Substance Abuse in California: How Much Progress Has Been Made?
Addiction of substances is very harmful. It needs a sober mind and high level of understanding to assist an addict to come out of the habit. Substances that are prone to abuse include alcohol and narcotics (heroin, cocaine, marijuana among others) It is a long term process of recovery. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the effects of addiction. If it is at initial stages, an outpatient care is ideal but if the addict has been in it for longer period, inpatient care is recommended for successful treatment. Before any medical intervention, the first treatment plan is to change the environment of the addict. The best place to treat addiction ailments is in a rehabilitation center. Treatment of addition is a teamwork therapy which consists of doctors, counselors, psychologists, addiction therapists, family and the addict. Los Angeles has a history of substance abuse; this is the reason why there are many rehab centers in the city.
Treatment plans
The level of addiction will guide you whether to take your loved one for outpatient or inpatient plan. Severe levels of addiction need inpatient cover. Rehab center helps an addict to be moved out of sight where he can access the substance easily. The following are the steps taken to fight addiction in the rehab centers.
- Medical detox
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care
- Treatment of post addiction illnesses
- Continuous care
- Post rehab treatment
- Family program.
Medical detox
The main aim of detox is to clear the substance from the system so as to reduce the trigger that results to crave for the substance. Once an addict has been enrolled, comprehensive medical tests are carried out to determine the level of toxicity of the substance in the blood and major organs. This will determine the type of drug, dosage and duration for the detox. The detox is drugs administered orally or through an injection to help fight cravings.
Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care
The detox has many side effects. At this stage the rehab professional treats the effects of detoxification like emotional withdrawal, excessive sweating, tremors, and general body weakness among others. At this stage the entire team of various professionals takes center stage. For example, when an addict becomes withdrawn, a counselor guides the addict through the process of acceptance. This is the point in the treatment plan that is characterized by violence and even sneaking.
Continuous care
The progress of the addict at the second stage determines the next course of action for the addict. Some take long to come out the side effects of being confined especially for the inpatient addicts. This stage is a replica of the second stage with medical perspective of the ailments taking center stage. Tests are also carried out at this point to check if the detox program has an effect on reducing the level of the substance in the addict’s blood. It might take up to six months to reach this level.
Post rehab treatment
At this stage the leader in the team can decide whether to release the addict back home. Before discharge of the addict from the rehab, the family is trained to ensure there is no relapse and further substance abuse. The counselors’ advice the family to keep the addict busy and active to avoid deep thinking that may have adverse effects and dilute the entire rehab process.
Family program
This is the most crucial stage. The addict starts a new life as a reformed addict in the same old environment. The family takes a crucial role to help in recovery process and full acceptance without any judgment. The training is aimed at helping the loved one to cope with the world without the substance, accept the condition of the loved one and encourage them to avoid environments that might ignite re-occurrence of substance abuse. Most rehab centers have a comprehensive training and seminar to equip them on what to expect and how to handle situations once the addict is released from the rehab.
Fighting addiction is not a walk in the park. The rehab centers are enclosed with few interactions. However, there are designated days where the addicts are allowed to mingle and meet with family members while under the inpatient rehab treatment. The type of rehab is determined by the cost factors. There are some rehabs in Los Angeles designed for the high end market- they are very expensive. In as much as there is a definite treatment plan for the addicts, there are individualized treatment options depending on the severity and complexity of the substance abuse on the addict.