Other types of Addictions

Other types of addictions that may be in need of a rehab:

When people think of the term addiction what most likely comes to their mind are drugs or alcohol. However, individuals can be addicted to a variety of substances and behaviors. Some of the most common ones besides alcohol and drugs are gambling, sex, pornography, video games, food, smoking, the Internet and even shopping. Because people are so different and there is so much availability, people can turn something that isn’t bad if used in moderation, into an addiction. People can conceivably be addicted to almost anything. In this article we will discuss a few of the major addictions, specifically gambling, sex, pornography, video games, food, smoking, the Internet and shopping.

Gambling Addiction: More and more people are becoming addicted to gambling. This is partly because it’s now available online. People who love to gamble often enjoy the rush and the thrill that’s associated with a potentially winning a lot of money.

Sex Addiction: This addiction has been getting more and more attention lately. It involves persons that have a problem controlling their sexual impulses. Subsequently, they are pretty indiscriminate about who they have sex with and where they do it. This can be a very damaging addiction because it can break up families and put people at risk for serious and even fatal diseases.

Pornography Addiction: The Internet has contributed to a lot of people, both men and women, becoming addicted to photography. Because it’s so readily available and free, lots of people begin viewing it and find them selves unable to stop. T

Video games Addiction: Video games and video-game systems are extremely popular. Some kids and adults play it much more than is acceptable or even safe. Some experts believe that video game addiction is partly the reason that many young people are overweight and obese. Because they are sitting in one place it is very easy for them to gain weight.

Food Addiction: Food addictions are pretty common. Often times, people who suffer from this are overweight. However those that binge and purge may be thin but have a dangerous and potentially deadly food addiction.

Smoking Addiction: Smoking is so addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. It is a very hard addiction to break and it takes some smoking addicts, years.

Internet Addiction: The Internet can be a great thing in moderation. But if people find themselves having a hard time getting off of the Internet or are constantly thinking about getting on it then they may have a problem.

Shopping Addiction: A shopping addiction is another one that is pretty common. People who suffer from it spend tons of money purchasing things that they don’t need and often times don’t use.

Who needs Rehab?

Rehab is designed for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. In many cases, their lives are out of control because of their addictions and they need outside help. Many people will try to quit drugs numerous times before they are finally able to do so. It does not matter whether or not they try on their own or need to enter several rehabilitation programs. While this can be frustrating for the addict themselves and also for people who love and care for them, this is typically a part of the process of getting clean. Very few people are able to quit cold turkey the first time they attempt to do so.

There are many types of rehabilitation programs, designed to treat different addictions. People find them selves addicted to not only drugs but also all gambling, sex and even pornography. If a person finds themselves out of control or getting out of control, they may be interested in getting some type of intervention and rehab offers this.

Rehab facilities are organized differently. Some are residential where persons actually get to stay in the group home or building. Others are outpatient programs where individuals are allowed to visit the facility for meetings and/or counseling. Some rehab programs take the form of support groups, giving individuals the opportunity to talk about their addictions, their successes and their struggles.

Individuals who need rehab may not necessarily be at a point in their lives where they are out of control. They make just be concerned with some of their behaviors and want to stop themselves before they end up in trouble or addicted. In this sense, it is a preventative measure. It is much easier to nip a problem in the bud before it gets out of control, versus waiting until you feel overwhelmed.

Mostly, rehab is for people who need professional help and who have not been able to stop a certain behavior by themselves. They recognize that they need someone outside of the situation to help turn things around.

Persons who are in an environment that is not conducive to getting clean may also choose to go to rehab. This gives them an opportunity to focus on their sobriety and to get away from people or situations which make it easy or enticing to take drugs, drink alcohol or engage in behaviors that are unhealthy and that they would like to quit.

Myths about Rehab

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding rehab. Some of the most common ones are that there is only one right way to treat addicts, drug rehab doesn’t work, involuntary rehab is a waste of time and that if you have been to one rehab, you have been to them all. While some of these myths may hold a grain of truth, they are largely false. We will discuss each one in more depth below.

1. There is only one right way to treat addicts: This is patently untrue. Because people are different and the situations that have contributed to their drug or alcohol abuse is likely different, the help they require to get off drugs will likely be different for each person. A program that may be very effective in treating 30% of addicts, may fail miserably treating the other 70%. This is one reason why it takes individuals several attempts at rehab before they find one that works. Because ultimately, to free themselves from the addiction, they will need to find a program that speaks to them and helps uncover why they started taking drugs and continue to do so.

2. Drug rehab doesn’t work: People become addicted to drugs for both psychological and physical reasons. Because drug use affects the brain, it becomes very difficult to stop without help. Sometimes this even requires medical intervention. Because there are also psychological and social factors that contribute to why a person takes drugs, it may take the more than one try before they figure everything out and they are able to break the ties that keep them using.

3. You have to be desperate in order for rehab to be effective: While this is true in some cases, it’s not true in all of them. Some people recognize early on that if they continue their behavior they will end up having long-term problems with drugs. Therefore, they check themselves into rehab so that they can do the work necessary to stop taking drugs. This can be very effective and people can successfully turn their lives around. A person doesn’t have to hit rock bottom, although it is necessary for some people, before they finally get the help that they need and respond to rehab.

4. Involuntary rehab is a waste of time: This is also another myth. Some people are forced into rehab by family and friends and others by the courts. If they find a good program and if somewhere deep inside they’re ready to stop drugs and then they can do so. It doesn’t necessarily have to be their idea to enroll into rehab program. But if they have the opportunity to and they respond, then they can get off drugs.

5. If you have been to one rehab then you have been to them all: This is another huge myth. There are different types of rehab with a variety of philosophies. It is very important that when a person is looking into rehab for themselves or a family member that they really take the time and see what’s out there. It is best to find a program that will best fit themselves or their loved one’s personality and temperament.

Drug Rehab Costs Statistics

According to a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental-Health Services Administration it typically costs a little over $1400 for outpatient treatment, nearly $4,000 for residential drug rehab treatment program and a little over $7,000 for individuals getting outpatient treatment with Methadone. Treatment centers which offer Methadone are typically more expensive.  On the high end, you may find that a drug rehab stay costs $30,000 for one month.

As you can see, there is a very large range when it comes to drug rehab costs. An  individual will simply need to take the time to investigate their options, figure out how much their insurance will pay (if they have insurance) and then look for a treatment center that they believe be able to best address their needs and help them get off drugs at a price that they can afford.

Paying for Rehab

The cost of drug rehab can be a deterrent for many addicts when it comes to getting help for their disease. They simply may not be able to afford it. Thankfully, there are options for most individuals. State-funded rehab facilities which are much less expensive or even free are available.  Some hospitals also offer drug rehabilitation programs. While the less expensive options typically are out-patient facilities and programs, there are some which allow individuals to stay for both short and long lengths of time.

There are two primary ways to pay for drug rehab. Some individuals will find that their health insurance will cover it, while others will have to pay for the expense out-of-pocket. There are free programs for people who have absolutely no money but who need treatment. These may be offered through local not-for-profits, state funded programs or churches.

More expensive drug rehab programs typically offer more of a spa-like environment.  Patients may have their meals prepared by a highly esteemed chef, have their own room and nicer amenities.  Cheaper or free drug rehab centers will often have more than one person to a room, the meals may not be as fancy and they may have far less amenities.  However, simply because a drug rehab program costs more does not mean that it will be more effective in helping individuals get off of drugs. There are a number of factors that contribute to people to being able to quit using drugs.  Probably most important is that person’s willingness and readiness to quit the drug and also whether or not they find a drug rehab program that fits their needs.

Drug Addiction

When most people begin to experiment with drugs they never think that they will one day be addicted to them.  However, emotional, psychological and physical factors can make some individuals more susceptible to drug addiction then others.

Some symptoms of drug addiction include a dependence on a particular drug or drugs, going to great lengths to obtain drugs and get high, physical cravings and the willingness to take risks to obtain the drugs even with there are negative consequences.  Persons who become addicted to drugs have constant cravings and thoughts about buying and taking drugs.

Persons can be addicted to both legal and illegal drugs. The number of individuals who are taking legal drugs, those prescribed by their doctors and over-the-counter, to get high is growing at an alarming rate.

When there is long-term use of drugs, pathways in the brain become altered. It is at this point that the drug addiction becomes a disease.  When the pathways and nerve cells in the brain become changed, physical addiction occurs. The brain reacts differently to the types of drugs that are taken and will be altered accordingly.

Drug addiction can be influenced by both genetics and the environment in which one lives. A person can be pre-disposed to drug addiction based on their family history.  The environment can also play a major role in drug use and drug addiction.  Individuals who have a lot of life stressors or who are around people who abuse drugs may be more tempted to use them themselves.  Some drugs are also much more addicting then others. Heroine and cocaine are two such drugs that often quickly entrap the persons who try them.  Others are less so such as marijuana.

One’s personality type may also influence whether or not they become addicted to drugs.  Individuals who have problems with depression or anxiety may use illegal or legal drugs to self medicate and may become addicted in the process.

It is believed that nearly 20 million people in the United States over the age of 12 have taken some sort of illegal drug.  24% of men and 16% of women in the U.S. have used drugs, with marijuana being the one most commonly taken. Drug-Rehabs.org reports that one in four Americans between the ages of 26-34 have tried cocaine. According to the Mayo Clinic 19,000 deaths from drug use occur every year in the United States.

