Addiction is an illness. It is considered by reputable medical institutions to be a disease, a chronic brain disorder that literally alters the way in which your brain functions. It causes you to think and behave differently, acting in uncharacteristic and reckless ways, so getting your hit or having that drink becomes your number one priority.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Padiham
It can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Substance abuse significantly increases the risk of developing debilitating long-term medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease or liver cirrhosis. And that is to say nothing of the acute risks, like heart attacks, strokes, alcohol poisoning or drug overdose.
It can destroy your relationships, driving rifts between partners, family and friends. Substance dependency is a dangerous beast. If you are suffering from a drug and alcohol addiction, it is vital that you address the problem as soon as you possibly can.
Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Sometimes, it can be difficult to realise that you have developed a problem with substance abuse. Alcohol or drug dependency can develop from casual or recreational use without you noticing. And it can often be hard to admit, either to yourself or others, that your drinking or drug taking has become a problem.
Alcohol and drug addiction is an illness, and sufferers should be treated with the same concern and care with which we treat anyone suffering from an illness, but unfortunately, there is still a great social stigma around the issue of substance dependency. It is important to remember that addiction is not a moral failing, and you are entitled to help.
If you are worried that you, or someone you care about, has developed a problem, it is worth asking yourself these questions:
- Do I find myself constantly craving another hit or another drink?
- Do I feel physically or mentally unwell if I haven’t had a hit or a drink?
- Can I go longer than a day without feeling the need to use drugs, or drink?
- Has my social or professional life suffered as a result of my drug use or drinking?
- Am I spending too much money on drugs or alcohol, to the point that I am now suffering financially?
- Has my behaviour or mood changed significantly? Am I more irritable or aggressive than I used to be?
This list is far from comprehensive, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an addiction if you answered yes to one of these questions. However, if you have identified with one or more of these scenarios, it might be time to consider seeking professional help and guidance.
Benefits of Private Drug and Alcohol Rehab
There is a very clear and strong connection between stress and addiction. Stress (which can stem from a wide range of factors, including social issues, economic hardship, grief or medical difficulties, to name a few) can drastically increase a person’s chances of developing a substance dependency. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, distracting themselves from the problems in their life. This is, of course, an incredibly self-destructive behaviour. Ultimately, addiction leads to far more serious complications.
The main benefit of private drug and alcohol rehab is that it offers a safe space to get clean, a regulated environment insulated from the stresses of your everyday life. If you suffer from substance abuse, there are likely certain situations, places or even people that can trigger your urge to drink or use drugs. At drug and alcohol rehab, you will be shielded from all of that. Restricted access to drugs and alcohol makes it much harder for you to fall off the wagon in those crucial early days. Going at it alone, it is too easy to give in to those strong and persistent cravings.
What Happens at Rehab?
When it comes to addiction rehabilitation, every client is different, and therefore every course of treatment must be tailored to fit the needs of the patient. Broadly speaking, there are three main stages to rehab that you can expect to experience.
The first stage of addiction treatment is drug and alcohol detoxification. This is where your body processes and removes the harmful substances affecting it. During detox, you will experience withdrawal, the symptoms of which can range from mildly uncomfortable to painful and dangerous. But rest assured, you will have constant access to the best medical and psychiatric care at Asana Lodge. Alone, withdrawal is painful, dangerous, and likely to fail. At a dedicated detox clinic, you are in the safest hands possible.
After an alcohol and drug detox comes therapy. Addiction is a psychological issue just as much as a physical one. To reach a full and lasting recovery, it is critical that we address the mental aspects of your dependency issues. Tried and tested treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, one-to-one and group counselling, and art therapy will be offered to ensure that we get to the root causes of your addiction, as well as give you the tools and self-discipline needed to avoid a relapse.
Relapse Prevention
The final stage of the recovery process is aftercare. Addiction recovery is a lifelong struggle you will have to consciously tackle every day once you have left our clinic. The first twelve months are the most critical- it is during this period that most people suffer a relapse.
To help prevent this or ensure that you can get back on the wagon in the event you relapse, we offer an aftercare programme. For a full year, you will be able to check in with your therapist for weekly sessions and ongoing counselling. We also offer family therapy to help you rebuild any relationships that may have been damaged as a result of your substance abuse.
Get Help with Asana Lodge
At Asana Lodge, we offer residential addiction treatment of the very highest quality. Our approach to care is progressive and holistic, and our treatments are specifically tailored to our client’s individual needs and circumstances. If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, and are ready to reach out for help, contact Asana Lodge today. If you would like to speak directly to one of our team members you can call on 01908 489 421.
Frequently Asked Questions
How beneficial is residential rehab?
Residential rehab can benefit you in a multitude of ways. Obviously our drug and alcohol rehabilitation plans are perfect for getting you clean and sober, but we also want to make sure that you are ready to get the most out of life once you are sober. We encourage our patients to engage with many different types of activities while they are staying at our drug and alcohol treatment centre as finding alternative outlets for your internalised emotions will contribute towards a relapse prevention plan in the long term.
How do I pick the right rehabilitation programme?
Only you can decide what’s right for you. It’s vital to consider your budget, whether you want to go through rehab on an inpatient or outpatient basis and if you wish to go to rehab close to or far away from your home. The need to get treatment might feel urgent but making a quick wrong decision will hamper future efforts at staying clean—so take the time to research.
Can I detox at home?
You can detox at home in some cases. However, if you start to experience severe side effects, you should seek medical treatment immediately. If you are worried about detoxing at home, your best option is to speak to a doctor or medical professional for some medical advice on the best approach. It is always recommended, however, that you attend rehab for the safest detox.
Sources