Drug rehabilitation is the process of liberating the user from active addiction and includes two stages - physical detoxification and psychological detoxification.

1. Drug Rehabilitation
Treatment

2. Table of contents
o Introduction
o Physical Detoxification
o Psychological Detox
o Treatment on an external basis, without medication
o Therapeutic communities
o Methadone Assisted Detox

3. Introduction
Drug rehabilitation is the process of liberating the user from active addiction and
includes two stages - physical detoxification and psychological detoxification.

4. Physical Detoxification
Chronic drug use causes a person to have an increasing need to take the substance of
their choice. Physical dependence / addiction is the condition in which the user
cannot control the drug use, but rather, when the user is controlled by the substance.
In other words, a person loses control of their actions as well as the consequences
produced by them. Abrupt cessation of use results in painful withdrawal symptoms,
both physical and psychological. Detoxification due to the severity of the risks must
be performed in a controlled drug rehab environment by properly trained staff and
varies in length depending on the case, but usually takes about a week.

5. Psychological Detox
The growing use of drugs, in addition to physical dependence, creates in the abusive
user a psychological powerlessness in managing feelings and way of thinking. Their
only concern is finding and taking the substance of choice, as well as the money for
its acquisition. Psychological detoxification follows physical, and can last up to a
few years due to the fact that its process puts itself directly against very strong
defence mechanisms such as denial, fear of change and distorted way of thinking.

6. Drug addiction is treatable. In order for this to happen, it is imperative users receive
bespoke treatment, specific to their needs. Treatment enables them to manage their
problem in order to lead a normal life. As part of any treatment to long-term health
problems, drug addicts often need to both change their behaviour and take
medication. Behavioural therapies include psychotherapy, counselling, as well as
family therapy. Medications on the other, help users overcome the uncontrollable
desire to take drugs, and the neutralization of drug action in the body.

7. In general, the results are better the more the treatment given. Patients receiving
longer treatment have better results and progress, compared to those receiving
treatment for a shorter period of time. Many patients in addition to detoxification
treatments need other care from physical and mental health services in addition to
AIDS prevention tips. Research in recent decades have shown that treatment can
help clear drug addiction and reduce the risk of the user relapsing. In addition, it is
more likely for users who have received treatment to reintegrate in society, i.e. get
employed.

8. Detox programs can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term methods include
treatment on an internal basis in a therapeutic community with the use of drugs, and
treatment on an external basis without drugs, and have a duration of up to 6 months.
Long-term treatment includes treatment within the therapeutic community and may
involve methods of drugs administration to individuals addicted to externally based
opioids. This type of treatment lasts between 6 and 12 months.

9. Treatment on an external basis, without medication
Outpatient treatment without medication may include various detoxification
programs for users who visit specialized clinics regularly. Most programs offer
individual or collective counselling.
These programs are for aimed at users with a stable and integrated life in society,
and a short-lived drug addiction.

10. Therapeutic communities
Therapeutic communities (TCs) are focused on users with a serious history of drug
addiction. These are usually users that problems functioning in society and have a
history of criminal activity. Therapeutic communities aim for patients to become
productive members of society, without having to depend on drugs. Long-term
programs in these communities usually involve patients staying in residential units
between 6 and 12 months. Short-term programs include an internal therapy period of
about a 3 to 6 weeks. This is followed by external treatment based on participation
in counselling programs or support groups.

11. Methadone Assisted Detox
In maintenance therapy for heroin addicts, a synthetic opioid, usually methadone, is
given orally. A dose capable of suppressing the effects of heroin is administered,
creating a steady non-euphoric state that relieves the user of the uncontrollable
craving for opioid drugs. Among methadone administration programs, it has been
proven that doses of methadone of at least 60 mg have better participation rates.
Also, when methadone programs are accompanied with counselling and medical
care, they have better results than when the programs offer the bare minimum
services.

12. Methadone assisted programs are more successful in opioid dependence compared
to therapeutic communities. TCs in turn are more effective than externally based
programs that offer psychotherapy and counselling.

13. With the help of these drugs, the user is relieved of the need to search for drugs, this
way also suppressing the criminal behaviour involved. With the right counselling
and support from social services, the user can ultimately reintegrate into society.
Research shows that treatment for heroin addiction with the help of methadone in
appropriate doses coupled with behavioural therapy reduces the frequency of deaths
and many other health problems associated with heroin use.

14. Contact details
Inspire Change Wellness Addiction Treatment Centre for Men
Address: 15216 north bluff road suite # 509a white rock, bc v4b 0a7
Phone: 888.508.9802
Email: info@addictionhealingcentre.ca
Visit: https://addictionhealingcentre.ca/