The Marchman Act Changed substance Abuse Care

The Marchman Act is also known as the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993. It is a legal statute in Florida designed to provide emergency intervention for individuals who are abusing alcohol or drugs. This statute is intended to deal with very serious situations. It could be when a chronic substance abuser may be incapable of seeking help, refuses to seek help and might be a danger to themselves or others. The Marchman Act makes it possible for certain individuals, as well as family members, to petition for a court-ordered evaluation to be performed on a chronic substance abuser. This evaluation can happen due to mandated treatment even if the alleged chronic substance abuser refuses it

Substance Abuse Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are over 22 million citizens in the United States who may need substance abuse services in a single year. It is estimated that less than 2.6 million individuals were able to get the necessary treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), deaths in the United States attributed to a drug overdose have more than tripled in recent years. The Marchman Act is an involuntary commitment law. It is a tool designed to help chronic substance abusers.

Appropriate Referral

The Marchman Act was created as a way to help those concerned about a loved one who desperately needs help. It can get the assistance needed when a chronic substance abuser refuses treatment. There are certain criteria required for an appropriate referral.

*An individual has inflicted or attempted to inflict harm on themselves or others
*An individual is unable to control or end their use of drugs or alcohol.
*An individual is unable to make rational decisions regarding their substance abuse or treatment.

Marchman Act Process

*Petition – It can be filed by a spouse, relative or guardian. It can also be filed by three concerned individuals who are not related but have seen a person’s out of control drug or alcohol abuse. A law enforcement officer, physician or therapist can file an emergency petition.

*Attorney – An attorney who understands the Marchman Act can help make certain a petition is correctly filed. They can also assist during the entire process.

*Paperwork – This must be filed with the clerk of courts in the county where an individual is abusing drugs or alcohol and is staying or living. Once a person has completed the paperwork, they will be required to swear to its veracity. The petition is then notarized and sent for review by a judge.

*Ex Parte Order – A judge or magistrate will determine if a situation requires immediate action, an Ex Parte order, or if the person who is impaired should be served with a summons that mandates them to attend a hearing. Should it be decided the situation is an emergency, a judge or magistrate can also order law enforcement to get the impaired person and take them to a facility for evaluation.

*Hearing – Should a judge or magistrate determine a situation does not require an Ex Parte order, they may deny the petition or set a hearing date to be held within 10 days. Should a hearing be set, a petitioner is notified by mail. A summons is issued for a respondent. All parties should attend the hearing.

*Legal Counsel – All parties are permitted to have legal counsel for the hearing if they choose. The respondent can provide their own attorney, or they can be provided with a court-appointed attorney.

*Testimony – During the hearing, testimony is presented. A judge or magistrate will determine if a court-ordered evaluation is necessary. The respondent has the burden of proving the individual being accused of substance abuse impairment requires professional evaluation. There are certain facilities able to perform such evaluations. It should take five days to perform, but more time can be requested from a court if necessary.

*After Evaluation – At this time, a facility can choose to discharge an individual, change their status to voluntary or as a court-ordered involuntary admission for treatment services. Treatment can be ordered for up to 60 days. Some counties enable 90 days of treatment with the possibility of renewal every 90 days.

The Matchman Act has been able to help individuals who have been self-destructing with their abuse of drugs or alcohol. Using the power to initiate a petition for an involuntary commitment must only be done as a last resort. When someone believes a person they know or love is in desperate need of help, it should be discussed with a physician or a specialist in the field of addiction. Speaking with an experienced professional should be your first step. We provide counselors who are available to assist you 24 hours a day to help with a chronic substance abuser. Call us today and discuss your situation at 800-737-0933.

Should I Settle for Other Drug Treatment Programs if My Ideal One Is Full?

Addiction is a silent thief of all things positive. It can swiftly eliminate all of the good things that you once cherished including your friends, family, career, finances, health, and above all else, your sanity. Remaining stagnant in this lowered predicament can convince you that substances are all you have to lean on, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. You are an overcomer, not a victim. Admitting yourself into a rehab facility will remind you that you are a limitless, capable individual by helping you attain sobriety and an overall confident outlook on life.

