Someone you love is a drug abuser and that's hard to accept. But what may be harder for you to deal with is that they need to undergo drug rehab. All sorts of decisions must be made. How do you start? How do you proceed? Who can you talk to? The hardest part seems to be that you don't even know what the right questions are to ask. You feel hopeless and overwhelmed. It's best, at times like these, that you remember that what you want is have your loved one come back to you. You want them to be drug-free and living a meaningful life. By seeing things in this light, you can gain the motivation to move ahead.

The first and most important step is knowing how to make an informed decision about choosing the best residential drug rehab facility. In other words, before you can get answers, you need to ask the right questions:

What is the success rate of the residential drug rehab facility?
When making an informed decision, get real. Base your decision on talks with actual graduates of the program. The more of them you can talk to the better. What you're looking for is real-world experience.

What sorts of methods does the residential drug rehab facility use?
Do they take a holistic approach? In other words are they dealing with the entire range of emotional, physical and even spiritual factors of your loved one? That's important -- the more avenues of therapy the better. Realize that drug addiction happens because lots of different things have gone wrong.  A drug addict's life is a jumble of bad decisions, bad habits, bad health and an unwillingness or inability to face down their problems.  For your loved one to succeed at drug rehab, the program has to attack all the sources of their problem.

What additional sorts of services does the residential drug rehab facility provide?
For example, will they help you stage an intervention if necessary? Can you look to them for legal assistance?

Who is on staff at the residential drug rehab facility?
What you want are professionals with lots of experience specifically in the area of substance abuse and all the related problems that come with it.  You want people with a track record, not just an advanced degree. Take some time and get to know them -- and ask the hard questions, e.g., "what is your reason for working in this discipline?" You are looking for dedicated people -- not people taking up space.

Is there a planned program of follow-up as part of the residential drug rehab program?
You want to know that there is a caring attitude about making sure the patient -- your loved one -- will succeed once they leave the facility.  A good program will have a structured approach to staying in touch and staying relevant in the life of the patient after they graduate.

Where is the residential drug rehab facility located?
You're looking for two things here: security and convenience. Sometimes it's difficult to get both, but it is important. First of all, a residential drug rehab center should be secure. You don't want your loved one simply to stroll away on a whim. Fact is, the temptation is there. So you want to know that the facility has a plan to keep them in the program. Second, you want a facility that is convenient to where you live. You will most likely be relied upon to provide in-person visits to your loved one. So you want a facility that is nearby your home to make it easy to visit when necessary and appropriate.

How long does the residential drug rehab program take to show results?
It is customary for programs to last a month or so. However, if the facility has a longer program that will probably offer your loved one a better chance at success. Even better: if the facility has the wherewithal to let your loved one work through the program at their own pace, without an eye on the calendar.

What is the cost of the residential drug rehab program?
Don't simply cross a facility off the list because it is too expensive. Look at the price in conjunction with the services offered. In that way you can better judge the value to you of the facility.  Of course it is true that the more the facility offers, the more it will cost. But you loved one will have a much better chance of succeeding if get the best and most complete program of treatment.

Summary
Picking a residential drug rehab facility is not easy, if for no other reason than you will probably be doing it for the first (and only) time in your life. But if you break it down into a series of smaller tasks and write down the right questions to answer, you will have a much better chance of making an informed decision.
For more info on residential drug rehab, visit Ara Rubyan's Drug Rehab Choices blog.

Ara Rubyan isn't a doctor or a counselor. Instead, he is like you: a consumer who has tried to educate himself on the full range of drug rehab choices available today. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached. Visit his website. You'll find:
  • Lots of articles on various drug rehab topics;
  • Videos;
  • Interactive polls;
  • Latest news on drug rehab resources;
  • Your questions, answers and suggestions.
As always, consult a qualified professional when looking for drug rehab. In the meantime, go on over to Drug Rehab Choices and have a look.

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After admitting to a problem with substance abuse, and deciding to get help, and after deciding that a residential drug or alcohol rehab offers you the best chance at sobriety, you still have to decide between the thousands of available rehabs within the country.

Even when you narrow down the search by rehabs close to home, depending on where you live, you may still be left with many options, and of those options, there will likely be both for profit, and non profit rehabs available.

So which is better, a non profit, or a for profit rehab?
At first glance, the non profit rehab seems to the better choice, and in some cases it may be. The non profit rehab ideally uses all of the admission fees directly into your care, and does not exist to make a profit off of the suffering of others.  A non profit is likely staffed by dedicated and impassioned professionals and recovering addicts, and may offer good value for the money, and it will almost certainly be cheaper!
A private facility, by definition is looking to make a profit, and as such a percentage of the admission payment is not going to your care bills, but to the ownership of the facility. Additionally there are some private operators that do run substandard programs, and although they may promise great things, do not offer nearly as much once they get your check cashed and you're in the door.

Why a private facility is often the better choice
But, if you have good insurance coverage (which should pay for a majority of your care) or have the means to fund your own treatment, a quality private facility is probably the better choice, and offers you the best chance at sobriety.

A quality private facility will charge far more, but will offer greater comfort and more private accommodation, will offer better staff to patient ratios, will offer more individual therapy with a trained and licensed therapist or psychologist, and are often set in beautiful and tranquil environments, ideally suited to the self reflection and medications of rehab.

A private facility is also more likely well equipped with peripheral programming and equipment very beneficial to recovery. More likely to have a good gym, yoga and meditation classes and other programming which does not sound all that necessary, but can actually contribute quite a lot to the experience.
The first step is making sure that any private facility under consideration is worthy of your dollars, does enjoy a good reputation, and offers quality and comprehensive programming. But if it does, it is probably the best available option.

If you have insurance coverage (about insurance for drug rehab) that minimizes your total contribution into the treatment costs, you should almost certainly seek out a quality private facility.

Any rehab is better than no rehab!
Of course any treatment is better than no treatment, and if your financial reality does not allow for participation in a better private facility, you need to evaluate the available options and select the best, which may well be a non profit or public institution.

The best private facilities are far better than anything else on offer, and if you have the money or coverage, they are well worthy of an investment in your future sobriety and happiness. Do your research, ask around (ask your doctor, ask the local health board) and get the best treatment you can reasonably afford.
The best non profit is FAR better than the worst for profitArticle Submission, but in general and on average; you get what you pay for.

 
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian shire is an addictions professional writing about all matters pertaining to treatment and recovery. If you need help making a decision about treatment visit ChooseHelp to read more.

Read the daily addiction blog, Troubleblog for stories of recovery and the latest news on treatment options.

Drug addiction is undoubtedly one of the great tragedies of our society. Drug abuse is claiming lives by the thousands. For those who do survive drug addiction, there is a never-ending struggle to remain whole.
Drug abuse was once considered the plague of youthful indiscretion. Times have changed, however, and being no respecter of persons, the drug culture has spread its tentacles into all levels of society and every age group.
According to Mayo Clinic statistics, 19.5 million people over the age of 12 use illegal drugs in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that actual costs related to drug abuse in the United States is nearing $200 billion annually.

Most drug users do not have the will power necessary to sever ties with addictive drugs and those who sell them. The consequences of drug abuse are devastating, leaving a legacy of death and ruined lives. Thousands upon thousands of former drug users owe their lives to the effectiveness of good drug rehabilitation programs.
Drug addiction is not limited to the use of illegal street drugs. Countless numbers are caught in the snare of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications that are easily purchased in pharmacies throughout our country.

Fortunately, drug addiction is a curable condition, meaning there is hope for every person who commits to making the changes necessary for successful rehabilitation. The uphill battle is long and hard and is often characterized by periods of success followed by periods of failure.

Rehabilitation needs to be done safely and under the supervision of qualified medical and psychological professionals. This is where effective drug rehab programs come into play.

The whole concept behind drug rehab is for the patient to put an end to a lifestyle of substance abuse and to live once again in the freedom of a drug-free environment. It is about stopping the pain caused by drug abuse to both the user and those who are part of his inner circle. It is also about reclaiming a life lost in the mire of drug addiction. Rehab is essential because without it the person addicted can never deal head on with the root cause.

