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drug rehab

Who Can Go to Rehab in Boston?

You might have heard about people going to rehab to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addictions and other issues. You may even know a few people personally who have been to rehab. If you suffer from your own addiction-related issues, you could be wondering if rehab is right for you. These are some of the signs that you should consider going to rehab in Boston or elsewhere.

You’ve Driven a Car After Drinking Alcohol or Using Drugs

One big problem that many addicted individuals have is going out and driving a car after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Not only does this put your own safety at risk, but it puts others at risk of serious injury or death, too. Plus, you could get into a lot of legal trouble for drinking alcohol or using drugs and driving. If this is something that you have done in the past or that you’re doing regularly, it’s wise to seek help now rather than later.

You Think Your Drug or Alcohol Use is Affecting Your Health

If you think that your drug or alcohol use is affecting your health, then it’s time to get some outside help as soon as you can. For example, you could be suffering from liver problems because of your alcohol use. Getting help now at a rehab in Boston could help you salvage your health.

You’ve Ever Experienced Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people are able to quit cold turkey when it comes to drug and alcohol use. In many cases, though, this is dangerous. For example, if you are addicted to alcohol, your health could be at risk if you quit immediately. The same is true with heroin and other opiates and some other drugs. Not only can experiencing withdrawal symptoms make you uncomfortable and sick, but it can have much more serious side effects. If you have ever experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past, then it’s smart to seek going to rehab so that you can get help with your addiction in a safe way, all while staying as comfortable as possible.

You’ve Faced Legal Issues Because of Your Addiction

Many people find themselves dealing with legal issues because of their addictions. For example, you might have been arrested for drug possession or drinking and driving. If you’ve ever been arrested for anything related to your addiction or if you are scared that you will face legal issues if you stay on the same path, addiction treatment might be right for you.

You’ve Tried Other Methods But Can’t Stop Using

You might feel as if going to a treatment isn’t going to work for you. After all, you might have tried different methods to get clean and might not have been able to do so. Rehab might actually help you succeed at getting and staying sober.

Your Relationships Have Been Affected by Your Drug or Alcohol Use

Many relationships suffer because of drug or alcohol use. Your relationship with your spouse might be on the rocks, or your parents might have lost their trust in you because of matters related to your addiction. If your relationships have been affected by drug or alcohol use, it can make things even worse. It might be possible for you to turn things around if you go to treatment and get help.

Your Job Has Been Affected by Drugs or Alcohol

Some people are able to continue using drugs and alcohol while maintaining a steady job. Others lose their jobs because they are drunk or high at work or for other matters related to their addictions. Some people find that it’s difficult to get a job because they can’t show up for their job interviews or can’t pass a drug test.

You’re Having Addiction-Related Financial Problems

Drugs and alcohol are expensive, and many people experience serious financial problems because of their addictions. You might think that rehab is expensive, but it could be what you need to do so that you can finally get sober and repair the financial issues that might be related to your addiction. Anyone who thinks that they could benefit from going to facility near Boston should look into it.

Who Can Seek Treatment at a Recovery Center?

While getting help for your addiction should be your number one priority, there are several things that you should be mindful, including finding the right treatment center for you. The programs offered at most facilities are co-gender; however, some drug rehab programs are gender-specific and will provide services that are exclusive to men or women. In addition, some facilities will go as far as limiting drug rehab services to teenagers only. In this article, we will detail some of the fundamental differences between these specific drug recovery programs and why some may be better than others.

WHY DO SOME DRUG REHABS LIMIT TREATMENTS TO MEN OR WOMEN?

Anyone who has undergone a drug addiction recovery can attest to how difficult such a process can be. An environment where men and women can indulge in flings or full-on relationship may very well complicate matters and even detract from the primary objective, overcoming drug addiction. Of course, this is not to suggest that a co-gender environment is inherently bad as many patients have successfully overcome their addiction while in a co-gender facility. Nonetheless, we should keep in mind that any form of distraction while undergoing treatment could impede one’s ability to remain drug-free. So what are the differences between treatments offered at men-only facilities versus women-only facilities? Well, some of the most notable differences include

TREATMENTS EXCLUSIVE TO MEN

Male patients have the freedom to communicate and express thoughts without being distracted by women.

Most male exclusive facilities will place a strong emphasis on physical fitness as part of the recovery efforts.

Male-oriented facilities tend to spend more time assessing the psychological component of a patient’s addiction.