Making the decision to attend rehab is a pivotal step in the right direction, but deciding on a program can be both exciting and challenging. Putting the right amount of thought, effort, and due diligence into your decision can make a huge impact on your progress. As each facility has its own standards and amount of people that can be served at once, you will want to check to see if there are any openings before getting your heart set on a particular program. It can be disheartening to find out that your rehabilitation center of choice is already filled to capacity, but this should not be the end of the road for you as there is a bigger purpose at hand.

What Do I Do If I Can’t Get Into My Top Pick?

In life, you have undoubtedly triumphed through situations that did not initially work in your favor, and if you are able to manage these tough emotions, you will be able to find victory in this endeavor as well. If you are hell-bent on attending your first choice, do all that you can to gain a spot, but also understand when the situation is out of your control. Talk to the head representative of the facility and find out how often openings become available. You can also explain how important it is to you to receive the healing offered at that particular rehab facility. If you come up short, don’t take it personally. The truth is, not everything will go your way in life, and if you let obstacles prevent you from elevating, then the road to getting clean will be an unhopeful dead end.

Sobriety at any cost is the ultimate goal, and remember, time is of the essence, so it is wise to act while you still have the courage and drive to get help. In the spirit of trusting the process and forging forward, the most responsible choice to make would be to select another treatment program. While this may be a bit upsetting at first, you will soon find that there are plenty of other promising programs that will assist you in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.

How Do I Find Another Facility To Suit My Needs?

The selection process can actually be quite fun, and fortunately, there are plenty of great facilities in which you would have no problems finding comfort. Probing around for recommendations is a great way to jumpstart your quest, or you can begin by researching the area where you would like to be treated. From there, you can check reviews and make on-sight visits to local facilities. Have available representatives walk you through the day-to-day routines, success rates, treatment methods, rules and regulations, and any other pieces of information that you deem as valuable. Also note that most facilities dedicate a considerable amount of effort towards introducing their patients to healthy pastimes, so always inquire about recreational activities such as fitness classes, art clubs, group outings, game nights, and other types of entertainment.

Most people have their sights set on a particular rehab center based on their unique treatment practices. The rehabilitation program field is so diverse that you can choose treatments that are religious-based, gender-specific, or ones that only employ holistic tactics. You can even pick an outpatient program where you can attend treatment sessions while living still living at home, or you can check into an inpatient facility where you will be provided a temporary living arrangement while you receive round-the-clock supervision. While your therapists will always recommend the most compatible regimens, you can even decide on whether you would like solo sessions or if you would prefer the support of a group setting.

Finding the right treatment program to meet your distinct needs is critical to overcoming your drug dependency. We are committed to your success and ready to pair you with the best solution possible. Call us today at 800-737-0933 and find out how we can help you regain your freedom and reclaim power over your life.

What Are the Main Differences Between Different Opioid Drugs?

Opioids are a powerful class of drugs that are primarily used to provide pain relief. There are many different types of opioids including medications like morphine, fentanyl and even street drugs like heroin. Opioids are classed as being either natural, semisynthetic or fully synthetic depending on the process and substances with which they are manufactured. All opioids are highly addictive substances and abusing opioids or even taking opioids in a prescribed manner can easily result in chemical dependence and opioid addiction.

How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids are most commonly taken orally or by injection although sprays, dermal patches and other forms of administration may also be used. Once an opioid has entered the body, it acts upon receptors within the central nervous system in order to reduce sensations of pain and discomfort. Opioids can vary considerably in terms of potency depending on the dose and type of drug being used. In addition to relieving pain, opioids can also produce a powerful euphoric sensation which often leads to increased instances of abuse and addiction.

