Illicit Drug Use

Last updated on February 1, 2019

Three of the most widely abused drugs are alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications, all of which are legal. Despite this, many drugs that are abused are actually illegal and can very quickly lead to addiction. The most frequently abused illicit drugs are:

Marijuana
Heroin
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
LSD
Steroids

Detox

A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report estimates that there are up to 4.5 million emergency room visits each year due to drug overdoses. While being treated at the hospital for overdose, many addicts go through detox because they have no access to the drug they are addicted to. The signs of detox vary depending on which illegal drug the patient is addicted to. Some of the more common symptoms of detox include:

Insomnia
Restlessness
Anxiety
Paranoia
Nausea
Cramping
Depression

Many of these symptoms can be treated with prescription medication to make the patient more comfortable while going through detox. The only way to get these prescription medications is by detoxing and going through rehabilitation under the observation of a medical professional, such as at a rehabilitation facility. If you think you or someone you know needs the help of one of these rehab facilities, call us toll-free at 1-888-968-9816 Who Answers? . Our advisors will help you find a rehab facility in your area and answer any questions you have.

Rehab and Treatment

Addicts who wish to get their lives back in order will often seek out professional treatment. Though some may wish to try and break the habit on their own, statistics have shown that staying at a licensed rehabilitation facility will increase the likelihood of getting sober and remaining sober. The longer the treatment in a facility, the better off the patient will be. Most rehab centers have programs of varying lengths, depending on the needs of the patient. Most facilities recommend staying at least 30 days, but a stay of 45-90 days will help reduce the chances of a relapse once you are released from the rehab facility. During rehab, a doctor will determine a personalized plan for the addict according to his or her needs. Treatment may include therapy, group meetings, dietary changes, exercise and recreational activities. There may also be certain prescription medications dispensed, including antidepressants, to help the patient get through detox and withdrawal. During therapy, patients will learn what triggers their physical or emotional need for illegal drugs. They will learn to either avoid these triggers or deal with them in an effective way that will not lead to a relapse back into addiction. This type of therapy is often referred to as behavior modification therapy and it is widely used in many rehab programs. Therapy may be on an individual basis with a trained psychiatrist or involve a group session where other addicts meet together to help each other through the rehabilitation process. Some rehab facilities use a 12-step program to help patients break the addiction cycle. This plan has 12 different steps that each addict must complete on his or her road to recovery. These steps may vary but usually include behavioral modifications, examining past errors and admitting that the addiction is a problem.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

If an addict decides to try inpatient treatment, he or she will stay in a rehab facility 24/7 while receiving treatment. On the other hand, outpatient treatment means the addict attends meetings and other scheduled activities but does not stay overnight in a facility while receiving treatment. While both will help an addict get sober, an inpatient facility is much more highly recommended. Residing at an inpatient facility means the addict will be monitored closely by trained staff. This increases the chances of successfully getting sober because there are no temptations inside the facility. The patient’s focus will be solely on getting and staying sober. An outpatient program means that the addict comes in the morning to the facility and stays there until the daily rehab schedule is complete. They usually stay all day but then leave at night, when they may be tempted to buy and use drugs. Those who can stay away from temptation may succeed with outpatient treatment. However, there is a very high possibility of relapse, which is why inpatient treatment of 45-90 days is recommended. If you feel you or someone you love needs inpatient treatment for drug addiction, call us toll-free at 1-888-968-9816 Who Answers? for help.

After Rehab

After leaving a rehab facility, a patient may still need help to stay sober. Most rehabilitation programs stress therapy and attending meetings with other addicts after leaving rehab. According to the American College of Preventive Medicine, 50 to 90 percent of addicts will have a relapse after leaving rehab. With proper treatment after rehab, you can significantly reduce the chances of suffering a relapse. A long stay at a rehab facility and attending meetings after being released will help you stay sober and reclaim the life you had before addiction.

Factoids: