The Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is associated with youthful drug experimentation and abuse.  As the Boomers age, an increasing number are experiencing drug addiction disorders that require hospitalization or inpatient drug rehab.

According to a recent study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), drug abuse among Baby Boomers is on the rise.  The SAMHSA study, which focused on the years between 1992 and 2008, found that admission for inpatient drug rehab nearly doubled for people age 55 and older.  The substances being abused by this age group include prescription drugs as well as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs.

While hospital admissions for alcohol abuse have decreased for older Americans since 1992, admissions for cocaine and prescription drug abuse have quadrupled.  Of greatest concern is the fact that a significant number of Baby Boomers are seeking treatment for multiple substance abuse issues.  For the most part these are not new addictions.  Many members of the Woodstock generation have abused drugs for decades and consider drugs to be an essential part of their identity.  However, as they age they find themselves experiencing health problems and psychological issues that are compounded by their drug use.

Government projections indicate that the number of seniors who are considered to have a substance abuse problem is expected to grow from 1.7 million in 2011 to 4.4 million in 2020.  It has been estimated that twice as many inpatient drug rehab facilities will be needed over the next decade to handle the influx of older substance abusers.  The SAMHSA report also found that many inpatient drug rehab facilities are ill-prepared for an increase in the number of senior citizens seeking treatment.  In addition to providing drug rehabilitation services, these facilities will need to treat the full range of health issues that are experienced by senior citizens.

As a husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend, you know your spouse better than anyone else, and if they have a drug problem, you probably at least suspect that something is going on. Addicts can try to hide their habits, but within the home it is hard to keep these behaviors a secret forever. Whether through intuition or concrete signs of drug use, you are going to find out sooner or later, and when that time comes, a drug intervention may be the only way to get your spouse to see the necessity of rehab.

A few of the more noticeable signs of a drug habit include:

• Unusual hours, especially late nights
• Sudden loss of weight without diet or exercise
• A sudden change in your spouse’s overall attitude
• Secretive activities
• Frequent social outings to which you are not invited
• Moodiness, nervousness, or irritability
• An excessive need for his or her own space
• Chronic lying
• An unexplained shortage of money
• A rapid decline in personal care or hygiene

If one or two of these signs appear, they could easily be attributed to other causes such as work stress or undiagnosed illness. But if you notice three or four or more of them occuring simultaneously, you might want to look a little more closely at your partner’s activities and consider whether a drug intervention is called for.

If your spouse is addicted to drugs, it is also important to look at your own activities. Obviously, you are not to blame for your partner’s addiction, but you may unwittingly be engaging in enabling patterns. Over the months and years of a relationship, it can be easy to fall into these patterns without even realizing it. For example, if you are in the habit of leaving your spouse alone during the hours when he or she uses drugs, or if you regularly fill in for your spouse when they are incapable of fulfilling their responsibilities, this qualifies as enabling. These patterns can be hard to change, but must happen.

Meanwhile, you may feel that this problem is too big for you to deal with on your own, or perhaps you are worried about how your spouse will respond when confronted about the addiction. In this case, you might want to get in touch with a few other close family members to talk about a drug intervention.

A drug intervention may seem extreme, but it is appropriate if your spouse is likely to deny the addiction. The goal of an intervention is to show the addict that the habit has gotten out of control and has begun to negatively affect others. This can be a difficult thing to say without support, so work with others, and you may want to bring in a professional interventionist to guide you through the process.

Children whose parents abuse alcohol or drugs often grow up in a tumultuous environment.  They may experience depression and anxiety that will persist beyond childhood.  Due to embarrassment and shame, they may attempt to keep details about their home life a secret.  Child psychology experts have found that the children of addicts often grow up with trust and intimacy issues. Since they are unable to rely on their earliest caregivers, forming close relationships may be an ongoing problem.

Unless an addicted parent receives treatment, the chances are good that his or her children will later repeat the pattern of addiction.  Since many substance abusers live in denial about the damage they are doing to their children, it is often up to relatives or friends to step in.  Contacting an addiction interventionist and setting up a family intervention is the first step towards healing the damage that has been done.  Intervention is the most successful method for convincing a parent that they need to seek treatment for the sake of their children.

Before the intervention takes place, a group of friends, family members and co-workers who care deeply for the substance abuser will meet with a professional interventionist.  They will discuss how they have been affected by the abuser’s behavior and learn more about the options for treatment.  The interventionist will help the group agree on a course of action which usually involves a residential rehab program.  On a prearranged date, the group will join the interventionist and confront the abuser.  The emotional damage caused by the substance abuse problem will be discussed, including how it has affected the children (who may or may not be present).

The culmination of a family intervention is presentation of the treatment plan.   The substance abuser is asked to take responsibility for his or her actions and accept help.  The consequences of refusing help, which may include divorce or separation from the family, are laid out.  If the abuser agrees to cooperate, the treatment plan should be put into place immediately.  As part of the healing process, children should receive counseling to ensure that they understand the changes that will be taking place in the family.

A family intervention is a delicate situation that can be stressful for all who are involved.  It should not be undertaken without supervision by a professional interventionist who will take the needs of each family member into account.  A qualified interventionist will ensure that family members, especially children, are educated about their role in the long-term recovery of their loved one.

According to the National lnstitute on Drug Abuse, residential rehab is a very effective form of treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, especially for individuals with more severe problems.  Residential rehab facilities provide a structured environment where individuals live and receive treatment, typically for a period between 3 and 12 months.  Individuals who enter residential rehab programs become part of a treatment community that includes staff members and other people in recovery.  The goal of this community is to change the attitudes and behavior associated with alcohol and drug abuse.

Many people have heard about residential rehab through media stories about celebrity addiction, but they have limited knowledge about this form of treatment.  They may not be aware that residential rehab is also an option for non-celebrities who are struggling with alcoholism or with serious addictions to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin.

If you or a loved one needs help with addiction, these are some residential rehab facts to consider:

• Long-term treatment is proven to be the most beneficial form of rehab.  Studies show that the longer an individual spends away from the influences that led to addiction, the greater are the chances for recovery.
• Residential rehab is more effective than outpatient treatment.  The immersive environment provided in residential rehab helps individuals adopt a sober lifestyle and avoid relapse when treatment is complete.
• Residential rehab is one of the most expensive forms of treatment, but it is possible to find assistance with rehab fees.  Private insurance companies may cover some of the costs of residential rehab.  Additionally, there are residential treatment facilities that offer a sliding pay scale or financing options.  There are also government agencies that may provide assistance with residential rehab fees.
• Intervention should be used when an addict refuses to enter residential rehab.  Some family members and friends may feel that working with a trained interventionist and confronting their loved one about his or her addiction is too harsh.  The high success rate of interventions show that this is not the case.  For many addicts, the level of denial is so high that intervention is required before residential rehab treatment can begin.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are complex problems that are difficult to treat.  Successful rehabilitation treatment must address all aspects of addiction, including the underlying attitudes and behavior that led to addiction.  Constant monitoring is required in order to ensure that relapse does not occur during treatment.  Residential rehab treatment offers that greatest opportunity for an individual to achieve sobriety during treatment and maintain it when treatment is complete.

Prescription drug abuse is currently one of the biggest drug challenges for law enforcement and addiction recovery specialists.  At the forefront of the prescription drug abuse problem is OxyContin, a powerful opiate painkiller.  OxyContin is the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride, a synthetic opiate pain medication that is manufactured by Purdue Phara.  This powerful narcotic drug has a time-release formula that allows a single dose to provide pain relief for up to 12 hours.  This formula sets OxyContin apart from other prescription pain medications which typically are effective for only 3 to 4 hours.  While OxyContin’s formula has helped many people who suffer from chronic pain, it also brings an increased potential for abuse.

OxyContin Abuse and Addiction

Since its introduction in 1995, recreational drug users have found that crushing OxyContin tablets and then injecting, snorting or ingesting the powder allows them to experience a feeling of intense euphoria.  When OxyContin is abused, it can quickly become both psychologically and physically addictive.  Despite the negative side effects of OxyContin abuse, those who are addicted will continue to use the drug.  As they build a tolerance for the effects of OxyContin, they will require larger and larger doses.

OxyContin is classified as Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk of abuse.  Its sale is under strict control and it can be obtained legally only by prescription.  OxyContin abusers often visit multiple doctors to obtain prescription or buy tablets from illegal drug dealers.  As addiction takes hold, every aspect of the OxyContin abuser’s life will be affected by addiction, including employment, finances and relationships.

The euphoria provided by crushed OxyContin is compared by many users to heroin.  Like heroin, the initial euphoric rush is followed by lethargy and depression of the respiratory system.  Death from overdose is possible due to respiratory failure.

