Addiction is literally thousands of years old. Yet, addiction and drug treatment is still in its infancy in many ways. Only in the past hundred years has the medical community made serious advancements in addiction treatment. A Brief History of Substance Use Early human records dating back as far as 12,000 BCE show people used…
Medical detox is almost always where treatment for alcohol use disorders begins. Alcohol is one of only a few substances with withdrawal side effects that can actually be deadly. When a person abruptly stops drinking, they can be vulnerable to seizures and these can be fatal. The likelihood of seizures depends on how much the…
Dual-diagnosis treatment is a style of care that is engineered to address both a substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring psychological issue. This type of care has grown in popularity over the past several decades because of its reputation for results. Patients who are suffering from an undiagnosed or untreated psychological disorder such as depression,…
The toughest decision most addicts or alcoholics will ever make is usually the choice to turn off the road of self-destruction and accept help. After that initial consent is made, the next question is almost always this: How much help do I need and what type? The treatment landscape can seem a bit overwhelming to…
In its simplest form, a relapse prevention plan is a strategy to help a newly recovered person remain free of drugs and alcohol. Relapse prevention plans are typically designed by therapists or case managers and delivered when a patient completes drug and alcohol treatment. The primary goal of drug and alcohol rehab is to get…
Finding an addiction treatment center that best meets your needs can sometimes be a challenge. Insurance coverage or available financial resources often play a role in the decision. Location is often a factor as well for a variety of reasons. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to travel for addiction…