grief counseling for an entire family

Posted on: 16 March 2017

If you or a loved one is seeking counseling or treatment for a drug dependency, you might be faced with a host of challenges, as well as questions you need answers to. If you or your loved one has been advised to undergo rehab or a drug detox program, you should familiarize yourself with various perspectives and characteristics before you begin. Here are 3 key aspects you need to know:

1. Know When to Seek Treatment

Recognizing a drug dependency exists and being willing to seek intervention is crucial to overcoming the problem. That said, how does one know they need treatment or detox? If the drug dependency has begun to overtake one's life and interfere with everyday essentials, such as work or relationships, or if health problems are beginning to surface as a result of drug use, it's time to take action.

It helps to recognize the symptoms of a chemical dependency or drug addiction. Be alert to the following red flag signs:

• Abusing prescribed or non-prescribed medications or chemicals and depending on the use to achieve desired effects. Using others' medications also.

• Feeling shaky, sweaty, and nauseous or experiencing headaches when the effects of a drug or alcohol wears off.

• Preoccupation with the drug in question and worrying how to obtain it.

• Depression.

• Loss of interest in favorite activities and friends; becoming withdrawn.

• Borrowing or stealing in an effort to obtain money needed for drugs and supplies.

If any of the above signs are present, it is best to contact a professional before a drug dependency spirals out of control. A counselor or addiction specialist can help. If the specialist feels the individual would benefit from entering a detox facility, the arrangements can be made. 

2. Learn the Fundamentals of Detox

If you (or your loved one) is about to undergo detoxification, you will want to know exactly what this involves. The concept of detoxification is to rid the body of toxins that are a result of drug use. There are various methods of detoxification that may be used. The counselor or addiction specialist may decide which is right for the individual.

One such method of detox involves consuming a specialized diet of liquids meant to flush the body of harmful substances. Another way to detoxify one's body is through fasting for a specified period of time. It should be noted that detoxification may cause certain unpleasant side effects such as insomnia, sweating, muscle aches, or nausea. This is generally the body reacting as the harmful substances are being flushed out. The addiction specialist may help one reduce the discomfort of detox by demonstrating certain breathing and relaxation techniques or by administering medication.

It's also important to note that any type of drug detoxification can be extremely harmful to one's physical health if not done under the supervision of a professional. This is why it is best to seek professional intervention. The facility one chooses for drug rehabilitation and detox should be fully licensed, well staffed and equipped with the necessary equipment for inpatient care if necessary. It's also a good idea to ask what the ratio of staff to patients is.

3. Determine If Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment Is Best

Inpatient rehab and detox involves housing the patient in the facility on a 24-hour-a-day basis. Outpatient care will allow the patient to be treated at the facility and return home after sessions. In the early stages of care, the patient may be treated on an outpatient basis. If the treatment has not been successful, the counselors and specialists may recommend inpatient treatment. If the patient is advised to undergo a detox program, this is almost always performed as an inpatient program. This is because detox requires supervision and professional care on a 24-hour basis.  

Some facilities accept insurance plans, or financial arrangements may be possible, so inquire within. To learn more about drug detoxification, contact a facility like Evergreen Recovery Centers.