OxyContin Addiction Recovery

Very few people who have become addicted to OxyContin are able to recover without assistance.  Because it is a narcotic drug, stopping its use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms including potentially fatal seizures.  Thanks to recent advances in narcotic addiction recovery treatment, the pain and severity of withdrawal can be decreased.  With rehabilitation therapy, the chances of relapse are also decreased.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that more the 700,000 people in America receive treatment for alcoholism each day.  Over the past few decades, researchers have studied the success rates of various alcoholism rehab treatment methods.  Using their findings, the NIAAA recognizes these traditional and newer forms of alcohol treatment as effective.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):   This form of therapy is based on the belief that people can change their thinking by changing their behavior.  The goal of CBT in alcoholism rehab is to help recovering alcoholics recognize the triggers for drinking and to develop healthy habits that don’t involve alcohol.  The therapist works with the patient to overcome negative thought patterns and learn how to think and behave in more positive ways.
• Twelve-Step Self-Help: The most commonly attempted form of self-help alcoholism rehab is through peer-to-peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  These programs, often referred to as 12-step because they are base on 12 activities that support recovery, have been found to be most effective when combined with inpatient treatment.  Researchers have also found that the benefits of AA are due in large part to the fellowship that AA members are encouraged to develop.  AA members who replace former drinking companions with fellow recovered alcoholics are the most likely to be successful.
• Couples Therapy: Studies have found that when a nonalcoholic spouse participates in alcohol treatment, it increases the chances that a recovered alcoholic will make permanent lifestyle changes following treatment.  With this form of therapy, the non-addicted member of the couple will learn how to provide support and reinforcement for his or her addicted partner.
• Brief Interventions: Those who are at risk of developing alcohol addiction due to heavy alcohol consumption can benefit from five or fewer counseling sessions in the context of a doctor’s office visit.  This type of treatment has been shown to be successful among college students who are at risk of developing alcohol-related problems.
• Medication: There is no magic pill that will cure alcoholism, but there are three medications that can help recovered alcoholics maintain alcohol abstinence when used in combination with therapy.  Acamporsate is used to reduce the physical symptoms and psychological distress associated with alcohol detox.  Antabuse causes an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed, discouraging a recovered alcoholic from drinking.  Naltrexone blocks the effects of alcohol on the brain, taking away the motivation for drinking. 

As this list shows, alcoholism rehab facilities have a wide variety of treatment options to choose from.  Some of these treatment methods, like AA, have been around for some time.  Others, such as couples therapy, are newer forms of treatment that are proving to be effective.  Thanks to research and evaluation of different treatment options by NIAAA and other organizations, those who are addicted to alcohol have a wider range of alcoholism rehab treatments to choose from.

Drug addiction is a complex disorder that is characterized by craving and the compulsive use of an illegal or prescription drug.  In most cases, drug addiction can be effectively treated by inpatient drug rehab.  For some people, there is no instant cure and relapse is a real possibility.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of recovering drug addicts experience a relapse at some point in their lives.  Relapse does mean that rehab was a failure, but instead indicates that the recovering addict needs to spend more time working on deeply embedded behaviors.

Experts in the field of addiction define an addiction relapse as a return to destructive or heavy use of the abused substance.  When a return to substance abuse is causing negative consequences in one or more areas of the addict’s life, then a relapse has occurred. 

Causes of Addiction Relapse

A variety of factors can contribute to drug addiction relapse.  Some of the most common causes include:

• Spending time with former drug associates
• Cravings for the addictive drug
• A family history of addiction
• Boredom and purposelessness
• Anxiety, depression or loneliness
• Serious mental illness, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Some recovering drug addicts mistakenly think that they can control their drug use after completing inpatient drug rehab.  Unfortunately, drug addiction is a chronic condition that must be managed through the course of a lifetime.  Long-term or repeated courses of rehab may be required in order to achieve the goal of sustained sobriety.

Addiction Relapse Treatment

When a recovering addict experiences a relapse, family and friends should remain supportive and avoid speaking in terms of failure.  The best treatment for relapse is immediate therapy.  If inpatient drug rehab was recently completed, aftercare treatment should be available.  When a relapse occurs several years after rehab, outpatient counseling with a healthcare professional should be the first option.  If the relapse is serious, additional inpatient drug rehab may be required.

About 8 percent of women in the U.S. can be classified as moderate to heavy drinkers, consuming more than 7 drinks per week.  These women need to be aware of the health and safety issues that their drinking creates.  When it comes to the effects of alcohol substance abuse, the gender differences between men and women place women at greater risk for alcohol-related problems.  Researchers have only just begun to focus on the differences between men and women in terms of alcohol substance abuse, but what they have found should give women who are heavy drinkers and their loved ones cause for concern.

Because women in general weigh less than men do and have less water in their bodies, the concentration of alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream will be higher than a man who drinks the same amount.  The additional water in a man’s body also helps alcohol disperse more quickly.  This and other body composition differences between men and women, including hormones, result in women’s bodies absorbing and metabolizing alcohol differently than men. 

Research published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has found that the biological differences between the sexes makes women more vulnerable to organ damage due to alcohol substance abuse.  They develop liver disease more quickly and after drinking less alcohol than men and are more likely to die of cirrhosis.  MRI scans have found that women are also more vulnerable to alcohol-induced brain damage.  Additional studies have linked heavy alcohol consumption with an increased incidence of breast cancer.

Although more men than women in the U.S. are heavy drinkers, women die of alcoholism at a 50 to 100 percent higher rate.  Women with alcohol substance abuse problems are more likely to be victims of domestic or dating violence than women who abstain from alcohol or who drink in moderate amounts.  Drinking alcohol during pregnancy puts a woman’s unborn child at risk learning disorders, behavior problems and birth defects associated with fetal alcohol syndrome.

To avoid the risks of alcohol abuse, the NIAAA recommends that women consume no more than one drink per day.  Women who drink substantially more than this amount and who find themselves suffering from the affects of alcohol substance abuse should seek counseling.  While some women may be able to cut back or abstain from alcohol on their own, many require professional help.  Heavy drinkers often undergo physical and psychological alcohol detox symptoms that should be monitored in an inpatient rehab facility.  Following detox, women who are recovering from alcohol substance abuse should undergo therapy to help begin a sober lifestyle.

Cocaine abuse is currently on the rise, as evidenced by an increase in cocaine-related emergency room visits and deaths.  This highly addictive stimulant is one of the most widely abused illegal drugs in the United States.  According to a 2008 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost 15 percent of Americans have tried cocaine.  While some people experiment with this drug without consequence, others become addicted almost instantly.  This situation has created a great demand for effective cocaine addiction recovery treatment.

Cocaine’s Affect on the Brain

Cocaine stimulates the nervous system and increases the level of dopamine in the brain.  This chemical is associated with feelings of pleasure.  In excess, dopamine produces a euphoric effect that for many users is addictive.  Other effects of cocaine include increased energy and mental alertness and reduced fatigue.  It also provides a feeling of invincibility and increased confidence.  Repeated use of cocaine causes long-term changes in the brain’s reward system.

After repeated use, many cocaine abusers also develop a tolerance for the drug.  In an effort to experience the same high that occurred with their early use of the drug, they will increase their dosage.  This can lead to increased psychological and physical damage and even death.

Cocaine Abuse Methods

Cocaine is most commonly ingested by snorting, smoking or injection.  All of these abuse methods are associated with addiction and other serious health problems.  Besides altering the nervous system and brain, cocaine ingestion can cause ear, nose, throat and lung disorders.  Cocaine injection increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis.  No matter how it is ingested, cocaine can bring on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies, including heart attack or stroke, which can lead to sudden death.

Cocaine abusers often abuse other substances, complicating the cocaine addiction recovery process.  The combination of cocaine and other psychoactive drugs can increase the dangerous effects of each substance.  For example, consuming cocaine and alcohol together leads to a chemical reaction in the liver that increases the euphoric effects of cocaine.  It also increases the risk of sudden death.

Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction Recovery

Abstinence from cocaine does not cause the type of physical withdrawal that occurs with heroin or alcohol, leading some abusers to think it is non-addictive.  However, it is psychologically addicting.  The symptoms of cocaine withdrawal may include anxiety, paranoia, hallucination, major depression, suicidal thoughts, violence, psychosis and attempted homicide.

There are no FDA-approved drugs to aid in cocaine addiction recovery treatment.  Therapy, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, is currently the most effective form of treatment.  Once an abuser has stopped using cocaine, follow-up treatment is needed to help avoid relapse.

