Drug Addiction Rehabilitation in Saint Paul, MN (877) 804-1531

An addiction is described as a compulsion to use a substance or participate in an activity regardless of the consequences. Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition, and drug rehab is necessary to overcome the disease. Although millions of American adults battle drug addiction each year, only a small percentage of these people enter drug rehab.

Even after the chemical dependency on a drug is broken, the psychological addiction may remain. At Saint Paul Drug Treatment Centers, the drug rehab programs are tailored to addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of substance dependence. To learn more about your options for drug rehab, call at (877) 804-1531.

Signs of Drug Addiction

A drug addiction can begin with seemingly harmless behavior: the casual use of a substance in social situations. Drug use might become more frequent over time, and a person might find themselves needing more and more of the drug to achieve their usual high. Some people will become dependent on a drug quickly, while others might take longer; the timetable for addiction depends largely on the substance of abuse.

As time passes, addicted people need to use the drug of abuse just to feel good, and they have a hard time going without the drug for any length of time. Attempts to quit can trigger severe cravings and other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Drug addicts find themselves focusing most of their time and energy on getting drugs and using drugs: Their personal responsibilities and usual activities end up neglected, and they may suffer problems at school or work. A drug addiction can cause long-term damage to a person's health, career and personal relationships, so it's important to recognize the signs of drug abuse and get help as soon as possible.

Treatment Options

Treatment for a drug addiction may take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis. A typical course of treatment usually begins with medically-supervised detoxification and continues with rehabilitation. Several factors will influence the choice of treatment setting, including the specific drug of abuse, the extent of the addiction and the individual's personal history. The withdrawal symptoms for some drugs can be debilitating and dangerous, and a residential setting can keep patients safe and stable during a difficult time.

A person with a history of suicidal behavior or depression might also be safest in the supportive environment of an inpatient program. Regardless of the treatment setting, the key elements of rehabilitation remain the same: a combination of behavior counseling, psychotherapy and medication. These therapeutic techniques help patients break the psychological addiction to a drug and learn how to live a drug-free life.

Denial and Intervention

It can be difficult to convince an addicted loved one to get help. If you have a friend or family member who refuses to get help, an intervention may be necessary. An intervention is a face-to-face meeting with an addicted individual; the meeting may include family members, friends and even employers. Some interventions are held at the family home in an effort to make the addicted person feel comfortable, but it's also common to hold an intervention at a neutral location such as a church or office space.

There are many ways to conduct an intervention. In one widely-used model, loved ones take turns reading letters to the addict, explaining how the addict's behavior has impacted them. Participants in the intervention stress that the meeting is taking place because they love the addicted person and want them to get better. At Drug Treatment Centers Saint Paul, professional interventionists can help guide you and your family through this process and provide more information about rehabilitation.

If you or someone you love needs drug rehab, call Saint Paul Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.