Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Private Drug Addiction Treatment

Many recovering drug addicts opt for private treatment facilities.








Drug addiction is a serious obstacle to overcome. Thankfully, drug addiction can be treated in many cases, though addicts rarely kick drug habits on their own. They often need the structure of a detox and rehab facility to get clean. Private drug addiction treatment centers offer programs that help patients make behavioral changes and supply the necessary medications to facilitate the process of rehabilitation. The length and intensity of treatment varies based on each individual case. Though more expensive than public rehab options, private treatment centers often allow patients to recover in a more comfortable setting.


Why Go Private?


Private drug addiction treatment centers hold certain advantages that attract wealthier clientele. First, you do not have to wait for admission. You can just walk in to a private clinic and begin rehab immediately because there is no waiting period. Many state-run programs are overcrowded and require a waiting period for patient admission. Private institutions often have superior facilities as well. The higher costs usually mean top-quality accommodations. In fact, some private drug rehab centers more closely resemble upscale hotels than medical clinics. Patients also receive special attention. Highly trained doctors and nursing staff tailor treatments to each patient's individual needs.


Cost Consideration


Keep in mind that private drug addiction treatment centers are much more expensive than state treatment programs. According to drug-alcohol-rehabs.org, the average cost of a private rehab facility can be anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on the clinic and the extent of the required therapy.


Medicinal Treatments


Addicts often require medicinal treatment while overcoming their addiction. Private methadone clinics are often the best option for heroin addicts. Methadone is an opiate much like heroin that doctors inject into the patient, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms during the initial stages of detox. Methadone limits cravings and discomfort, making it possible for doctors and nurses to gradually wean addicts off of drugs. For alcoholics, the FDA has approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram for treating alcohol dependence. Such drugs help treat withdrawal symptoms and block receptors in the body that cause you to crave alcohol. Other medicinal treatments are also available to reestablish normal brain function and reduce cravings for substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, nicotine, morphine and marijuana.


Behavioral Therapy


Recovering addicts also need to engage in various forms of behavioral therapy. Counseling, psychoanalysis and support groups aid in the ongoing rehabilitation process. There is always a risk that recovering addicts will relapse into drug abuse. Private treatment centers arrange for patients to attend regular therapy sessions and help set up continuous external sessions with groups such as Narcotics Anonymous once a patient is released from primary care.


Program Length


Program length at private treatment centers varies depending on the case of each patient. The final goal is to enable a patient to stay drug-free and return to a productive life in society. Short-term programs can last as little as three to six weeks of inpatient treatment followed by ongoing outpatient support group therapy. Mid-range programs last for less than six months and generally include residential therapy, medication and drug abstinence outpatient therapy. Long-term therapy can last from six to 12 months, based around ongoing medicinal treatment and residential therapy designed to slowly wean addicts off of drugs and teach them reintegrate into society once they complete their rehab. Heroin and crack addicts tend to need longer rehabilitation programs, but addicts of substances like alcohol and cocaine may also require extended treatment. Extremely volatile patients may live at a private institution for multiple months under the supervision of doctors and staff in order to prevent a relapse. The longer a patient receives private treatment, the higher his chances of beating the addiction.

Tags: treatment centers, drug addiction, private treatment, addiction treatment centers, drug addiction treatment