Drug rehabilitation includes treatment for both alcohol and substance addiction. Treatment programs are similar for both, with adjustments being made depending on whether the addiction is to alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol and substance addiction are different, although alcohol is considered as much a drug as any prescription or illicit drug. Depending on the type of addiction one has, the body reacts in different ways.
A person who has an addiction to alcohol may suffer from liver damage, as it is the liver that metabolizes alcohol before it is passed from the body. However, a person who suffers from substance addiction may have damage to other vital organs, depending on the drug that is being abused. Cocaine, for instance, can cause permanent heart damage.
Someone who is addicted to crystal meth, on the other hand, may see their body react in many ways.
Crystal meth not only affects the brain, but also the lungs and heart. Further, crystal meth takes a toll on external parts of the body, such as the teeth, gums, and lips.
Some people suffer from dual addiction (addiction to both alcohol and other drugs). When this is the case, drug addiction programs must be adjusted to address both addictions.
In some instances, not only can there be withdrawal symptoms and a detoxification process from one drug, but from two or more. Because of this, medical supervision and intervention may be necessary before treatment for either addiction can begin. This can cause a delay in the treatment program; however, once it is started, it can proceed normally. For this and other reasons, treatment programs must often provide facilities that can provide in-patient care, especially for those suffering from substance abuse or dual addiction.
Treatment in an in-patient facility can range from twenty-one days to six months or more. From there, a person moves to an out-patient facility to continue the rehabilitation process. Depending on the type of addiction, and the length of time a person has been addicted, treatment times in an out-patient facility can vary.
North Carolina drug addiction treatment programs which are geared specifically to alcohol or substance addiction are available, as well as programs which address dual addiction. The phone number 1-866-923-1134 or website http://www.drugaddictionrecovery.net will provide information on treatment program which address the type of addiction for which help is needed.
Keywords: Drug rehabilitation, Substance addiction,
