If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you are not alone; many people in America are struggling with a substance use disorder of some kind. And this is not rooted in conjecture as multiple studies have proven this to be the case. For context, a recent study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 5.1 million adults between the ages of 18 and 25 had a substance abuse problem in 2017. Of those, an estimated 10 percent struggled exclusively with alcohol. Meanwhile, about 7.3 percent of individuals in this same age range had a problem with illicit drugs. In fact, between 2007 and 2017, heroin use among individuals age 18 to 25 more than doubled.
That said, there is some good news worth noting insofar as many Americans who have a substance abuse problem are now turning to rehab facilities for help in breaking the cycle of addiction. And this positive trend has been going on since 2009, which, coincidentally, is the same year when 11.2 percent of adults struggling with drugs or alcohol sought help from one of the over 14,000 licensed rehab facilities in the country.
What to Expect while going through an addiction recovery program
If you’re ready to follow in the same path of those who have already managed to put addiction behind them, there are a few things that you should know about getting through rehab. First and foremost, the process of achieving sobriety is not easy. To further illustrate this point, we need only take a look at a study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The study revealed that many individuals find that getting through detox is the hardest part of addiction recovery. The study further revealed that 40 to 60 percent of individuals relapse before ever completing an addiction recovery program. And in nearly all of those cases, the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with detox is what led to them using again. That being said, some of the more common withdrawals symptoms associated with quitting drugs or alcohol include the following:
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Profuse sweating
It is worth noting that some individuals may also experience delirium tremens, a severe form of ethanol withdrawal characterized by seizures, confusion, and hallucinations as they go through alcohol detox.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
Along with an inability to cope with severe withdrawal symptoms, some individuals also relapse after giving in to temptation or intense cravings. Of course, those who complete rehab and go onto lead a substance-free life often cite staying focused and recognizing the many benefits that come with quitting drugs or alcohol as the key to their success.
How to Choose the Right Rehab Facility to Overcome Drug or Alcohol Addiction
Most will agree that addiction to drugs or alcohol is both psychological and physiological. As such, those who are trying to decide on a rehab facility should choose one that offers comprehensive addiction recovery services. Ideally, these services should include the following:
- Medication-assisted detox
- Regular monitoring by a licensed physician
- Psychotherapy
- Addiction education courses
What You Should Remember When Going Through Rehab Seems Difficult
Along with medication-assisted detox, psychotherapy, and addiction education courses, it is a good idea to choose a rehab facility that provides referrals to support groups and sober living homes. These two aftercare programs can significantly improve the chances of achieving long-term sobriety. Once you have found the right rehab facility and have started your addiction recovery journey, you will, of course, have to do your part when it comes to staying engaged and completing rehab. A few ways to go about accomplishing both these two tasks include the following:
- Remembering that your sobriety will also benefit your friends and family
- Remembering that breaking the cycle of addiction can increase your life expectancy
- Remaining mindful of the fact that getting and staying clean means you’re less likely to be incarcerated
- Remembering that detox, even though it is difficult, is an essential part of overcoming addiction
Bottom Line
In summary, although many rehab facilities in America offer a wide range of effective addiction recovery programs, they only work if individuals remain engaged and are committed to breaking the cycle of addiction once and for all. For more information on what it takes to complete rehab successfully or to find a facility in your area, consider speaking with one of our friendly associates today at 844-639-8371.