Chemical Dependency Treatment Programs

What is Chemical Dependency?

Chemical dependency is described as being when a person feels compelled to drink alcohol or take drugs, even when it has it negative consequences on their health, relationships, social life and more. People who use drugs or alcohol on a regular basis are likely to quickly develop a tolerance to it. This results in a vicious circle, where the individual has to take more of the substance to achieve the same effects. While it is not impossible for individuals to recover from chemical dependency on their own, they stand a greater chance of a successful recovery with supervised medical and psychological help. If you believe you or a person you are close too is dependent on a chemical, please feel free to call our confidential helpline on 800-6600-0986.

The Symptoms of Chemical Dependency

The symptoms of chemical dependency will differ between individuals, says an Ohio State University Medical Center article. The most common side effects reported by people dependent on a chemical include, lying to loved ones about where they are going or what they are doing, becoming obsessive about the drug or alcohol and undergoing a complete change in personality. Other people may notice that their employment or education begins to suffer and things that were once important to them, no longer seem to be a priority.

Getting Help

The important first step for a person with a chemical dependency is telling someone. This could be a loved one, a trusted friend or their pastor. Admitting they have a problem is often difficult for people who suffer from addiction, which makes it hard for them to seek the help they need. A visit to their doctor should be the next important step; the doctor will then do an assessment to decide what type of chemical dependency treatment is most suitable. There is a range of different addiction treatments available, so considering a person’s personal and medical history, as well as the seriousness of their dependency is important and ensures the substance abuse treatment they receive is suitable to their needs.

Chemical Dependency Detoxification

A chemical dependency detoxification program enables an individual to overcome their physical dependency on the substance in a suitable and safe environment. Substitute medications, such as Suboxone and methadone, are also used in some substance abuse treatment cases. These help to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. While it is possible to attend detoxification as either an inpatient or an outpatient, the administration of substitute medicine needs to be carried out under the supervision of a physician or pharmacist. Intensive rehabilitation programs, running every day, over a number of weeks, are available for people who have a severe dependency.

Chemical Dependence Counseling

Therapy, usually cognitive and behavioral, plays an important role in a person’s quest for a successful recovery. While a chemical detox will help most people with their physical dependence, the psychological dependency is usually the toughest to break. When an individual has been addicted to something for any length of time, it becomes hard for them to imagine life without it. The person may even believe that without the particular drug or alcohol, they would be unable to function properly or feel normal. Chemical dependence counseling helps the individual understand their addiction, as well as educating them on the adverse effects it has had on their life. Improving coping skills is another strategy, as this will help them learn to deal with stress and problems in their life without turning to alcohol or drugs. The therapist will also educate the individual on understanding and avoiding their triggers. Individuals need to be clear on the high-risk situations that make them most likely to abuse the substance again. A combination of chemical dependence counseling and detoxification offers an individual the best chance of a successful recovery, according to information provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. If you or someone you know is suffering from chemical dependency, please feel free to call our confidential helpline on 800-660-0986. Alternatively, you can fill out a quick reply form.