Substance Abuse as a Disorder

The abuse of prescription drugs, street drugs or alcohol (also referred to as substance abuse) is more than just a problem, it’s actually a disorder. The disorder of substance abuse is characterized by the destructive pattern of abusing and using drugs or alcohol to the point that it leads to a great deal of distress and problems in the user’s life. Sadly, this disorder affects more than just the addict; it also affects the family. Entire families can suffer economically and emotionally from the stress and consequences of a loved one’s substance abuse. Understanding what substance abuse is and how to effectively treat someone with drug or alcohol addiction can help you learn how to best help your loved one.

Different Types of Substance Abuse

• Prescription Drugs-  Most people are prescribed medicine at one point in their life following an illness, surgery or accident. When prescription drugs are provided by a physician and taken in the appropriate dosage, they typically don’t cause problems. But when drug users start buying prescription drugs on the street and using them to self-medicate or feed their addiction, serious substance abuse and addiction can result.
• Street Drugs-  Substances that are grown or manufactured specifically for the purpose of being sold illegally on the street are known as street drugs. Meth, crack, heroin and cocaine are examples of street drugs. With the exception of medical marijuana (where it’s legal) these drugs are illegal to sell, buy and use. Addiction to street drugs, like other substance abuse, can lead to serious health, legal and relationship consequences.
• Alcohol-  The fact that alcohol is legal after a certain age doesn’t make it any less dangerous when it comes to addiction. Alcohol addiction is as serious as drug addiction and can lead to severe illness, incarceration and even death. Families of alcoholics suffer great emotional stress, similar to that of the families of drug addicts.

Effective Forms of Treatment

• In-Patient Rehabilitation-  An in-patient drug rehabilitation center offers comprehensive treatment programs that suit the specific needs of your loved one. Here your spouse, child or parent can receive medical attention around the clock, participate in support and counseling sessions day and night, and have recovery be the primary focus of their entire life for the duration of his or her stay.
• Out-Patient Treatment-  Out-patient substance abuse treatment programs can provide your loved one with ongoing treatment after in-patient treatment is finished. Programs of this nature generally involve a several hours of treatment during the day or night, with the patient returning to their home and normal life between treatment sessions. Most people addicted to drugs or alcohol benefit from beginning treatment with in-patient care.
• Support Groups-  Support groups are a critical part of reaching and remaining in recovery. Your loved one will immediately become involved in a support group during in-patient treatment and will need to continue support group involvement after leaving rehab. Accountability and understanding are two components essential to remaining in recovery, and the recovering addict can find these within the structure of a support group. There are also support groups for family members of drug abusers or alcoholics and these can be instrumental in the process of understanding addiction, healing and learning to live with your loved one in recovery.

There’s Hope

It’s easy to lose hope when someone in your family is addicted to drugs or alcohol. The support, expertise and care provided by a substance abuse treatment center can help your family member break free from addiction and obtain the skills to work toward a life in recovery. By calling an intake counselor you can find the support your family needs, get answers to important questions and begin the process of helping your child, parent or spouse get the help he or she needs.

The Freedom Center Can Help

Our effective treatment program at The Freedom Center uses several steps to aid addicts in their journey toward sobriety. First, we help the client with process of detoxification, or removing and cleansing the body and blood of the residue from addictive substances. Some of these toxins can remain in fatty tissue for long periods, even years. After detoxification, we work with clients to help them live a productive life as they move forward into a promising future. Just a few of the following topics we address during treatment include: overcoming the past, constructive confrontation, effective communication, acquiring and retaining knowledge, improving problem-solving abilities and the restoration of character and integrity.

The Freedom Center offers a comfortable place to rest as clients receive substance-abuse addiction treatment. They can relax in one of the many lounges or outside on the property, surrounded by woods, deer and majestic oak trees. Patients can walk and reflect as they enjoy the refreshing scenic beauty. Once in the classroom, clients will learn and apply life skills in an engaging classroom atmosphere. In addition, patients can work out, which helps their bodies to detoxify more quickly and aids in overall health and fitness. We offer a variety of recreational sports, which includes basketball, pool, volleyball and even occasional time swimming. We have found that this strategic combination of detoxification, exercise, education and relaxation assists our guests on the road to recovery.