Teenagers today are surrounded by the pressure to use alcohol.  They are becoming involved in social drinking and binge drinking at younger ages, and more teens are facing problems related to alcohol abuse and addiction.  In response to the growing problem of teen drinking, many alcoholism rehab facilities have begun to focus on the problems of teenage alcoholism.

Despite the known risks of alcohol use by teenagers, the media continues to make drinking attractive to young people.  Many teenagers have easy access to alcohol and may even be allowed to drink in the presence of parents who believe that drinking is a rite of passage and a safe alternative to drug abuse.  As a result, 27% of high school seniors report having engaged in binge drinking in the past year. 

The Facts about Teen Alcohol Abuse

Underage drinking contributes to failure in school, health problems and early death.  Approximately 5,000 underage drinkers die each year as the result of alcohol-related vehicle crashes, homicides, suicides and other types of accidents such as falls, burns and drowning.

The adolescent brain is still developing and new neural networks are being formed.  Consuming alcohol during adolescence interferes with important brain development and may cause short-term or long-term impairment.  Brain imaging studies have found that the brains of 17-year-olds who have been diagnosed with alcohol dependence are structurally different from those of non-drinking teens, and that the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory is smaller.

Data gathered for the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey has shown that people who begin drinking in their early teens have a greater chance of developing alcohol dependence.  Teenagers who begin drinking before the age of 15 are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol addiction and require alcoholism rehab compared to those who begin drinking at age 21. 

The Benefits of Teen Alcoholism Rehab

Detection and treatment of adolescent drinking problems is critically important.  A family intervention may be required to convince a teenager that he or she needs help.  Once the teen has admitted that a problem exists, teen alcoholism rehab can addresses the teen’s drinking problems as well as the underlying psychological issues that contributed to the problem.  An alcoholism rehab program that includes supervised detox, counseling, group therapy and aftercare will help the teen deal with the physical and psychological components of alcohol addiction.  A good alcoholism rehab program will also provide the teen with the necessary tools to avoid alcohol dependency in adulthood. 

For people who are addicted to illegal or prescription drugs, detoxification is the first step on the road to recovery.  Detoxification from many drugs, including opioids, sedatives and stimulants, requires medical supervision.  This supervision can best be provided in an inpatient drug rehab facility. 

The Inpatient Detox Process

The most acute physical symptoms of withdrawal are fever, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, seizure, coma and even death.  For some people, the psychological symptoms can be severe and just as life-threatening as the physical symptoms.  They may include anxiety, depression, delirium, hallucinations and even psychosis. Some substances also cause protracted withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, slowed thinking and gastrointestinal disturbances.

The symptoms and medical protocol to be followed during detoxification are specific to the type of substance that has been abused.  Detox will usually begin within hours of the addict taking his or her last dose of the abused drug.  Symptoms will build over the next 36 to 72 hours, with the exact duration of withdrawal depending on the drug and on the individual’s physical and mental condition.  In some cases, medication may be used to manage symptoms.  Throughout detox, inpatient drug rehab staff should provide medical and psychological support.

Post-Detox Treatment

Once detox has been completed, inpatient drug rehab treatment can focus on the mental health of the recovering addict.  The inpatient rehab treatment program should include therapy that focuses on getting sober and avoiding relapse.  This may be done through individual or group therapy sessions.  If the patient has underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, these must be addressed in order for recovery to be successful.  Classes in relaxation, meditation, nutrition and exercise are often provided to help the patient develop a healthier lifestyle and to take the patient’s mind off the addictive substance. 

Many inpatient drug rehab programs include the patient’s family in the treatment process.  Together, patients and families can learn how to cope with stress.  Emotional suffering that family members may have undergone is identified and discussed.  Family members are prepared for changes in behavior patterns and interpersonal dynamics that may come along with their loved one’s sobriety.

The Importance of Aftercare

A good inpatient drug rehab program should address aftercare before releasing a patient from the program.  This includes providing the patient with the tools to avoid relapse and putting a follow-up treatment plan in place.  Recovering addicts need to understand that they must avoid high-risk acquaintances and situations.  If relapse does occur, there should be a way for the recovering addict to get help quickly.  Finally, a schedule of therapy sessions or group meetings should be established to increase the chances of staying drug-free.

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is currently on the rise in the U.S.  According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 20 percent of people in the nation have abused prescription drugs by taking them for non-medical reasons.  The ease of obtaining prescription drugs and the common misconception that they are less harmful than illegal street drugs has led to a casual attitude on the part of many when it comes to these powerful drugs.  As a result, a growing number of people are becoming addicted to narcotic painkillers including OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin, stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall and sedatives and tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax.