TREATMENTS EXCLUSIVE TO WOMEN

Similar to male-oriented facilities, female-oriented facilities provide an environment where women are free to speak on a variety of topics without being distracted by men.

Many women-only drug treatment facilities will offer childcare.

Female-oriented facilities will often place a strong emphasis on creating a comforting and nurturing environment.

Female-oriented facilities will often include treatments that address problems that are generally exclusive to women including eating domestic abuse and post-partum depression, for example.

Having detailed some of the unique treatments offered to men and women. It is important to reiterate that these treatments are intended to complement traditional services and programs aimed at helping patients overcome addiction.

TREATMENTS EXCLUSIVE TEENAGERS

Studies have shown that treating teens with drug addiction is vastly different than treating adults. As such, most teenager-exclusive facilities have adopted treatment protocols that reward teens based on how well they are progressing through each phase of the recovery process. Counseling, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is also an integral part of treating teenagers. That said, most of these facilities will emphasize the importance of the patient-therapist relationship as it will invariably dictate how successful teenagers are in overcoming their addiction.

So why is therapy such an integral part of most teenager-based drug recovery programs? Well, young adults are still relatively impressionable, which means that the lessons learned while in treatment are more likely to extend into adulthood. As such, teens are not as likely to relapse after completing recovery and, more importantly, they are less likely to relapse once they have become adults.

While we are the topic of therapy, it should also be noted that motivational interviewing is also a critical part of the recovery process for teenagers. If you are not familiar with motivational interviewing, it is an evaluation process that is conducted by a therapist and used to identify the cause of a patient’s drug addiction. Also, it helps in keeping teens motivate to not only continue therapy but also to succeed.

WHO CAN SEEK TREATMENT AT A RECOVERY CENTER?

If you believe you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you’re encouraged to seek treatment as soon as possible. In saying that, some facilities may be a better choice than others when it comes to auxiliary services like those aimed at men, women, and teenagers. Nonetheless, your goal should be to choose a facility that ensures your success as you work towards freeing yourself of your addiction. Lastly, it is always a good idea to visit some prospective facilities to get a real feel for the environment, staff, and the programs that they offer. Regardless of which facility you ultimately choose, you should take pride in knowing that you’re one step closer to sobriety.

Is Drug and Alcohol Rehab Really Better than Quitting Cold Turkey?

Admitting to yourself that you have a drug or alcohol problem is the first step toward liberation from a dangerous and unhealthy lifestyle. If you are like most people afflicted with a substance abuse disorder, you probably went through some tough times that led you to this conclusion. Now that you realize that you have this problem, you are probably wondering what the next step is to arrest your addiction for good. Perhaps you have heard about drug and alcohol rehabs and are questioning if they are necessary or whether you can stop cold turkey by yourself without any assistance.

Usually, when you reach the point where you recognize the severity of your problem with drugs and alcohol, your situation has become untenable. Recovery from substance abuse is a significant undertaking, and you should leverage all available options towards a successful outcome. While some addicts and alcoholics can stop cold turkey, they are the exception, and most require some help professionally to recover from addiction.

Below are some reasons why utilizing the services of a drug and alcohol rehab is a better idea than quitting cold turkey by yourself.

Rehabs Manage Your Withdrawal Symptoms.

Depending on your drug of choice, you could experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that make quitting extremely difficult by yourself. Often, when a chemically dependent person begins to encounter the effects of withdrawal, they feel so horrible physically and mentally that they are compelled to use again. Also, abruptly quitting some substances can be life-threatening. Immediate cessation of alcohol or benzodiazepines, for example, can result in grand mal seizures, even after days of sobriety.

Conversely, drug and alcohol rehabs specialize in addressing withdrawal symptoms medically, so that the patient is safe and does not go through the horrible discomfort that they would when quitting cold turkey. Doctors in treatment facilities prescribe medications for a detoxification protocol, and these meds differ according to your drug of choice. Nurses monitor your vital signs on a regular schedule and adjust medications accordingly with the oversight of the physician. The goal is to prepare you physically and mentally for the remainder of your treatment.

Rehabs Teach the Skills to Stay Sober for the Rest of Your Life.

If recovery from drugs and alcohol were easy, then every addict and alcoholic would be sober. Just like any other job that you are unfamiliar with, there are instructions to follow for a favorable result. In a drug and alcohol rehab, you will learn life skills that will help you to stay sober from trained professionals that specialize in addiction. If you were to try and stop using by yourself, you would not receive any instructions on how to stay sober, and, at this point, you probably realize that your ideas in this regard have proved futile.

