The struggle with substance abuse is rising rapidly all around the world amongst different races, age groups, and ethnicities. Statistics show that there has been an alarming increase in substance abuse with about 5.5% of the whole world population affected by this important issue. What’s worse, is that healthy individuals die annually (about 450,000) due to consuming or injecting synthetic chemically induced opioids. 

This is a reflection of the legal and illegal number of drugs that are either provided by the pharmaceutical companies or distributed by a drug dealer close to home.

What are Psychoactive Drugs?

Psychoactive drugs affect the Central nervous system which in turn change your mood, movement, and behavior. A disruption of the communication between brain cells (neurons) causes these changes to occur. With prolonged use of these drugs, serious health consequences occur. Psychoactive drugs are classified into four groups mainly:-

1. Opioids- Illegal drugs like heroin and doctor-prescribed drugs like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, morphine, etc. 

2. Depressants- Sleeping pills and Alcohol.

3. Stimulants- Cocaine, Ecstasy, Caffeine, and nicotine.

4. Hallucinogens-Illegal drugs like Mushrooms, Ketamine, LSD.

The role drug rehab programs play for substance users:

Drug Rehab programs are programs designed to accommodate and treat people who are afflicted with substance abuse. Although it’s often a collective treatment offered in a certain facility, every person is treated according to their personal needs and what they are addicted to. Some facilities like this Irving Texas addiction treatment center offer more individualized or luxury versions of rehab programs for those who require it. But for most facilities, the basic system of treatment includes:-

• Detoxification- The individual has to go through a detoxifying process whereby all toxins from the substance they abuse are expelled from their body completely. They are put in an environment whereby access to drugs is not possible. The outside world is not allowed in. The environment provided is conducive enough to eliminate the temptation to use. This is also the time when the individual goes through excruciating withdrawal symptoms.Consequently, they have to endure these symptoms until their body is free from the substance it was so used to being dependent on.

• Group & personal therapy sessions- There are therapists on standby that are available to help the patient go through the transition of starting life without dependent, habitual drug use. These group sessions are structured to help open up, talk about, and listen to each other’s lingering, underlying emotional issues that may trigger the desire to use. 

• After going over the hump(Aftercare)- When the patient is nearly ending the program, their staff and therapist prepare and help by connecting them with a sober living facility, support groups in their areas to maintain sobriety, and habits they can incorporate in their lives so that the triggers are not initiated.

Inpatient versus outpatient drug rehab programs

Inpatient program

This is exclusively for individuals who live in a rehab facility 24/7. There is round-the-clock monitoring and all treatments like detoxification are executed solely in the facility. When there is the satisfaction of completion from the individual, the health experts in charge give authorization for transition to the outpatient program. 

The advantage of being in an inpatient program is that you are less likely to resort to bad habits while there. The cost, however, is more expensive. Every basic need is provided. Therefore, inpatient patients end up paying more than the outpatient individual.

Also, while in the facility, you cannot work. Obviously, if you are there continuously throughout the day for monitoring, you cannot get out and get a job until your time is done. Furthermore, you may have trouble with insurance coverage, since most don’t cover the full cost of your stay in the rehab facility. 

Outpatient program

This program caters to individuals that are not in the facility, but still, attend activities that are mandatory to maintain sobriety. Each institution has its own set of rules, but the main aim has to be accomplished. Schedules are set due to individual availability, but they still have to attend the 12 step program, group and family therapy, etc. 

The disadvantage of being in the outpatient program is that there may be a likelihood of falling back to old habits of substance abuse. When you are up and about in the world, temptation lurks at every turn you make. Even though the activities are implemented and enforced, contact with the outside world results in exposure to one’s old life. Thus, a good amount of willpower and self-discipline has to be exercised by the individual.

Another downside is minimal support for mental health. Since there isn’t sufficient monitoring of the patient in a confined, controlled area with medical caregivers, recurring mental issues may trigger the individual.

Luckily, being in this program is more affordable than the inpatient program. 

In conclusion

Both programs are designed to have a high success rate. Research shows that inpatient and outpatient programs are equally successful in minimal relapses. Additionally, the outcome of each individual’s rehabilitation depends on the addiction, personal needs while in the program and how dedicated the staff members are to their patients.

How to seek help in obtaining a rehab program

It is a personal choice in deciding whether you are better suited for the inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. Better still, there are medical professionals such as a physician, guidance counselor, or even mental health therapists who you can seek out for advice while presenting them with what your individual needs are in achieving sobriety. They are better connected and can refer you to the right treatment center in your area.

Premature loss of life in modern-day society.

Drug rehab programs have become increasingly crucial in providing treatment and support for people struggling with drug addiction. Unfortunately, they are more popularly sought after more than ever before due to the ascending trend of substance abuse. Big names in the Celebrity world have recently been trending on the news and social media about having lost their lives to drugs.

The stigma of drug addiction knows no age, no color, and most of all, no societal status. We as a people have known someone, in some way or another who is suffering from it or has died from it. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.