Drug Abuse and Rehab Treatment in National City

National City is the second-oldest city in San Diego County. It has warm, dry summers and mild winters, which makes it an ideal place to live or visit. However, just like many cities in the United States, it has some of the most heartbreaking stories of drug abuse and addiction.

Residents of National City are getting caught up in the trap of addiction with some ending up in emergency rooms due to overdose while others are admitted to mental institutions because of drug related complications. A lot of families and relationships are also coming to an abrupt and painful end because of the same issue.

Understanding how drug use starts and develops into an addiction can be key to dealing with some of the issues that end up causing problems. It is worth pointing out that while it may seem quite difficult to help someone with an addiction problem, the truth is that there is hope for treatment through reputable drug rehab programs in San Diego.

The Six Stages of Drug Use and Addiction

Understanding how an individual starts using drugs to the point of addiction can help you know how to deal with the situation depending on the issues commonly experienced.

First encounter

This refers to the first time the individual takes note of drugs or alcohol. They may have already heard or seen it before, but with little to no interest. However, during this stage, they become fascinated by it and want to learn more about it.

Experimentation

It is during this stage that an individual gets the urge to actually go ahead and try using a substance. For most teenagers, this is often a result of peer pressure, boredom or just curiosity. Regardless of the reason behind it, most people during this stage only use drugs to quench their curiosity. Most do not even plan to use it afterwards.

Regular use

It is during this stage that the individual gets comfortable using the drug or substance. He or she has probably used it a few times after experimentation and they love the euphoric effects they derive from use. Regular use is not necessarily daily use. But it refers to a predictable pattern of use. This could be weekends, evenings or when the individual is bored or stressed.

Problem/Risky use

It is at this point that family members and friends are able to notice that the individual’s use of a substance is getting out of hand. The user may start spending money irresponsibly and even miss classes or important business meetings due to substance use. Some family members start confronting the user during this stage. However, confrontation can end up pushing the user away rather than helping.

Dependence

At this stage, the user’s body has become too accustomed to the substance that failure to take even a little amount may lead to withdrawal effects. It is also during this stage that both the user and loved ones can clearly observe negative effects of drug use. Some of the negative effects may include constant conflicts with family and professional associates, poor grooming, drinking and driving, stealing and aggressive tendencies.

Addiction

At this point, the substance user is physically and psychologically hooked on the substance of choice. Their minds are often preoccupied by substance use and most of their conversations tend to revolve around drinking or drug use. It is worth pointing out that when addicted to drugs or alcohol, an individual may genuinely want to stop using substances but they are not able to. Their desire or craving for substance use often overpowers their will to quit.

Addiction Treatment

While a lot of people end up giving up on their loved ones with an addiction problem, this doesn’t always have to be the case. While addiction may seem like an insurmountable challenge, the truth is that with the right treatment, any addict can break free of the habit and lead a normal productive life. The key is to approach a reputable drug rehab for guidance on how to tackle the problem.

Once in communication with a representative from a rehabilitation center, you will be provided with helpful information on how to speak to a drug addict and how to enroll them in a suitable treatment program. An individual with a substance addiction can receive treatment under any of the following setups.

Outpatient rehab program

Under this particular program, a drug addict does not have to stay at the rehab center. Instead, they are allowed to attend sessions of counselling and group support before they are allowed to leave and continue with their daily activities. Learn more about outpatient drug rehabs here.

Partial hospitalization programs

Under this setup, a patient does not have to stay at the rehab facility. However, they are required to commute to the rehab center for up to seven days a week. They are also required to spend almost six hours on the facility. This allows specialists to monitor behavior, provide counselling and recommend ways for breaking free of the addiction.

Inpatient rehab treatment

Under this program, a patient is required to stay at the rehab facility throughout the duration of treatment. This can take anything between 30 to 90 days of addiction treatment. Patients under this program often require detoxification and close medical monitoring to prevent any serious side effects. Keep in mind that it may be dangerous for a person with severe addiction to suddenly quit using substances. 

What Rehab Treatment Entails

One of the most important goals of rehab treatment is to stop any further use of substance. This means caregivers are likely to cutoff any supply of substance to the patient. Secondly, the caregivers are likely to administer suitable medications to deal with any symptoms or complications that may arise due to infections or diseases.

Providing counselling for the affected individual is another thing that is likely to take place while undergoing treatment. Counselling allows the patient to understand why he or she is using substance and helps them appreciate the need to quit any further use. Nutritional recommendations and exercise are other things that may feature in a rehab treatment program.