Natural Opioids

While some opioids are made from partially are fully synthetic chemicals, drugs like opium, morphine and codeine are made naturally from the opium poppy. Despite the substances and process used to manufacture them, natural opioids can be just as dangerous and addictive as their synthetic counterparts, especially when abused or taken in an unsafe manner. Morphine is one of the most widely-used medications for pain management and is often prescribed to patients following a traumatic injury as well as during and after a surgical procedure. Even when prescribed by a doctor, morphine and other natural opioids can be highly habit forming and those who abuse the drug run a much higher risk of developing an addiction or suffering an opioid overdose.

Semisynthetic Opioids

This type of opioid is made using chemical compounds that are derived from the naturally-occurring compounds found within the poppy plan. While many semisynthetic opioids were created in an attempt to reduce the addictive properties of natural opioids, such efforts were not always successful. Common examples of semisynthetic drugs include hydrocodone, oxycodone, benzylmorphine as well as the street drug heroin.

Synthetic Opioids

Drugs like methadone, fentanyl, and dextropropoxyphene are wholly synthetic and were manufactured using man-made compounds. Drugs like fentanyl are used in the treatment of extreme pain as they are far more potent than natural opioids like morphine and require a much smaller dose in order to be effective. Other drugs like methadone are less potent and are frequently used to provide relief from the symptoms of withdrawal for those who attempting to overcome an addiction to heroin, morphine or other more powerful opioids.

Opioid Addiction

The high potency and habit-forming nature of opioids makes them a highly-addictive substance. Opioid addiction is a very common problem, one that often begins when patients are provided with a prescription for pain-management medication by a physician. Those who are taking opioids following a surgery, accident or other type of injury may notice that the effects of their medication may begin to decrease the longer they take it. Attempting to self medicate by upping the dosage in order to produce the same level of relief that patients have become accustomed to can easily lead to an addiction.

Signs of an Opioid Addiction

There are many signs that may indicate someone is developing or suffering from an opioid addiction. Common indications of a problem often include:

  • Mood swings
  • Loss of interest in work, school or personal activities
  • Pinpoint pupils are dark marks along the arms
  • Going through prescriptions too quickly
  • Fatuige and increased sleepiness

Being able to recognize the signs of chemical dependency and addiction can be crucial to recovery. Opioid addicts who fail to seek help are far more likely to suffer from the long-term health effects of opioids which often include overdose and death.

Treatment and Recovery

Attempting to overcome an opioid addiction without professional help can be far more difficult. Even acute withdrawal symptoms may be dangerous without proper medical supervision. There are numerous treatment options, including both inpatient and outpatient care. Even long-term counseling and emotional support groups can be powerful tools for those who are struggling to overcome an addiction.

If you are someone close to you is suffering from a problem with opioids, seeking help can make a life-saving difference. Call us today at 800-737-0933 to learn more about treatment options and other resources.

Will Inpatient Drug Rehab Kick You Out If You Can’t Pay?

There are several reasons why you get kicked out of rehab, but money isn’t one of them. Paying for rehab is expensive, especially if you don’t have any health insurance, have a low income or are unemployed. But there are a lot of financial options out there, and understanding yours can help you get treatment even if you can’t afford to pay for it.

Just know this: Having no money is not a reason you don’t deserve help. Anyone who wants to change their life and break free from addiction can get treatment, and they won’t be told to leave a program because they don’t have any money.

How to Pay for Rehab

There are three primary ways you can get your addiction treatment covered: health insurance, scholarships and paying out-of-pocket. The latter is not for most people, but sometimes, family members and friends are willing to chip in and help pay for someone’s treatment because they love them and will do anything to see them get better.

Obamacare plans and Medicaid both offer some type of substance abuse coverage; most plans will cover up to half of the cost of addiction treatment, but some may cover all of it if the deductible has been met.

The Affordable Care Act mandates every insurance provider to offer some form of substance abuse treatment coverage; there are also state- and government-funded programs that may offer low- or no-cost treatment for people who need it.

The Veterans Administration also offers coverage for veterans who struggle with addiction as well as co-occurring mental disorders like depression and PTSD.