Rehab also gives you the opportunity to interact with other addicts and alcoholics that are in the same position. There is a comfort in spending time with others that understand what you are going through and can relate to your struggle. Sharing your experience with others and listening to theirs is particularly therapeutic and lightens the load of your concerns. Trying to quit cold turkey is frightening because no one can empathize with your position. Addiction is a disease of loneliness, so trying to tackle it by yourself does not make sense.

Rehabs Give You the Time that You Need for Your Brain and Body to Heal.

Substance abuse wreaks havoc on the organs of your body, and your brain. Neurotransmitters, synapses, and other components of cerebral functionality are all adversely affected by addiction. Your liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs might also have issues to address. Drug and alcohol rehabs specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of addiction-related illness. Anxiety and depression are common conditions reported by recovering addicts, and staff mental health professionals can treat the symptoms. Ailments, such as liver disease, are subject to monitoring and medical care.

Also, the time spent in a drug and alcohol rehab is a critical reprieve from the stresses and agitations of your everyday life, many of which contribute to your addictive behavior. This time of healing is vital for the personal reflection and soul-searching that is so essential at this juncture of your life. Trying to manage your stressful daily affairs is exceptionally challenging, to begin with, let alone while you are trying to get sober. You need to take a break and allow people to help you because trying to manage your life under these circumstances is not working.

Now, it is not impossible to quit drugs and alcohol cold turkey, and people have done it before. The problem with this approach is that the odds are stacked heavily against you. Will power alone does not work against chemical dependency, and thousands of addicts have found this out the hard way. We can help you to win the battle with your addiction.

What Kinds of Addiction Can Drug Rehab Facilities Help With?

You may have come to the conclusion that you have a serious problem with drugs or alcohol. If you’ve reached that perplexing point where you just cannot stop no matter how hard you try, you most likely should consider a treatment facility. You want to make sure you get yourself into the right type of treatment program. The best facilities will offer treatment for a diverse array of addictions. Here the common types of addiction that a drug rehab facility can help with.

Alcoholism

The earliest treatment facilities addressed the disease of alcoholism. Treatment centers focused on helping alcoholics begin a life without booze. This option was far more appealing than the old solution of housing alcoholics in mental institutions.

The medical field tried for decades to find a cure. Eventually, through an almost accidental coincidence, it was discovered that alcoholics working with each other raised the probability that they could stay sober. From this theory, the early models for treatment centers began.

Drug Abuse

Each time a new drug hits the streets, treatment centers are presented with another chemically induced addiction to battle. Most treatment centers today will accept clients with a variety of substance abuse issues.

While you should be honest about your drug of choice when considering a facility, most will offer help for any type of drug or alcohol addiction. Here are some drug-based addictions that treatment facilities can help with.

Marijuana

Cocaine

Prescription drugs including opioid type painkillers

Heroin

Crystal methamphetamine

Ecstasy, or MDMA

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Fentanyl

This list is long, yet still not inclusive of all narcotic types of drugs that can lead to abuse. There are other types of stimulants and even over-the-counter drugs can lead to an addiction.

Once you succumb to any of these chemicals, the risk of addiction is immediate. Often, the phenomenon of craving takes off instantly. Any degree of addiction involving these drugs can turn your life upside down, or ultimately lead to death.

Behavioral Disorders

There are some theories that present the idea that a drug is a drug, is a drug. This ideology removes the focus off the substance, and begins to look at individual behaviors that are responsible for an addictive lifestyle. Many people suffer from a variety of mental conditions.

A common answer is to attempt to mask problems with alcohol or drugs. Frequently, this practice of self-medication does little more support the theory behind an addictive personality. Here are three behavioral maladies that a professional therapist can help with, issues that are commonly found to trigger drug and alcohol addiction.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) –

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – This one of the more commonly uncovered disorders associated with substance abuse. Drug counselors have the experience to help you if one of your addictions stems from being OCD.

Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) –

Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – This is another problem disorder that seems to fuel drug and alcohol addiction. One of the inherent characteristics of ADHD is an inability to control, particularly excessive behaviors such as drinking and drug use.

Depressive Disorders –

Depressive Disorders – Likewise, issues with depression can be a direct link between drug abuse and alcoholism. The multitude of depression type disorders results in one of the highest rates of self-medication through drug and alcohol abuse.

Treatment programs will incorporate different approaches as part of an individualized treatment plan. Discovering and treating a variety of mental disorders that are part of drug or alcohol addiction is referred to as dual diagnosis.