Most people recognize that drug addiction can take a serious and even deadly toll on an individual.  It can cause them to lose the things that are most important to them such as their family, friends, job and money. Some people are more susceptible to drug addiction and everyone who takes drugs does not become addicted to them. There are individuals that are able to only take drugs socially. The problem is, one doesn’t know until after they have become addicted if they are one of those individuals. By then, it is impossible to turn back the clock.

Whether or not an individual becomes addicted to drugs depends on several factors.  A person’s genetic makeup, their environment and what is going on in their lives will either contribute to or insulate one from drug use. Drug addiction is very serious and can be a very ugly disease because it robs the individual, the people that they love and those who love them of a whole and healthy human being.  Family and friends suffer because they have to watch, often helplessly, someone that they care about deteriorate right before their eyes. Drug addicts suffer because they often alienate and hurt those people closest to them.

Types of Drug Rehabs

There are several types of drug rehab programs and facilities available.  The most common ones are short stay, residential and outpatient facilities.  Drug rehabilitation philosophies run the gamut as well.  There are some that focus on the spiritual, others which place a strong emphasis on the psychological and others that will focus on the medical aspect of the disease. The latter are known as medical rehab facilities.  They help drug users with the physical withdrawal symptoms that occur when they are first getting off of drugs. This may include the administration of medication or simply treating the patient while they are going through the detoxification process.

Typically, the drug rehab options that a person has will depend on how much money they have available to spend on treatment and whether or not their health insurance provides coverage.  Persons with a great deal of money are able to afford drug rehab programs that are very intensive and holistic.  While this may have its advantages, in most cases it doesn’t matter how many or what types of perks a drug rehab program has. Recovery essentially boils down to if an individual is ready to quit. Persons with a lot of money often need more than one rehab stay just as addicts with less money.  While it may be assumed that there are obvious advantages to being able to afford more expensive rehab programs, whether or not one is able to kick their habit will come down to if they are ready and if the program that they choose is right for them and is able to address the issues relating to their addiction.

Inpatient treatment programs are one type of drug rehab facility.  Addicts stay in the treatment center and their actions are tightly regulated.  Individuals receive meals and often times counseling.  There may also be some type of medical component when the person is first admitted to the program. Inpatient drug rehab typically requires only a short stay. Generally, 4-6 weeks is the most time that individuals will spend in these types of facilities.

Outpatient drug rehab is another alternative for drug addicts.  This type of rehab allows individuals to continue to work and live with their family. There are meetings and classes that they will attend that address both the psychological and environmental triggers of addiction.  Individuals will learn ways to navigate their environment and also to handle stress without using drugs. One such popular program is Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.).  This program is very similar to Alcohol Anonymous. N.A. uses spirituality as a foundation for overcoming drug addiction. Consequently, an individual has an opportunity to incorporate their faith while getting clean.

Lastly, there are long-term drug rehabilitation centers. These types of rehabilitation facilities typically require that an individual stay for a pretty good length of time, even up to a year.  It may very well be longer then that. Individuals leave when they complete the program or believe that they are able and strong enough to return to their environment without relapsing.  They may also offer job-training and counseling. Their goal is to give addicts the tools that they will need to be successful once they leave the facility.

Finding a Rehab

Finding a rehab program facility can be one of the most difficult parts of the rehabilitation process because it is so important to find the right one. The right rehab center or facility will be one that an individual feels comfortable at and which the center’s treatment philosophy is one that the patient feels comfortable with. Other considerations will include cost, location and whether or not a person requires outpatient or inpatient stay.

If an individual is employed, one of the first things that they should investigate is whether or not their insurance covers drug rehabilitation.  They can simply go online in most cases to the insurance company’s web site.  Avoiding having to discuss one’s addiction with their employer is probably something that most people want to avoid.

Cost will also be very influential when it comes to choosing a drug rehab facility. Obviously, if an individual can not afford a particular treatment center, then it won’t be an option. Finding an affordable drug rehab facility requires a bit of research. Individuals should create a list of potential drug rehab facilities, then simply contact them and ask them about their programs and pricing.

Location is also a very important consideration when it comes to finding a drug rehab facility.  Some people prefer a local outpatient program.  Others may need inpatient stay but would still like to be near their family and friends.  Some individuals may need to get away as far as they can from family and friends who may make it difficult for them to get clean.  In these cases, while whether the facility is an outpatient or inpatient one is important but what is even more important is that they get out of the city, state or even the country so that they have the best opportunity to beat their addiction. There are a number of ways to find a drug rehab facility.

Using a website such as this one is a great start in learning about drug rehab cost, drug rehab information and the seriousness of drug addiction.

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