Rehab Scholarships

Just like you can apply for grants and scholarships for college, you can do the same for drug and alcohol treatment. There are many organizations that award money to people who need to go to rehab but can’t afford it.

The Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)and Sobriety Optimization League Scholarship Foundation are two of the largest groups that offer to fund people in need of addiction treatment. Inpatient and outpatient services, as well as detox, may be covered under their scholarships.

To get a scholarship, you will have to complete and submit an online application, go through a screening to confirm your substance use disorder and other requirements and attend a personal interview.

Financing Options

Many rehabs also offer payment assistance for people whose insurance doesn’t cover the total cost of their treatment. For people who are uninsured, payment plans will require money up-front but can be worked out to accommodate a person’s budget. Many rehabs also offer job assistance, so if you’re currently unemployed, you can make arrangements to pay for treatment after you find a job.

The cost of rehab can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the rehab, the type of treatment and services received and the length of a program. You should never just assume that rehab is out of the question because you don’t have any money.

For those who want help, there is always assistance available. You just need to know where to find it. And that’s why we’re here.

Reasons You Can Get Kicked Out of Rehab

Now that we’ve established that money is not a reason to be kicked out of rehab, let’s cover some of the reasons you could be told to leave a program. Rules exist for a reason; they keep people safe, prevent relapse and ensure that a program is able to provide the highest possible benefit to people in recovery.

Failing to follow a rehab’s rules can result in expulsion; if someone relapses, they usually won’t be kicked out right away, but they will most likely lose privileges and be given a strict warning.

Other behaviors in rehab can also result in being told to leave; some rehabs ban cell phone use and engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with other patients. Bringing drugs into the rehab or repeatedly failing drug tests can also result in early termination.

If you do get kicked out of rehab, it could be a sign that you need to find a better program that suits your needs. Maybe you’re not ready for the type of therapy you were receiving; maybe you weren’t really ready to be sober yet. But things are always changing, and we can help you recover.

Contact us today at 800-737-0933 to learn more about how to pay for rehab. We can connect you with the most affordable programs near you and explore your financing options together.

How Are Florida Rehabs Making Addiction Healthcare More Accessible to the Poor?

Addictions are equal opportunity diseases. They care not who they attack be it man, woman, child, rich or poor. Any victim that an addiction can claim is perfectly okay with that particular addiction. For this very reason, it’s important than anyone who might fall victim is able to get access to treatment.

The Florida drug and alcohol addiction treatment community is among one of the best addiction communities in the world. The community as a whole is well-deserving of the label “drug addiction rehab capital of the world.” One of the reasons Florida stands above so many of the other addiction communities is because of its willingness and ability to offer services to pretty much anyone who might need them.

Of course, paying for treatment is always going to be an important consideration. Without healthcare insurance, there’s always the possibility the lack of payment resources is going to act as a determent for some individuals to get the care they so desperately need. That’s not a good thing.

If you are poor and still contemplating getting treatment from an addiction treatment facility in Florida, you have to take into consideration how your are going to pay for treatment. Assuming you don’t have healthcare insurance or adequate coverage at the least, we want to explain some of the things Florida rehabs do to make treatment more accessible to people without access to payment resources.

How Are Florida Rehabs Making Addiction Healthcare More Accessible to the Poor?

What’s very clear about the Florida addiction treatment community is the high level of professionalism that exists among so many of the treatment professionals. These are highly trained individuals whose primary motivation for working is being able to save souls and lives. The idea they can’t get access to some people because of money just goes against everything they stand for as professionals. Still, they do realize they work in a profit motivated environment.

To overcome this conflict, it becomes necessary for administrators to figure out how they can help the poor overcome financial barriers. If we are to assume you do not have healthcare insurance nor the financial resources to pay for treatment, we want to let you know how we may still be able to help you.

Support from Charitable Organizations

When the chips are down, it has become normal in America to seek help from charitable organizations. These are the organizations that have processes and the human resources needed to ask giving individuals/corporations for help in the form of donations. It’s these donations, when administered properly, that can save people for horrible suffering.