Dependence on prescription drugs has a devastating effect on the addict.  It can also be damaging to the lives of family and friends who feel helpless in stopping the addict’s risky behavior.  If you suspect that a friend or loved one has become addicted and is in denial about the seriousness of the problem, the time has come to bring in an interventionist and plan an intervention.  A professionally-guided intervention will help an addict understand the damage caused by his or her behavior.  Successful interventions result in the addict accepting treatment and taking the first steps on the road to recovery.

When an intervention is staged without the guidance of an experienced interventionist, there is a risk of alienating the addict and worsening the addiction problem. The interventionist will ensure that the intervention includes a plan for treatment, preferably in a supervised treatment program.  Many addicts’ first reaction to an intervention is denial of the problem, followed by promises to handle their prescription drug problem on their own.  A professional interventionist understands this mindset and will work to convince the addict that his or her problem requires a treatment program.  An interventionist will also work with family and friends whose emotions may get the better of them during the intervention process.

Before an intervention is held, arrangements for treatment must be in place.  When the intervention has been completed, the addict should begin treatment immediately.  A residential rehab treatment facility is the best alternative for treatment, especially since the addict may experience physical withdrawal symptoms without access to prescription drugs.  A residential program will provide a structured environment and 24-hour care.  Once detoxification has taken place, the patient should be provided with behavioral therapy that will replace negative behaviors with life-affirming ones.  A quality residential program may also provide group therapy, meditation and yoga as part of the healing process.

Although family members may be aware that a loved one is engaged in destructive behavior, they are often met with resistance when they offer to help.  When their loved one refuses to admit that a problem exists, the only solution may be a family intervention.  An intervention is appropriate for these behaviors:

• Alcohol abuse or addiction
• Illegal drug abuse or addiction
• Prescription drug abuse or addiction

For several decades, family interventions have been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for confronting and treating destructive behaviors.  The intervention involves a group of family members and friends who are coached by a professional interventionist.  This group meets with the individual in order discuss the problem behavior.  The individual is presented with a treatment plan.  The goal of the family intervention is to get the individual to agree to treatment, which usually will begin immediately.  The preferred form of treatment is residential rehabilitation, where medical detoxification and addiction therapy can take place in a controlled environment.

The tone of a family intervention should be as positive and loving as possible.  A trained interventionist will help ensure that this is the case.  During the intervention, each family member or friend should be given the opportunity to address the individual who is the focus of the intervention.  They will usually give specific examples of how they have been hurt by the individual’s behavior.  The purpose is not to create conflict or pass judgment, but to get the individual to admit that his or her behavior is a problem that must be addressed.

The family intervention process is not easy.  It can be painful for all participants.  Family members who have sought the intervention will often experience doubt about whether they are doing the right thing, especially when their loved one is in deep denial.  A professional interventionist will help assure those involved that their feelings are valid and will help convince the addicted individual that entering a treatment program can be the beginning of a new way of life.

Has alcohol become an important part of your life, even though it often makes you ill or causes other problems?  Do you struggle to keep your drinking hidden from family, friends and co-workers?  Is your secret drinking making you feel isolated and alone?  If any of these statements are true or if your alcohol consumption has led to your arrest, caused you to be fired from your job or created other major disruptions in your life, then it’s time to admit that you have a serious alcohol problem.  You have moved beyond the social drinking stage and will require help to get sober.

Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol is an important step towards recovery.  The next step is entering an alcohol rehab program.   The best rehab programs provide medical support during alcohol detox.  The detox process, which may last from a few days to a week or more, involves the body adapting to the absence of alcohol.  It may include serious symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, tremors and convulsions and should not be undergone by chronic drinkers without medical supervision.

Alcohol detox is followed by alcohol rehab therapy to address underlying issues that are related to the use of alcohol.  This part of the treatment program should be tailored for each individual’s requirements.  It will typically include one-on-one counseling sessions as well as group therapy.  Before the rehab program is completed, the recovering alcoholic will learn new strategies for sober living and will replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones.

Residential programs provide an alcohol-free environment where you will be able to focus on recovery.  This type of program is also best for individuals suffering from underlying disorders such as depression that worsen when they stop drinking.  If you have tried to stop drinking on your own but have experienced relapses, a residential rehab program may be your last chance at sobriety.