Why is long term treatment recommended for Addicts?
Aside from the obvious primary reason for ending drug abuse, long term treatment is aimed at also returning people to a state of mind, soul and function that allows them to be productive, functioning members of society; in their family set-up, their place of work and the community that they live in.
Long term treatment for substance abuse is a proven process
Relapse levels amongst addicts/patients are very similar in likeness to those who have other chronic diseases such as hypertension, asthma and even diabetes. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Long term treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects on the brain and behaviour and to regain control of their lives. The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing to drug abuse is not only possible but also likely, with symptom recurrence rates similar to those for other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses—such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma that also have both physiological and behavioural components.
Quality Interaction
Most people, it has been proven, who get themselves into and remain within a treatment set up, end drug use, reduce and even fully stop criminal behaviour and improve their occupational, psychological and social functioning. Let’s be clear here: Individual treatment outcomes rely on and depend on the nature and extent of the patient’s challenges; the treatment and related services that the organisation has used to address those problems, and, importantly, the level and quality of interaction between the treatment providers and the patient.
Relapse is not the End – We Have a Plan
Unfortunately, many people consider treatment a failure when they relapse. This isn’t the case at all: Similar to the strategy adopted for other chronic conditions, successful addiction therapy often necessitates on-going examination and change as needed. When a patient is getting active treatment for hypertension and their symptoms improve, the treatment is considered successful, even though symptoms may return if the medication is stopped. Relapses to drug misuse do not represent a failure for the addicted person; rather, they suggest that therapy has to be reinstated or changed, or that an alternative treatment is required. This is also why long term treatment is a definitive must for those battling addiction.
Different treatment options
At Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres, there are several groups of treatment at our facilities namely: Primary, GAP Secondary, Halfway Houses ( once the previous two have been completed) and Outpatient. With First Step, a patient can maintain their long term treatment by enrolling in the After Care and Relapse Prevention Groups which may be attended indefinitely ensuring that your life and your future are as bright as we know they should be!
Here are a few reasons why you should consider long term treatment for substance abuse.
- Studies have shown that long term in-house treatment has a much higher success rate than other treatment options. When you go through recovery, you have to change your whole lifestyle and that takes time. So going for long term treatment really makes a big difference in your recovery.
When going for long term treatment for substance abuse, you are surrounded by professionals who can give you the tools to deal with your addiction. When you’re going through a tough time, they are there with advice and steps for you to follow.
In long term treatment for substance abuse you are also surrounded by other addicts. You share experiences and realise that you’re not alone. Having your peers around you will give you a shoulder to lean on and it really helps having people around you who truly understand what you’re going through.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcoholism
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system it is a drug, a sedative. If imbibed continuity over a long period, it causes liver damage, heart issues and many other health problems, and the person becomes physically dependent on using alcohol.
In South Africa, it is estimated that one in ten people are alcoholic and that alcoholism in any one person, directly affects the lives of at least five to six other people around them. Alcoholism has a devastating impact on the family structure and directly on each family member involved.
As a primary illness, Alcoholism if left untreated can cause devastating physical, interpersonal, emotional, spiritual, and social problems for the alcoholic and their families. A dependency relationship on alcohol which becomes extreme and unhealthy is Alcoholism and is a serious defining and definitive addiction. It is progressive addiction and ultimately, without intervention, will result in death.
Drug addiction
Like alcoholism, the use of a mood-altering substance, regularly and consistently to the point of dependency is Drug Addiction. Using continuously despite the damage and consequences to oneself or family. It is often referred to as Chemical Dependency, because the chemicals in the drug, interact with the brain and central nervous system and alter the subject’s mood, this is what makes some drugs addictive. Obviously, some drugs are more addictive than others but that does depend on the individual’s body build tolerance and chemistry and the speed with which they enter the body and hit the blood stream.
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs.
Alcohol is the number one drug of addiction, followed by Cannabis. Both Alcohol and Cannabis abuse act as a gateway to other drug use, and ultimately to addiction.
Long term addiction treatment should always be the first option where possible.
Houghton Houses Long Term Addiction Recovery Services”
- Primary Care Recovery
- Secondary Care Recovery
- Tertiary / Continued Care Care Recovery
- Outpatient Recovery
TheGAPonline.co.za Addiction Recovery
Houghton Houses General Addiction Programme -GAP centre provides a calm and peaceful environment for clients to take full advantage of the benefits of our treatment programmes.
For more information on how to help yourself or a loved one with alcohol, stop doing drugs, or any other addiction issue and getting yourself into rehab to start a new life, call Houghton House now:
office hours: 011 787 9142
24/7 emergency helpline: 079 770 7532
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