Through group sessions or individual counseling, caring professionals will help you to uncover the causes and symptoms that are most likely at the core of a substance abuse problem. Just like the list of addictive drugs, there are a number of addictive behaviors that can be helped through seeking treatment.

Drug abuse and alcoholism are invariably a result of deeper issues. Drug rehabs and treatment faculties understand this and are equipped to help with various types of addictive behavior. The ultimate goal is to uncover the root cause your addiction.

If you feel you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, seek help today. You don’t have to agonize over why. Leave this to those who are trained to help you deal with a variety of addictive behaviors, including those that can create unfathomable turmoil in your life. Make the call today to begin your journey of recovery.

How Do You Know If You Need Drug Rehab?

It’s no secret that drug addiction has become the scourge of the country. In 2018, 115 people died every day as a result of drug overdose. Many of the opioid addictions that led to these overdoses began innocently enough, with prescriptions written by doctors for legitimate medical issues. What began as treatment for pain often morphed into drug dependency and then into full-blown addiction. Many people don’t even realize that they slipped into a dangerous situation with their medications. Sadly, some don’t realize it until it’s too late. So, how do you know if you need drug rehab? You may not even be aware that some of your actions are actually indicators that you may have a serious problem.

Sometimes a person is able to deceive themselves into thinking they don’t have a drug problem because their medications are legally prescribed by a doctor. They think drug addiction comes only from using illicit street drugs. The fact is that addiction usually starts with prescription drug use. The 4 prescription medications that have been most commonly identified as leading to serious addiction issues are:

  • Vicodin
  • OxyContin
  • Demerol
  • Percocet

All are opioids used to treat pain. Once taken regularly, they become harder and harder to stop using. Opioids are responsible for the majority of drug addictions. Professional help is needed to break the cycle, and identifying and acknowledging the problem is the first step to recovery.

If any of the following circumstances apply to you, there is a good chance you are in need of help. Talk with a drug/alcohol counselor right away.

Your Family/Friends Have Expressed Concern

The people who are around you all the time are best able to see any changes in you. If they have tried to talk to you about what they see happening, you should take heed. These are the people who love you and who want to help you. If they feel the need to speak up, then there is cause for concern.

Many times the user will break off contact with those who are trying to help. The person is not ready to admit that they have a serious problem. They believe those around them are blowing things out of proportion. In reality, that is not the case at all. Paying attention to those around you when they speak out about what they’re seeing can ultimately save your life.

You Have Withdrawals When You Don’t Take The Drugs

People tend to think of drug withdrawal as being severe, dramatic episodes experienced only by hardcore drug users who don’t get their fix on time. They picture someone in shabby, dirty clothes writhing around on the floor of a drug den crying hysterically, digging at their flesh, ready to do anything just to obtain their next high.

That’s the Hollywood version of withdrawal, used for dramatic effect in movies and on television. Although it can happen that way, withdrawal is more often experienced in the form of headaches, nausea, restlessness, irritability, and/or mood swings when the individual does not take their medication or drug of choice. Any type of withdrawal is serious as it indicates there is, in fact, an addiction.

You Feel The Need To Lie About Your Use

Lying about your drug use is a sure sign that there’s a problem. Some people justify this by telling themselves that others are overreacting or that it’s none of their business. Regardless of the excuses, lying means that there is something to hide. Hiding it for too long can have tragic consequences.

Worse than lying to others is lying to yourself. Telling yourself that you have things under control and that you can stop at any time may work for a little while, but when the addiction gets out of hand and you have to face the truth, it’s often too late.

Your Drug Use Has Gotten You Into Trouble

Whether you found yourself – and been found out – stealing from family, friends, or others to pay for your drugs, or whether you have actually been arrested and possibly taken to jail, your drug use has now reached the point of potentially taking away your freedom. This can result in you having a permanent criminal record. This type of behavior is a definite indication that there is that it is time to get help, and fast.

Worst-case scenarios can include seriously injuring yourself or someone else by driving while under the influence of drugs, or from an overdose leaving you with permanent health issues. There are people just like you who are now spending years in prison because they chose to use drugs and then get behind the wheel of a car, resulting in the loss of life. There are also people just like you who are in their graves for the very same reason.

Seeking help for drug addiction is nothing to be embarrassed about. You are saving your life. You are reclaiming control over your life. You’re showing the world and those who love you that you are strong enough to do the right thing.

Don’t suffer another day because of addiction. Help is literally just a phone call away. You are absolutely not alone in your fight. Take back your life.