If a member of your family is an addict or if you know someone who is an addict, you are well aware of the devastating affects of these addictive illnesses. There are many different addictions that individuals find themselves enslaved by. Those addictions could be cocaine, heroine, tobacco, gambling, sex, food, etc. The list is almost endless.
An addiction can be defined as a compulsive disorder that exhibits itself through the habitual use of a substance or action. Addictions are almost always destructive and not only are detrimental to the life of the addict, but those who care for the individual enslaved by their compulsion.
A recognized and accepted school of thought is that addictions cannot be cured; only controlled. There are several options available to an addict who has bottomed out and wishes to reclaim their life. Some of those options include psychiatric help, religion, medication and being admitted to a rehabilitation facility.
If an individual chooses to enter into a rehabilitation facility, it is important to understand the process. This process includes how people are referred, how the program operates and support.
Admission
A rehabilitation facility for addicts is generally a residential program. This means that the admitted individual stays on the premises both day and night and adheres to the guidelines of the facility.
Admission is voluntary, but generally occurs when the individual sees that their life is out of control due to their addiction. Prompting by loved ones and medical professionals may be an added incentive for an individual to be admitted to the rehabilitation facility. Prior to being admitted the consent of the individual must be attained and the person entering the rehabilitation facility must agree to the terms set by the admitting facility.
Programs
Attending a rehabilitation facility that is designed to control one s addiction offers a number of educational opportunities that are designed to increase the addict s knowledge of their compulsion. In addition, the learning of practical skills in combating the compulsions is offered.
The length of the rehabilitation process is for a lifetime, but the time spent at the rehabilitation facility varies in length which is dependent upon the facility chosen. A typical two month stay at a rehabilitation facility would include practical instruction that would cover a number of topics. Some of those subjects would be understanding addictions, learning about personal compulsive disorders, the impact on the individual and their family, co-dependency, recovery, changing dysfunctional patterns, coping skills, etc.
Support
Paramount to the success of an individual who graduates from a rehabilitation facility for addicts is the benefit of a support group. This support group can be family, friends or other recovering addicts.
As part of a successful rehabilitation process, a quality rehabilitation facility will offer to the family and friends educational programs designed to help loved ones understand the addict s disease. These programs will instruct the supportive family on the nature of the addict s compulsions, practical instruction on developing coping skills, the dangers of enabling the addict, etc.