Even if a patient has admitted that there is a drug abuse problem, and has consented to drug treatment, he may still be in denial, either about the severity of the abuse, how badly it has affected him, or in other areas. This can be especially true if a patient has entered a drug treatment program as a result of an intervention.
Once the patient actually enters drug rehabilitation, his first response may be to think, “I’m not as bad as that person over there,” or, “No way do I have that bad of a problem.” Convincing him that every situation is different may be difficult at first, but the denial phase can be worked through.
One way in which a patient can be helped through the denial phase is through the detoxification process. Detoxification is necessary for the body to be rid of the toxins and other ill effects of alcohol and drug abuse. It is without a doubt one of the most difficult phases of drug treatment; however, once it is over with, the patient usually feels much better, physically, mentally, and emotionally. These improved feelings, coupled with the counseling sessions that have already begun in drug rehabilitation, can have the effect of helping the patient through the denial phase faster.
During the remainder of the drug treatment program, the patient will continue to undergo individual and group therapy sessions. He will learn new ways to cope with stress and the pressures of life without resorting to drug or alcohol abuse, and will most likely begin participating in a support group, such as AA or NA.
His treatment will not, or should not, end there, however. Once a patient finishes both the in-patient and out-patient portions of a drug treatment program, he will, or should, have access to an aftercare program. This program can last for up to one year, and will provide support and encouragement as he readjusts to life without alcohol or drugs.
Aftercare is very important, and patients should check to see if a drug rehabilitation process includes aftercare. We can provide information on drug treatment programs which do so. You can log on to our website at http://www.drugtreatments.com/ or call 1-800-559-9503.
