Drug rehab centers
People who have an addiction to any drug may need the help of a drug rehab centre. Drug addiction can be an addiction to either illegal drugs or prescription medication and we take an over-view of addiction at the end of this article. 
Having an addiction can have negative impact on the life of the addict as well as their family and loved ones, and it is necessary to seek the treatment that is most suitable for your particular addiction. On this page we will be exploring the benefits of drug rehabilitation centres as one route to recovery from addiction.
In order to beat a substance addiction it is necessary to become clean from the drug which is used. This can be dangerous if not done under medical supervision and this is one of the roles of a drug rehab centre; to assist with drug withdrawal.
You are key to your own recovery and understanding what you can expact from the centre and their approach is paramount. Each country will have it's own quality standards and regulators, for example in the UK the Care Quality Commission rates rehabilitation establishments and the independent opinion of these authorities can help you establish which are the best drug rehabs in your area.
Accessing drug rehab
Drug rehab centres can be accessed via your GP who may refer you for a short stay whilst you come off drugs. When your doctor recommends that you attend a rehab centre this can often be done free of any charges. You may, however, choose to go into a private rehab centre of your choice without visiting your GP. Drug rehab centres are easy to locate and a list of rehab centres can be found both on line and in the Yellow Pages directory. See our counselling directory for other sources of addiction help.
The cost of going into rehab will vary from centre to centre so it is wise to ask for a price guide before you make your choice. You should ensure that the centre you choose has expertise in your particular addiction.
The usual duration of an inpatient stay in rehab is between 21 and 30 days but can be shorter or longer depending on your needs. As well as assistance during the withdrawal process you can expect to receive a structured programme to help maintain a drug-free life. This can be achieved through the provision of counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and medication when necessary.
Some patients may require special nutritional support during their stay in rehab and this too should be catered for. It is worth while checking out that all these things are supplied by the rehab centre you choose.
Some drug addicts may not need to stay in a rehab centre and may choose to use the services which they can provide as an outpatient. In this way you can access all the advice you need, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy and medication where necessary.
Signs and symptoms of addiction
Any addiction can have a negative impact on the addict’s life and the lives of those who love them. An addict may not show the signs and symptoms that are typical of addiction, such as unemployment or homelessness. Seeking the help that you require is your first step towards a life of recovery. You can read more about addictions in our addictions section. People can have an addiction to many different substances or life styles. The DSM-IV, the manual commonly used in the diagnosis of mental disorders, lists the flowing dependencies:
- Alcohol
- Opioid
- Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic (this includes benzodiazepine and barbiturate dependence)
- Cocaine
- Cannabis
- Amphetamine
- Hallucinogen
- Inhalant
- Polysubstance
- Phencyclidine
- Unknown or 'other'
- Nicotine
It is widely accepted that it is possible to become addicted to activities such as gambling, sex, pornography, shopping, fitness and love. This type of addiction can be referred to as a non-substance addiction or compulsive addictive behaviour.
Drug addiction is considered by many people to be an illness. There is not an addict in the world who set out with their first hit of a drug to become an addict. Most addicts believe that they will be the exception to the rule and that they can regularly dabble with drugs and not become an addict. By the time they realise that they have a problem the addiction has already taken a hold on their lives. Only by recognising for themselves that they have a problem will they be able to take the road to recovery and a drug-free life.