There is more to drug rehabs than simply setting a person free from the shackles of dependency. Some of the issues that must be faced include lifestyle, social patterns, peer pressure, stress, history of drug addiction in the family and a person's overall health, to name a few. There are always underlying issues that have contributed to addiction in the first place. Qualified rehab counselors will leave no stone unturned to expose those issues that affect healing.

Drug rehab is often a long and tedious process. That is because of the complexity of drug addiction. Some addicts are successful in cleaning up their life. Others are not. In every case, however, an effective drug rehab environment is one that provides everything necessary for successful recovery. Depending on the severity of addiction, a drug addict can expect a 30 to 90-day stay at a rehab facility.
PURPOSE OF DRUG REHAB:
The purpose of drug rehab is primarily three-pronged. Drug rehab aims to help one stop the use of drugs, to live a drug-free life, to become a productive family member, and to become a productive member of society. That, of course, requires intensive, long-term care.

BENEFITS OF DRUG REHABS:
The benefits of drug rehabs are seen on primarily three fronts; physical, mental and emotional. That is because these three are the areas of a life most affected by drug abuse.

One can easily understand the fact that drug abuse causes serious physical damage. Drug abuse also causes us to lose touch with reality, or our emotional being. It is a fact that many choose the slippery road of drug abuse to disguise certain emotions.

Drugs are just as harmful to our mental being. Drug abusers do not think as clearly as they once did. Their powers of reason are severely hampered, and they often can't think their way through even the smallest problem.

Here are some benefits we can attribute to drug rehab programs:
  • Provides a solid foundation for making the necessary changes in your life.
  • Provides both medical and emotional support to the addicted.
  • Helps one face the demons in his life that are creating a dependency on drugs.
  • Provides a safe place and means for withdrawing from drugs.
  • Paves the way for physical, mental and emotional wellness.
  • Provides the means by which one can realize his full potential.
  • Paves the way for healing broken relationships.
There are also numerous benefits to society at large, such as reduced health care costs, higher production in industry because of fewer lost work days, etc.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DRUG REHAB PROGRAM
It is only through a qualified drug rehab program that an addict can become whole again. For anyone who wants to break the chain of bondage to drugs, it is important they choose the proper program. It is your very life that is at stake and one should never settle for less than the best.

Because not all drug rehab programs are created equally, selecting the correct program can be extremely confusing. How does one evaluate a drug rehab program?

First of all obtain statistics regarding the success rate of each program. One should also inquire about the qualifications of the various professionals who will be involved in your healing. Ask questions about the facilities' rehab philosophy.

You will also want to know if the rehab program is medically based. Does the rehab center offer program options?

Don't forget to investigate whether or not members of your family will obtain professional help as part of the healing process. After all, they too have been severely affected by drug abuse. Be sure to ask questions about cost, and find out what is included and what is not included for that price.

Another crucial detail is whether the facility offers a continuing care program that will be available once your rehab term is completed. The fact that one has come through a rehab program is no guarantee against relapse. At the very least, temptation will raise its ugly head time and time again. It is expedient to know you are not on your own and that help is close at hand.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of drug addiction treatment for teens as well as adults. Providing drug rehab treatment since the 1990's, they are well-equipped, caring and compassionate in dealing with sensitive addiction issues.

Visit holistic drug rehab for more information for yourself or your loved one.

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The news often reports about drug rehab recently. You read or watch about celebrities checking into drug rehab centers or facilities, well known or not. Getting to finish at least one month in a drug treatment facility is almost considered as an award. However, what the real problem is is the ratio among the individuals we get to read in the newspaper and/or watch on TV and the many others who really need rehab. The problem is choosing the right rehab clinic that is going to help you get back on the saddle.
 
For many patients, choosing the right rehab clinic depends on the place that will be right according to their present circumstance. Any person with a high level of family and work commitment will be more inclined in selecting out-patient rehab programs. Those who want to get over their addiction to drugs with dangerous withdrawal symptoms could be worked out better when using in-patient treatment facilities. Meanwhile, the choice of the right rehab clinic depends on the scientific approach that the centers take.

