The Epidemic of Addiction

When we think of illness, we generally think of a virus or bacteria that spreads disease. Left untreated, a virulent illness can become a major health problem that affects thousands of people and puts stress on the healthcare system. Yet there is another type of disease that is laying waste to a whole segment of the American population, but it isn’t one transmitted through germs. The illness of addiction is a serious one, and right now it’s taking many lives and having a major impact on people at every level of society.

Right now addiction to depressant drugs, like those treated at the California Depressants Detox Center and other detox clinics, is laying waste to American society. People all over are dying from deadly addictions to prescription painkillers, heroin and alcohol, yet many people are unaware of the problem. Many of those who suffer from addiction problems hide in shame, and avoid treatment for fear of social rejection. The sad thing is that the more these problems are avoided, the worse they become, which is why it’s so important for those suffering from addiction to take the courageous step of facing it.

Sober Stories

The journey to sobriety is a challenging one, but it is well worth the effort. The good news is that help is out there. Today there are detox centers all across the country that are ready and able to offer treatment to those with addiction problems. Many of these centers take healthcare insurance, so they can be affordable for people at many income levels. No, reaching out and seeking treatment isn’t easy, but healing is available, and sobriety is a life-changing event. Many people who have sought treatment from detox clinics and become sober say they owe their lives to it. All of this makes the case that healing and becoming sober is well worth the challenge.

Entering Treatment

The first step in recovery is to face the fact of addiction with honesty. From there, it’s important to seek help by calling a reputable detox clinic and making an appointment.

When a client first comes in for treatment and counseling, they will be given an assessment by an experienced healthcare professional. They will be interviewed to get a sense of the problem, and from there a treatment plan will be devised. This plan will involve detox treatment and then talk therapy along with other therapies that aid in healing. Once the plan is formed, the detox session will commence.

Detoxing

Detoxification is an important first step in treatment. The body must be cleared of dependance on intoxicants before other therapy can begin, but detox may involve withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can involve vomiting, delirium, seizures and diarrhea. This is why a healthcare professional will monitor the client throughout the process, to ensure their safety. Once the process is complete, the client will rest and recover, and then begin therapy.

Therapy

Talk therapy is a crucial aspect of recovery. A client will have one on one or group counseling, or both, in order to talk about the issues which may underlie their addiction. Group counseling also offers a chance for others in recovery to offer their support.

Along with talk therapy, many centers also offer other kinds of therapy, including yoga classes, nature hikes, horseback rides, art classes, and other activities that can help the client get in touch with their inner self and their creativity, without the numbness that drug and alcohol use brings on. Good nutrition is also an aspect of healing, as a depleted body is another side effect of substance abuse.

Clients in a recovery center may be treated as an outpatient or as an inpatient. In both cases, however, they are surrounded daily by others who are on the same journey and who can offer support.

When the process is complete, it’s important for the client to have an ongoing plan, so they will still have support once they are sober. Some clients will go to AA meetings on an ongoing basis, and some clients may decide to live in a sober home for a while, to get support and avoid the danger of going back to old temptations just as they have become sober.

No, the recovery process is not easy, but it is a worthwhile one for sure. If you or a loved one needs help, contact a recovery center today.