San Juan Capistrano Rehab Program Offers Help For Drug And Alcohol Abuse

By Antoinette Quinn


Most drug or alcohol addicts never intended to give control of their lives to a foreign substance. It was taken away one drink or one hit at a time. The body as well as the brain developed a dependence on these substances in order to feel good. Now the person finds himself at the point that he would rather have the drug than food, shelter or family. With San Juan Capistrano rehab, patients can battle their addictions and live in abstinence.

For many people the biggest obstacle to beginning the journey to sobriety is the fear of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Some drugs cause much more severe withdrawal symptoms than others do. The effects of withdrawal can vary depending on the drug one uses, the length of time it has been used and by individual body chemistry. Medication may be available to ease these symptoms.

In addition to causing a physical addiction, drugs can lead to a psychological dependence. Many people start to use these substances in order to escape problems in other areas of life. For those who suffer mental illness, the drug might be a way of self medicating. Unless the underlying issues are resolved, overcoming one's drug use can be difficult.

Addiction has a social side that must also be addressed. If a person has been using illicit drugs for some time, it is likely he or she has become a part of the drug culture. Friends and neighbors may all use illegal drugs so that it has become a socially acceptable practice.

Patients often find the first 24 hours after entering the facility the most difficult. While they may agree intellectually that they need to stop their drug use, their bodies and minds continue craving more of the drug. These symptoms do subside with time. As the toxins are eliminated, individuals often begin to feel better. They may be ready to begin the work involved in treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can is commonly used in today's drug treatment programs. This method of therapy helps individuals to identify factors leading to use as well as its negative effects. In addition, they can learn new ways to deal with stressors of life. At some time, many realize that in order to stay clean they must cut ties with old associates.

If patients enter an in-house treatment program, they live in the facility for about 28 days. Once the program is complete, the transition back to a less structured environment begins. There is less protection here than in treatment. Individuals in this phase are vulnerable to relapses. However aftercare can help patients to keep clean. Most aftercare includes a 12-step program or additional counseling.

The war with one's drug addictions can include many very tough battles. Some patients may see some progress and then failures, however if they continue they are able to reach the goal. With help in overcoming these addictions life becomes more enjoyable. A San Juan Capistrano rehab center can provide the help one needs to gain his life back from a substance abuse problem.




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