Do You Need Drug Addiction Rehabilitation?

The Truth About Drug Addiction

Not only does having an addiction to drugs often cause substantial problems to your physical and mental health, it can also result in a wide array of social issues. Drug rehab centres offer a medically assisted detox process to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, along with drug counselling sessions and a range of psycho-social interventions that are designed to put an end to your dependency. Overall, drug rehab clinics want to rehabilitate drug users.

Apply Online Today

At Western Counselling, we recognise that starting down the path to recovery can be both an anxious and emotional time. Click here and complete our simple online application form. One of our experienced Admission Liaison Team members will respond to you within 24 hours.

What are the symptoms of drug addiction?

Side effects?

If you have started to realise that you simply cannot stop yourself from regularly engaging in drug use, even though you know it is harmful, you are showing clear signs that you have a drug addiction and are dependent on it to function. Substance abuse treatment is often the next logical step.

If you are struggling with a physical addiction, you may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

 

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Sweating (profuse or cold)
• Shaking/ tremors
• Aches and pains

 

If you have developed a psychological dependence, you may exhibit the following symptoms:

 

• Irritability
• Anger/Rage
• Depression
• Fatigue

As your dependency worsens, you’ll need more and more of the drug to get the desired effect. As this happens, you’ll realise that your drug use is taking over every part of your life; it may be so bad that you begin to neglect everything from family and friends to work and hobbies. You may experience feelings of guilt and shame that cause you to feel isolated. At this point, many people can still function at a level that allows them to continue with their life for long periods of time whilst using drugs, however, when they are finally unable to obtain the drug, they finally begin to see they have a problem.

It’s a common misconception that almost all drug users eventually die. On the other hand, there are a number of people who think everyday drug use is a perfectly normal part of their social life. The truth is that there are numerous incredibly harmful effects related to drug use, but they will not all kill you. All drugs are not the same and the effects vary depending on what and how much drugs you consume.

It’s Time to Get Your Life Back on Track:

Western Counselling Can Help You With Your Addiction

The very first step in the recovery process involves accepting that you have a problem. After you have done this, you can finally reach out for help. The most common method used to treat a drug dependency involves detox and therapy. If you have a physical addiction to a drug, you will begin your treatment in a drug rehab facility by going through a medically assisted withdrawal or detoxification. This is done by replacing your drug(s) of choice with medications, which are tapered down over a period of usually 14-21 days however may be longer dependent on use.

If you attempt detox at home or on an outpatient basis, it may take longer. The goal is to decrease the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal, which are usually worse at the start of treatment. Fortunately, they quickly improve over the next several days. When abstinence is needed, the treatment is structured. The primary goal is to help you completely give up the drug, instead of just cutting down on the amount you take. This is because drug addicts rarely regain control over their use; therefore abstinence through drug rehab is the preferred approach. Learn more about drug detoxification

The Support, Treatment, and Therapy You Need

If you have a physical addiction to a drug and are unable to stop taking it or require hospital support for your personal safety, you may need inpatient drug rehab treatment, which is more intensive and offers more support. In this setting, drug dependency treatment is based on an intense programme of group work, as well as individual drug counselling sessions, workshops and relapse prevention. This will make it easier for you to cope without drugs and assume a healthier lifestyle.

The specialists at Western Counselling will encourage you to accept your drug dependency and determine your reasons for using, as well as help you identify better ways to cope with your triggers. This is done by developing a positive attitude and building your self-esteem. Support from your family and friends is crucial when learning to live without drugs, which is why our specialists encourage attendance at the Family Programme and family sessions to help you work through past issues/ problems that may have resulted from your drug use. Keep in mind that opening up about your problems and making changes can be incredibly stressful, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Most often the easiest way to get help and additional treatment is by contacting your GP. He or she may provide drug counselling or refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth assessment. This may result in outpatient treatment. If your condition is more serious, you may be referred to inpatient treatment. If you are nervous about talking with your GP, here are a few options.

• Make an appointment with a new GP practice
• See a different GP in your current practice
• Write down your questions and concerns
• Take a family member or friend with you

Alternatively you may decide to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings and/or your local community drug team, who will assess your need and assist you with attendance at an outpatient programme.  If they consider you appropriate for residential treatment they will assess your motivation and commitment through your attendance and engagement at the outpatient programme prior to referring you for funding – this process may take many months and attendance at rehab is not always guaranteed at the end.

The type of professional support you receive will vary depending on what services are available in your area and the arrangements your primary care trust (PCT) may have with other private providers or health authorities. In addition, private drug rehab treatment can be done privately through Western Counselling.

Common Questions

1. 1. What is detox?
      Detoxification is the process of removing the substances from your system in a safe managed manner using alternative medications to ease your bodies withdrawal symptoms.

 

1. 1. How do I know if I need treatment?
      If your life is feeling increasingly out of control, are using medications/substances to manage your feelings and are unable to stop on your own, you are in need of assistance.  If you are using regularly and are not able to manage a period of abstinence you are in need of our help.

 

1. 1. What does 12 Step mean?
      12 Step is a programme of treatment that was started in the 1930’s in America.  It is internationally renowned as a programme of therapy and has been adapted by Western Counselling since 1983 to include educational elements in addition to health and wellbeing.  The focus is on personal honesty and integrity and taking responsibility for our actions and the subsequent consequences.  It is a programme of change that advocates abstinence.

 

1. 1. What does rehab mean?
      Rehab is the restoration to health or “normal” living through a programme of therapy and/or training after an illness, addiction or imprisonment.

 

1. 1. What is involved?
      You will initially have to withdraw from the substances you are taking through a programme of detoxification using alternative medications.  This is medically monitored and we have staff on site 24hrs per day.
      You will be assigned a Counsellor who will assist you through your personal Care Plan and help you explore and address issues that may impede your ongoing recovery.
      You will undertake assignments that will be designed to assist you in learning more about your behaviours and attitudes and you will be given Steps to complete to assist your personal evaluation, previous behaviours and plan for the future.
      You will be introduced to the fellowship of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), CA (Cocaine Anonymous), CoDA (Co-dependency Anonymous) and be encouraged to become attendees at the meetings that will assist in nurturing and sustaining your recovery.
      You will attend daily group therapy sessions and workshops.  You will learn about the 12 Steps, gain self awareness and learn about support networks and how to sustain your recovery.
      You will learn about self regulation and evaluation and comply with the structure and boundaries of the programme that will address previous issues of chaos.
      You will learn about associated addictive disorders, life and social skills – learning about living in sobriety, socialising and dealing with difficult situations.
      Your programme will be intensive and your daily timetable will start at 8am and finish with d
      inner at 6pm, however you may attend meetings in the evening or have homework to complete.

 

1. Will I have to share a bedroom?
   Yes, initially you will have to share with at least one other.  The accommodation is single sex, with male and female clients housed separately, a 5 minute walk for the treatment centre.

 

Longterm recovery from addiction begins with the first step. Take your first step now and complete our online assessment form. It takes five mintues or less to complete and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. We welcome submissions from family members and professionals.