Chemical Dependency Treatments

Chemical dependency treatment facilities provide pharmacological treatment to aid in withdrawal and treat existing mental disorders as well as offer intense therapy and basic introductions to community services and support groups. Treatment provides a safe environment through those first days without the substance and prepares patients for long-term recovery.

First Step

• The first step to recovery from chemical dependency or addiction is to remove the addict from the environment that provides the drugs. Inpatient chemical dependency treatment centers are typically recommended because the obsession is so great that even when addicts have a strong desire to get clean, they cannot overcome the intense compulsion to use drugs again. Inpatient treatment centers for chemical dependency offer programs that range from two weeks to two years. While most drug rehabilitation centers do not hold patients against their will, addicts can best be served in the first few days of withdrawal by being placed in a locked facility.

Dual Diagnosis

• A dual diagnosis is given to patients who have a mental illness and are dependent on chemicals. Diagnosis often is difficult for some substance abusers because so many of the mental symptoms found in drug addicts mimic physical and neurological mental disorders. Addicts must complete a total withdrawal from the substances they've been taking before another diagnosis can be confirmed. Rehabilitation of dual diagnosis patients usually requires pharmacological treatment coupled with intense therapy and continued follow-up. Most drug rehabilitation centers offer dual diagnosis treatment because the multiple disorders are so prevalent. Some facilities focus exclusively on patients with a dual diagnosis.

Outpatient Treatment

• Intensive outpatient treatment for the chemically dependent is an option many drug addicts prefer. Most of the same services of an inpatient program are available, except the costs are much lower than inpatient care and patients return home at night. Many insurance programs cover outpatient treatment. Programs can last for two to eight hours a day, for anywhere from 90 days to two or three years. Participants in outpatient treatment programs receive one-on-one counseling, group therapy and educational activities that include films, reading, speakers and homework assignments.

Follow-Up

• Most treatment programs for the chemically dependent provide follow-up therapy and treatment as an extended part of their programs. Continued follow-up through counseling and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous are important to sustain recovery that has begun in rehab. Patients with a dual diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder, learn the importance of taking their daily medication to avoid manic or depressive moods that could lead them back to drugs.

Family Involvement

• Family members are typically included in chemical dependency treatment programs. In addition to their own education programs, family members are encouraged to participate in family counseling and to follow guidelines to make the home environment drug-free and safe for the recovering addict. Family members often utilize the treatment centers to find assistance for their own problems and receive introductions to family programs such as Al-Anon.