Drug Rehabilitation Plans | How to Choose the Right One

Summary 

The article, "Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly," explores the recovery measures against instances of relapse from alcohol and drug use. It defines the position of a body known as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), which plays a role in funding the recovery initiatives (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, 2011). It also defines recovery as a change process where an individual achieves not only abstinence but also an improved general life characterized by wellness, healthiness, and increased the quality of life. The article focuses on the story of Nic Sheff in a bid to paint a picture of some of the best and inappropriate practices as far as drug rehabilitation treatments are concerned. Sheff recalls his time at a rehabilitation center known as Promises Malibu. Here, patients had the discretion to abandon the program if they felt that the treatment they received was not cognizant of their interests. It is in this regards that Sheff reiterates that individuals should receive a treatment environment that best matches their needs. 

In an alcoholic and drug treatment program, flexibility and freedom are two fundamental aspects that have a role in the overall program. Sheff recalls an instance where the officials would not allow him to do anything else that was outside the realms of the 12 steps. Therefore, he would not play his guitar nor write anything that was not related to his assignments. Many patients are reluctant to attend the rehabilitation facilities because the treatment programs they utilize are not patient-centered. Good treatment programs should focus on the needs of the patients rather than the rules. For instance, as patients receive their treatment, they should be given the much-needed autonomy to enjoy life by doing the things that make them happy. Sheff also differentiates the goals that differentiate effective and ineffective rehabilitation centers. Although most facilities tend to focus on educating people on the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse, the most effective ones tend to emphasize more on healing the trauma associated with alcoholics and addicts. 

Rehabilitation programs must remain keen to empower the patient to overcome their problems. The treatment providers should develop a close working relationship with sober living places. Also, following-up on care remains a fundamental aspect that all rehabilitation centers should respond to. Based on his experience, the one episode treatment employed by some facilities has failed to give the much-needed outcome. Most importantly, the rehabilitating patients should be given the opportunity to work with the psychiatrists even after coming out of the hospital. The impact of residential treatment during the rehabilitation process cannot be overemphasized. As such, this gives an individual treatment to stay away from the drugs. Sheff recommends a 28-day treatment period before an individual starts receiving an outpatient treatment (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, 2011). This is particularly important for individuals with difficult withdrawal. The article also emphasizes the importance of finding ways to work with young people during the rehab process. According to the author, incorporating young staff members would be more appropriate as teenage and early 20s patients would be more willing to open up to their counterparts. 

Healthcare providers believe that the greatest success in the alcohol and drug rehabilitation exercise will be achieved through the outpatient care continuum. Rehabilitation centers must increasingly focus on leveraging primary medicine and substance use treatment. The healthcare given should also adhere to the state and federal universal healthcare law in a bid to achieve the desired outcomes. It is also crucial for facilities to integrate medication treatments with the much-needed psychosocial support. Care in these facilities should be coordinated at all times. The focus should be on wellness and enhancing preventive care, even as the patient is discharged from the facilities. 

Response 

Through the article, I have been able to receive important insights into the modern challenges, solutions, and recommendations that could significantly improve the alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs in the country. First, I believe that the need for patient-centered treatment in the care facilities cannot be ignored. Although centers have their rules and policies regarding treatment, each patient comes with their unique challenges making it necessary to handle each one of them differently. Rehabilitation centers should not be like schools where individuals are compelled to conform to a particular way of doing things. The officers should instead focus on enhancing a sense of autonomy where persons receive treatment and at the same time accorded the much-needed freedom to pursue the things of their interests. As a result, this will significantly impact their journey to attaining wellness due to the mental freedom they will achieve. In this regard, it is important for the rehabilitation officials to understand and assess the interests of the patients, including their hobbies and talents and leverage on them as part of the treatment procedure. 

The second thing that I found important in the discussion centered on the goals of the rehabilitation centers. The article clearly demonstrates that the least successful facilities are those that tend to deal with education on the effects and adversities associated with alcoholism and drug use. On the other hand, the most successful ones are the ones that focus on healing and overcoming the trauma of addiction. Essentially, the author makes it clear that a treatment regime based on brainwashing and scaremongering does not help nor deter individuals from engaging in drug abuse in the future. A prosperous rehabilitation will tend to deal with empowerment where individuals receive the inner strength and power to overcome their adversities. Through this, they understand better the impact that their behavior had on them hence encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles as they head into the future. Sadly enough, many rehab centers tend to focus more on formal education as a means of treatment. The only problem is that despite their positive impact, they fail to leave a long-lasting effect on the person hence leaving room for relapse. 

Thirdly, I found the discussions on residential treatment crucial because it forms the foundation of voiding instances of relapse. Based on research, incidences of relapse, especially from alcohol, are very high. Therefore, a treatment regime where patients follow the outpatient procedures can be least effective because follow-up is difficult, and the person gets exposed to the drugs in their local communities. Although it can be expensive based on the facilities and programs that an individual receives, inpatient residential treatment is more effective and the best way to avoid incidences of treatment failure. However, I believe that this should be left on the discretion of the patient in compliance with the patient-centered treatment. Lastly, the article reminds the readers that the goals of rehabilitation must be consistent with the ones for primary healthcare. Psychiatrists must ensure that primary and preventive medicine is taken into consideration. Most importantly, follow-up should be done to ensure that the patient receives the much-needed care even as they recover. 

Reference 

Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly (May 16, 2011). A Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Publication. Wileyonlinelibrary.com