Substance abuse is a difficult and challenging problem for affected individuals to manage and overcome. Factors such as the environment one lives in or is exposed to contribute to continued substance abuse. Increased stressors and being known as mental health conditions are also problems that can lead to alcohol and drug abuse and this may lead to further mental and physical complications.
Recognizing that one may have a problem with substance abuse can be quite difficult because most individuals who face this problem are either ignorant of the problem or are in denial of being affected. The following are symptoms that may help one identify if they have a problem with substance abuse:
- There’s a lack of control when using the abused substance.
- Family members and friends express concern over the substance abuse.
- Questioning whether the use of the substance is actually a problem or not.
- Only the user knows the extent of their substance use.
- The user is isolating themselves from friends and loved ones.
- The performance of the user at school or at work is suffering.
Those individuals who continue with the behavior to abuse substances despite facing negative consequences such as poor health or getting into trouble with the law are considered to be addicted to the substance in question.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Inpatient rehabilitation is a treatment program where addicted individuals spend between one and three months at a designated and licensed facility aimed at helping those with substance abuse problems.
The following services are offered at these inpatient facilities:
- Medical detoxification, where patients are withdrawn from their respective abused substances in a safe environment and where there is access to a healthcare professional who helps them go through the withdrawal process.
- Access to primary care doctors and psychiatrists to address any physical and mental health issues which may arise or already be present and need addressing. Many patients who abuse substances are either diagnosed with or have underlying mental health issues which, as mentioned, may trigger abusing the use of alcohol and drugs.
- Psychologists are also available to discuss mental health conditions and any underlying and unresolved stressors at home or at work. Psychotherapy aims at helping the patient have a positive outlook on life and teaches them coping skills to better deal with stressors outside of the rehab facility.
- Occupational therapists are involved with motivating affected individuals to help improve their drive and their mood by incorporating appropriate activities for patients to perform. Relaxation techniques are also taught by these allied healthcare workers.
- Physical therapists may also be involved to help with any musculoskeletal conditions or just help reduce tension in affected individuals by working on tense areas of the body. Massage therapy, for example, is one of the clinically proven methods for helping with stress reduction.
- The program is beneficial in monitoring the medication intake of patients which improves their compliance, such as where treatment is prescribed for certain individuals like methadone for heroin addicts.
The biggest benefit of an inpatient rehabilitation facility though is that the patient is taken out of their environment where exposure to the addictive substance is a problem. Here, they are able to focus on the important aspects such as overcoming their addiction with the right help in order to get back on track with their lives.