Relapse prevention
This specific aspect used to be for alcoholics only but has been a success for those addicted to cocaine. In this type of rehab program, therapy for substance abuse stresses on the learning of new and way better behavior replacing the ignorance of a past worse habit. Cognitive behavioral treatment along with a drug-abstinence approach is utilized in aiding patients to learn self-control and resistance to surrounding temptations.

Matrix model
Such a model suits stimulant addicts very well. A patient is taught to handle symptom of addiction and the indications of relapse as well as tell them what they are like. Therapists work with patients and they will also introduce them to different types of self-help programs. Likewise, the former will be testing the latter's urine and/or blood on a regular basis to make sure that patients' stay free of drugs. Stress is given on boosting patients' self-esteem and renewing self-worth. There are many addiction facilities that make use of this model effectively.

Supportive-expressive therapy
This type of drug therapy is best for those who deal with addictions to heroin and cocaine, respectively. Therapists, along with patients, will work in the creation of an environment wherein addicts are comfortable in talking about what they've experienced before going to rehab as well as the situations and behaviors that led them to addiction. Aside from that, therapists will also be working with patients in developing ways that will aid the patients in dealing with circumstances that give them the tendency to use drugs.

Given these methods, choosing the right rehab clinic is going to be about what will suit the patients the most. It is relevant to note the persons' personalities and the situations they are presently in. all these could be applied to both in- as well as out-patient drug rehab centers. Just take into consideration all possibilities in choosing the right rehab clinic. Patients are more probable to be sober and stay such when programs match their individual personalities and the circumstances they are in.

Different kinds of treatments are already proven effective for Drug Misuse but many people like you still yield to addiction and continue living without treatment. A helping hand for Drug rehab clinics is readily available for you and your loved ones by going to our site.

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Treatment Aspects of Inpatient Drug Rehab

Generally speaking, a drug rehab or alcohol rehab is best described as an inpatient addiction treatment facility specializing in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and dual disorders. Most of the individuals that attend drug rehab go through detox initially, to be followed by the inpatient drug rehab portion of treatment which is clinically driven. Historically, everyone with a variety of disorders or sexual preferences are treated together and expected to adapt. I feel this philosophy is flawed and the expectation placed on patients might be unrealistic. In far too many cases, the issues patients bring into drug rehab or alcohol rehab far exceed their initial ability to just "fit in". This is especially true with gay drug addiction and issues such as; internalized homophobia, coming out, gay relationships and a host of others.

Is a Completely Gay Drug Rehab Best
As advances have been made in the area of gay addiction treatment and gay drug rehab, two distinct philosophies seem to have been adopted. The first is a drug rehab or alcohol rehab which is totally focused on treating the gay, lesbian population. This gay drug rehab [http://lakeviewfreedomrings.com] only admits gays to addiction treatment. While this might prove beneficial for some segment of the gay population, it might not be realistic for others. Addiction treatment or drug rehab should resemble the real world and an entirely gay drug rehab is not the real world. It is not what the the recovering gay person will face after they are discharged from their gay drug rehab. They will be discharged into a predominantly heterosexual world and all the challenges associated with dealing with heterosexual prejudice, discrimination, homophobia etc.

The Benefits of a Gay Drug Rehab Component

The other philosophy of providing addiction treatment for the gay population in a drug or alcohol rehab lies in developing an gay addiction treatment component within the drug rehab. This provides the gay addict or alcoholic with group settings specific to their population allowing them a safer place to discuss intimate issues they are not yet ready to discuss with a heterosexual. On the other hand, they will still be encouraged to participate in more generalized clinical activities with the rest of the drug rehab community. This drug rehab design allows for the gay person a "safe space" where they will not feel judged and at the same time allow them to practice what they have learned in their groups. To take things a step further, it will also allow the heterosexual to practice recovery skills such as acceptance, unconditional love and honesty.

If you are looking to locate a quality gay drug rehab, gay alcohol rehab or addiction treatment program with a gay drug rehab component, you can go to http://www.recoveryconnection.org or call their national helpline 1-800-511-9225

Jonathan Huttner is a principal in Lakeview Health Systems, a drug rehab which specializes in the treament of drug addiction, alcoholism and dual diagnosis.