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For the addict who has decided to confront his or her addiction, the ongoing process of recovery is often met with difficulties, challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, success. Furthermore, many addicts need to grapple with other underlying conditions or issues that accompany the addiction. For these individuals, a dual diagnosis drug rehabilitation may be especially helpful and is often an ideal program when all things are considered.

Two Problems

One may wonder what this type of rehabilitation is all about. It is often found that conditions like depression and anxiety, for example, may have existed in a given individual prior to the onset of chemical dependency. These conditions may have, in fact, contributed to the addictive behavior in the first place. In some cases, however, these conditions occur as a result of the addiction.

Part of the Problem

Regardless of which came first, the clinical disorder or the substance abuse, more and more expert clinicians are finding it important and necessary to treat both simultaneously. The psychiatric community has increasingly found that effectively treating disorders that accompany addiction often results in a more lasting recovery. This treatment is done in a number of different ways and may vary somewhat from clinic to clinic.

Group Therapy

One common feature of this type of rehabilitation is some kind of group therapy. An important element in confronting addiction is discovering that you are not alone in the battle against chemical dependency. Recovering addicts often speak of a profound sense of isolation that they once felt. Realizing that one is not alone in the struggle can be empowering. This type of therapy may include things like testimonials from recovering alcoholics or addicts who have been through the same type of program.

Counseling

One on one counseling is usually part of the program as well. This may happen as a part of the program or it might be something that takes place simultaneously outside of the program. In the individual sessions, it can be easier to get to core issues surrounding the addiction. Here, it is the hope of therapists that the patients will begin to learn healthy ways to cope with their conditions and addictions.

Prescription Medication

With some degree of regularity, patients will also be prescribed medication. One or more psychiatrists who work with the rehabilitation team will assess each patient. If it is determined that there is an underlying condition like depression or anxiety, a psychiatrist may deem it prudent to prescribe medication. The basic idea is to enable the patient to clearly focus on learning different skills to be used to work through certain difficulties. The time period during which the medication is used will vary from patient to patient.

Individual Assessment

All the aforementioned elements are incorporated into one comprehensive residential alcohol addiction rehabilitation. The manner in which each element is put into place may be slightly different depending on the clinic or venue. It is important to note that the initial patient evaluation will often be used by the recovery team to make adjustments during the course of the program as well.

Alcoholism is a serious illness that affects millions of people. Susceptibility to this disease is considered hereditary, as individuals are more likely to be afflicted if other family members have the illness. Many things can exacerbate the condition but in many cases, the onset is unprovoked. The alcohol addiction rehabilitation aids people in their struggle with this disease. It helps them overcome alcohol addiction and helps them on their road to recovery.

Symptoms

Often, there are indications that someone is abusing alcohol and that they need to enter a rehabilitation center. Behavioral symptoms can be the first signs to emerge. Someone who keeps drinking, even after that behavior has had a negative impact on their life, probably has a problem with drinking. An example of this would be if someone lost their job due to their drinking yet continued to drink anyway. There are other behavioral indications of alcoholism as well such as neglecting social activities and other daily habits and showing a lack of control over their behavior.

Increased Tolerance

There are many physical symptoms of dependence as well. One of the earliest symptoms is an ever-increasing tolerance. The more an individual drinks, the higher their tolerance becomes. Larger quantities are needed to feel the effects. Tremors are also an indication of addiction. Some patients may also experience visual and auditory hallucinations.

Detox

Before rehabilitation, most people have to go through a detox period. Depending on the severity of the dependence, detox may need to be done in a medical environment. When an individual’s body is addicted to a substance, whether it be alcohol or drugs, the sudden deprivation of that substance can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be severe and life threatening. Many rehabilitation centers help patients through their detox and help ease their transition into recovery.

Detox Symptoms

Many patients are fearful of the detox symptoms and for this reason, some patients put off entering a recovery program. There are qualified centers that take great care in making the process as easy as possible for the patient. They commonly rehydrate the patient as well as replenish electrolytes. It is very common for an alcohol dependent person to be dehydrated. Patients are also given drugs to ease the symptoms including barbiturates, ethanol in low doses, and benzodiazepines.

Methodology

There will be some differences in how different programs are run but they also have many similarities. The staff is usually composed of medical professionals, counselors and psychologists. The patients are monitored closely to insure that they receive everything they need to recover.

Important Aspects

During alcohol addiction detoxification, patients follow a strict schedule to insure that they get enough rest and the proper nutrition. It is important for the patient to eat a healthy diet while in recovery. When the patient has started to recover physically, they can begin to heal emotionally as well. They will have sessions with counselors and medical professionals. It is common to have group sessions as well as individual sessions.