Leah Martinez

The term drug rehabilitation is somewhat of a misnomer that it implies that those with addictions have become better after having received some sort of rehabilitation. Indeed, recovery from substance abuse is always a lifelong commitment that takes consistent care and attention. It is not just enough to “get clean.” Recovery includes re-training the brain through a drug rehabilitation treatment program to prevent relapse. Along with daily counseling sessions and 12 step meetings, the goal is to keep the drug user drug free for life.

A drug rehabilitation program offers several different treatments to address different problems faced by substance dependent individuals. Inpatient programs are good at handling the most severe cases of substance dependence and allow the patient to fully concentrate on the treatment plan. Treatment in an inpatient setting allows the patient to stay in the facility for a longer period of time, but provides them with the privacy and support they need while in treatment. Outpatient programs offer a more casual approach to recovery and allow the individual to go their own pace. There are many substance abuse treatment centers that offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, so no matter what stage an individual is at, they can find the right program for them.

Many advocates of drug addiction treatment have called for greater investment in prevention. To this end, there are many organizations that have developed campaigns encouraging teens, parents, and educators to get the word out about the serious dangers of substance abuse. One such organization is the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The institute conducts comprehensive research-based guides and fact sheets on effective treatment of substance use disorders. These guides are designed to help individuals and families make informed decisions regarding drug rehabilitation. Among the report’s key recommendations are the need for increased funding for drug treatment programs, focusing on prevention, and developing effective communication and intervention strategies to combat substance use disorder.