If you have a friend or loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, there are signs to alert you of the problem. While you may be in the position to help, the person’s recovery is ultimately his or her own responsibility. The people who need drug/alcohol detoxification (detox) are often the ones who struggle in a state of denial. It often takes someone they care about to point out the problem and let the person know that inpatient rehabilitation (rehab) is the only thing that will help.
In the United States, approximately 20 million people suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction. However, less than 2% of these individuals go on the get the help they need to kick the habit. If substance abuse is affecting someone you love, consider helping your loved one get into an inpatient treatment center.
Inpatient Drug Treatment could Save a Life
Caring enough to help someone tackle their drug and/or alcohol problem could actually save their life. Thousands of people’s lives have been ruined due to substance abuse, and many of us have no trouble seeing this. However, getting your friend or family member help before it is too late can prevent destruction. It is necessary to show the person that their life will be better without the substance, and stopping cannot be done without inpatient care.
When confronting a person with a drug or alcohol problem, you need to communicate that you care about them and value their friendship. The last thing an addict needs is to be made to feel even worse about themselves. Most people who suffer from addiction already have low self-esteem and a depressed mood. By helping them make that first step to recovery, you could be preventing major mental health issues and even suicide.
Signs Inpatient Rehab is Necessary
While there are thousands of good outpatient drug rehab programs available, there are signs that a person will need more intense treatment. A person will need inpatient drug treatment if the addicted person:
- Has tried and failed in an outpatient program.
- Can’t stay away from negative influences while getting treatment.
- Is dealing with a mental health problem, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety (also known as dual diagnosis).
- Is in a high stress environment that makes recover more difficult.
Why Inpatient Rehab Works
For many people struggling with addiction, inpatient drug rehab is the best option. A good treatment center provides a stress free environment where an addicted person can devote his or her full attention to the business of recovery. It is easier to handle the struggles of addiction when you eliminate outside stressors. Inpatient facilities are often located in a secluded area, where the client is free of negative influences and triggers.
The inpatient facility is staffed with dedicated, qualified counselors, nurses, and physicians who focus on the individual client and his or her problems. Most inpatient centers offer individual counseling, group therapy, and medical services, so all the client’s needs are addressed. In addition, inpatient rehab centers offer art therapy, extracurricular activities, educational programs, and follow-up care.
Drug Abuse Symptoms
Certain symptoms are indicative that a loved one has a drug problem. Drug abuse symptoms include:
- Never having money and asking to borrow money.
- Losing a job.
- Showing up late to work or calling in frequently.
- Isolating from friends and family who don’t use/abuse drugs.
- Spending time with people who do use drugs or drink.
- Often sleeping or claiming to be ill.
- Neglect in basic hygiene.
- Sneaking away to drink or get high.
- Extremely private about their belongs, such as a bag, car, or room.
Resources
DrugFacts: Nationwide Trends. National Institute on Drug Abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015. Retrieved from: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
