicts living normal to near-normal lives due to the expertise and effeciency of various rehabilitation programs across the globe. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in the number and quality of rehabilitation centers worldwide.

However, out of the 21 million Americans who abuse various substances, including drugs and alcohol, only about 2.5 million individuals receive treatment through drug recovery treatment programs each year. It is thus obvious that there is plenty yet to be done.

Do You have an Addiction?

Recognising that you are an addict is the first step towards recovery. Admitting yourself to be an addict is an extremely tough decision, particularly with the shame and stigma attached with the “addict” label. However, acknowledging the problem and recognising your helplessness in overvoming your addiction is the first step to recovery.

If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, you might have an addiction and should seek help:

• Do you use more of the substance or engage in the behavior more often than in the past?
• Do you have withdrawal symptoms when you don’t have the substance or engage in the behavior?
• Have you ever lied to anyone about your use of the substance or extent of your behavior?

Making the Right Diagnosis

Until the early 20th Century, addiction was considered to be due to a flaw in one’s morality or due to a lack of will power, and worse still, it was understood that to overcome addiction, the addict was punished or simply encouraged to muster enough will to beat the habit.

Today, addiction is considered as a chronic disease that reflects a change in both brain structure and function, beginning with a sense of pleasure on taking the addictive substance which ultimately ends up into a compulsive behavior.

Making the right diagnosis is often the crux to managing an addiction. Most rehabilitation centers employ a battery of investigations to come to the right diagnosis before starting the rehabilitation process. This is possible only with the right resources in terms of people, infrastructure and specialised facilities. A holistic approach towards the wellbeing of the individual is a good place to start for Rehabilitation Centers.

How do Rehab Centers Help You Recover?

Recovery is not as simple as “just say no” and involves a set of processes that can protect and heal you from addiction by saying “yes” to other things. Rehabilitation Centers help you cultivate diverse interests that provide meaning to your life and by making you and your brain realise that life is not always supposed to be pleasurable.

Rehabilitation Centers employ various types of recovery programs including residential programs, outpatient rehab programs, group suppor or therapy sessions, individual therapy with a board-certified substance abuse counselor while some addictions require medical intervention. Most successful rehabilitation programs employ a combination of these different therapeutic modalities.

Headwaters is a luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation center provides you a customized, confidential, clinically driven treatment that helps not only your recovery but your family’s recovery. They not only help you recover, but also help you prevent and support you during relapses. Rehab centers have become better at successfully diagnosing and treating certain addictions by incorporating newer and better techniques in a holistic manner.

Always remember, although breaking an addiction is tough, it can be done! And, don’t let relapses keep you down.