Drug Addiction, What Are The Options?

Posted by Tony Bylsma on February 6, 2011 under How to Help a Drug Addict | 2 Comments to Read

There are always options, for any situation. Many situations have very few ways to go and some situations offer more choices. Finding the right solution to a problem such as drug addiction can mean life or death for the addict, so listing the choices and examining them is vital.

Here is a list of the most common paths an addict might take in an attempt to reach sobriety:

1.   Try to stop using without help

The truth is that more drug abusers stop on their own, without any professional help, than

the number who get professional assistance. This is not to say that it was easy for them or that those addicts were not really addicted. It is simply the statistical truth of the matter.

It is true, however, that “going it alone” can be very dangerous. Depending on the drug, the amounts and frequency of use, and the length of time addicted, quitting some drugs too suddenly can result in dangerous and even fatal seizures.

2.  Supervised, “medical detox”

The fear of the pain and discomfort of drug withdrawal has kept many addicts using drugs for years. In recent years we have seen the emergence of centers which use medical means the ease the pain of withdrawal and get the addict through this period in a sedated and even semiconscious state. The idea being that when they awaken, the withdrawal is over and the back of their dependence to the drug is broken.

This has been successful for some, but if the “detox” is not directly followed by real rehab treatment and counseling, the percentage who actually stay of drugs is quite low. All that really has occurred is a short break from drugs. The actual problems were never addressed and too often the old habits return almost immediately. Several thousand dollars down the drain.

3.  Out-patient treatment program

Out-patient treatment is useful for certain levels of drug addiction, but not all. The addicted man or woman must be able to refrain from drug use, unsupervised, when traveling to and from the center and in many cases all night long. Out-patient rehab can definitely be the answer for some users.

4.  28 day in-patient rehab

When in-patient, live-in treatment is necessary, 28 days can give some addicts what they need to start their recovery. While not as often successful as a longer-term option, 28 days in a facility is a great improvement over out-patient or simple detox.

5.   Full, live-in drug detox-rehab facility

Staying in treatment until the desired result is achieved—a drug-free individual with the strength and skill to stay that way—is the optimum solution to drug addiction. This requires a commitment on the part of the addict and others, but rewards them with the greatest likelihood of long term sobriety. If the center also aids the ex-user in achieving the skills needed to live a clean and respectable life, the possibility of complete recovery soars.

The final path is, the drug addict continues to use drugs, ever increasing the amounts and frequency until the body or mind finally gives out.

There are not many possible avenues for the addicted person. If he or she doesn’t consciously make a choice and seek sobriety, the choice will be made for them, for better or worse.