Long Term Rehab Is Required Because Your Addiction Is Not Short Term

Anyone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction must look at long term rehab as their best possible chance of acceptance and recovery from the substance(s) that have taken over their lives.

There is NO permanent short term fix:

We need to be brutally honest in terms of countering drug or alcohol addiction. To say there is a permanent short term fix is wrong.

But professional rehabilitation services can and will lay a foundation that gives short term help and guidance, midterm assistance and long term aftercare options that will increase your chances of beating substance abuse problems.

How did you get into this situation in the first place?

This is certainly not a one answer’s all question. Addicts each have their own story, this will usually include peer pressure at the outset of their substance abuse journey, the often sterile environment they live in, where many others are in the same boat, physical abuse or a tragedy that has greatly affected them.

Another oft mentioned fact by addicts is that something that started as “a bit of fun and enjoyment” has turned into a dependence nightmare they wish they could rid themselves of.

Addiction is non-selective:

Addiction takes no prisoners and has no boundaries. It has no racial or spiritual bias, indeed, it will hook its claws into any person it can whenever excessive use and abuse of drugs and/or alcohol are on the menu.

It is a global problem, and when looking at solutions an addict should take these facts into consideration by looking at overseas rehab establishments as well as what is on offer in their own country.

Why do so many become addicted:

Long term rehab is an essential consideration for addicts looking to wean themselves off substance abuse and give themselves a positive future to look forward to. This is because addiction is easily achievable over a relatively short period of time, but its effects leave long term challenges that demand ongoing professional help and assistance.

The reason so many become addicted is because right from that first hit of their drug of choice it is very easily and very well tolerated by the mind and body.

Once you have experienced that initial rush or high, your body naturally wants it again, your brain works overtime by sending signals that indicate it is time to ‘feed’.

The response to these compelling messages is that a new vein is tapped, an extra line is snorted, another pipe lit, or another bottle cracked open.

The problem here is that to achieve the same high as previously, the tolerance you have built-up means you need to take more. You take more, you need more. Destination; Addiction.

Steps to consider in terms of long term rehab:

We will look at some steps to consider for those suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. This is far from exhaustive, and there are many steps between and after, but it is a base to begin from:

Admission:

This is not the type of admission you would pay to get into the movies, nor is it entrance to a luxury rehabilitation resort. It is Self-Admission.

When the time comes that you can honestly admit to yourself and those close to you that you have a substance abuse problem, this should be the start of a new beginning.

It is an extremely difficult thing to admit, but once accepted by yourself, you should feel a weight lifted from your shoulders. From that moment on quick and decisive action should be your aim.

Seeking help in your effort to withdraw:

We will break this down into 3 categories:

Going it alone:

Trying to kick an addiction habit on your own is a decision to be admired. Indeed many of those with drug or alcohol problems will take this as their first ‘escape route’. While it is to be admired, it must be said that in most cases it will be unsuccessful.

This is not because you are weak, it is because the grip your substance of choice has over you will not let go easily.

If you try to cease use immediately there will be unpleasant withdrawal symptoms to face and facing these without professional rehabilitation services makes such a prospect a very daunting one.

If you try to gradually reduce usage without help there is a very strong chance that temptation to continue and increase usage will be waiting around every corner.

Your health practitioner:

Confiding in your health practitioner is a step in the right direction. They should listen, understand and put in place a tapering program that is intended to help you gradually reduce dependence upon your drug of choice while regularly monitoring your progress.

While this is a sensible step it also offers several pitfalls that may be difficult for an addict to overcome. These include the fact that you will not be under constant supervision during early stage withdrawal, and the strong possibility that you will be living in the same environment that helped towards your addiction.

Both factors lead to a very big chance that temptation will get the better of you and a relapse is likely.

Long term rehab:

Strongly recommended by drug and alcohol rehabilitation professionals and addicts who have stayed clean for long periods of time, this type of rehabilitation gives you the best chance of kicking your habit.

It will begin with a discussion to fully understand your situation. Please remember, your situation will be unique. There is no one fits all treatment. You need to be 100 percent honest and open during this discussion. By doing so a plan to move forward in a positive way will quickly be created.

The period you stay at a rehab resort will be agreed and understood. During your stay you will take advantage of many benefits targeted to help you through those crucial early days and weeks of withdrawal and put you in the best frame of mind for long term recovery.

These include first class medical treatment, counselling, physical exercise, challenging discussions, drug or alcohol avoidance techniques and fun communal activities.

Everything is geared to giving you the best possible chance of continuing and pushing on with your rehabilitation once your stay is over.

Aftercare:

Please do not underestimate the importance of aftercare in terms of your rehabilitation. Such care and monitoring is key to long term rehab success and any establishment worth its salt will major on such care.

They will offer a variety of options, explain each one in turn, and help you to decide what is most appropriate for you. From thereon in they will monitor and keep regular contact with you as part of your full recovery process.

Their aim is your aim. This common goal is for you to become drug or alcohol free and continue to stay clean for the long term future.