Drug and alcohol addiction is never suffered alone. Drug abuse affects all walks of society. Whether you or someone you care about is struggling with a dependency- there is effective treatment available. Listed below are basic questions to guide you on the way to recovery.
1. Who is responsible for the cost?
You need to determine if your medical insurance will cover any of the cost. A rehab center that is federally funded may entitle you to a discounted rate based on your income. Check with the facility if they accept payments. Find out what is included in the price. Ask if there are any add-on charges you should be aware of. You will need to know a total amount due at admission. You should inquire about a refund if the program is not completed. In some cases, a doctor must refer the patient to the rehab center before they will be admitted.
2. What programs are in place geared to your specific addiction needs?
More than 23 million Americans require drug treatment each year. Less than 10% actually receive any help. Based on the diagnosis, a decision will be made whether your treatment should be out-patient or remaining at the facility. Of great importance is appropriate treatment targeted to the age and gender of the drug user. Be prepared to be put on a waiting list for treatment. There are usually no-shows and they will try to fit you in.
3. When is the family allowed to visit?
The person entering rehab may be resentful and request no visitors. The family should realize the patient is probably having bouts with fear, guilt, and remorse. It might be helpful to give your love one space and time to adjust. Family members should consider addressing their own anxiety with counseled therapy sessions. Concerned friends and relatives should provide encouragement and participate in the recovery at the doctor’s request. It is not unusual for visitors to be prohibited during the recovery process. Limited telephone calls are usually permitted as a good behavior award and are typically monitored. The patient and family should make themselves aware of the applicable rules.
4. What are the qualifications of the staff?
Don’t be afraid to ask if the doctors and nurses are qualified to handle all medical and psychological issues. It is in the patient’s best interest to have trained professionals on call around the clock. Classes held on the prevention of drug use would be beneficial to the drug abuser and are often conducted by a former drug user. Make sure there are precautions in place. It is important to note if the patient must be detoxed before entering the program.
5. Why is it necessary to continue treatment after the patient’s release?
People who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, anti-social behavior, and other forms of mental instability have a high occurrence of many kinds of addiction. Recovering from these dangerous behaviors is a lifetime commitment. Follow up after care should be part of the rehab treatment. Regaining health after chemical dependency calls for check ups and continuing group or individual therapy.
There were 1.8 million treatment admissions reported in 2005. It is normal to have feelings of confusion, anger, disbelief, and denial. Think about if your loved one was diagnosed with cancer. You would seek out the best care available. Drug and alcohol addiction is also a disease. In this difficult time, take some comfort in the knowledge you won’t have to face it alone.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I initially clicked on this post as I was looking for cancer facts for an article I’m writing. I had no idea, actually, that there were so many health issues out there that people are struggling with! Thanks for the awesome information.