What we are seeing in Florida is the integration of the charity community with the addiction treatment community. This integration is taking place on two levels. First, many Florida rehabs are connecting with charities to form pools of financial resources that can be used to offset the cost of treating someone without the resources to pay for treatment. This is a big deal, especially to the folks who otherwise might not be able to step up and ask for help.

At the second level, there are a number of charitable organizations that are actually sponsoring and opening their own licensed drug treatment facilities. This is a great approach to the problem because treatment can be directed specifically towards people who have financial issues that might also play a part in the causes of their addictions.

In-House Financing With Reasonable Payment Terms

It’s not unheard of for a top rehab to offer in-house financing plans to help poorer people financially qualify for treatment. This is one of the things some rehabs choose to do with an understanding there’s a risk to offering poor people credit. It’s really about having the heart to give treatment first and worry about getting payment at a later date.

Making Scholarships and Grants Available

There are some government agencies that provide rehabs access to funds that can be used to treat addiction clients. There’s also a number of grateful former clients who have the resources to pay it forward to the less fortunate in the form of legacy grants and scholarship monies. Many of the top Florida rehabs will pool these monies and develop scholarship/grant programs they can use to make treatment affordable for poorer addiction sufferers.

If you are serious about getting treatment, don’t let money deter you. You can contact us at 800-737-0933 and we’ll be glad to help you figure out how you can pay for the treatment you need. If these’s anyway we can offer your financial assistance, we will gladly do so.

How Much Day-to-Day Freedom Do You Have in Long Term Rehabs?

Many people fear the loss of freedom that comes with checking into residential rehab, but long-term treatment is not meant to feel like a prison sentence. Rules do exist in rehab, but they are designed to give you structure and accountability, not take away privileges and make you feel like you’re no longer in control of your own life.

Long-term rehabs help you build life skills that will help you maintain your sobriety. Recovery only lasts as long as you’re willing to commit to it, which makes an extended addiction treatment program appealing for those with a history of severe substance abuse.

How Long Can I Go to Rehab?

For most people, inpatient rehab lasts 90 days, but there are many resort-style rehabs and long-term facilities that offer programs for much longer periods of time. You may enroll in a program that lasts up to six months or even a year. The type of treatment you receive, as well as your living arrangements, will most likely change during this time.

Recovery is more than just your initial treatment program; even after completing treatment, you are strongly encouraged to continue individual counseling and attend support groups. Some people even transfer from an inpatient program to an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Treatment for substance abuse lasts a lifetime, but the type of therapy you receive can be as short as a few weeks to over a year.

What Can I Expect in a Long-Term Rehab?

A long-term treatment center for substance abuse focuses more than just overcoming the initial stages of addiction. Physical and psychological dependence will be addressed first, but you’ll spend most of your time addressing your mental health and building skills that set you up for a bright future.

People who have co-occurring mental illnesses often find that long-term rehab gives them a better chance to address the full scope of their disorders than traditional treatment programs. Through long-term rehab, they are able to begin implementing the skills they’ve acquired into their daily lives without losing the support and structure that rehab provides.

How Much Freedom Will I Have?

As you progress through treatment, you will most likely gain greater freedom. In the initial stages of inpatient rehab, such as detox and therapy, patients are typically not allowed off premises except for medical emergencies. This doesn’t mean you’re held against your will; you can walk out of the rehab at any time and give up on treatment, but in order to stay in the program, you have to abide by the facility’s rules.

Regimented daily schedules are the core of any drug or alcohol rehabilitation program; long-term rehab emphasizes the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so you will be expected to follow all of the rules during your stay. As you gain new skills, you will also gain access to more privileges like going off-site to attend support group meetings or receiving visits from loved ones.

The Therapeutic Community

Many long-term residential rehabs are based on the therapeutic community (TC) model of treatment. This approach considers a person’s environment to be the most important factor in their recovery success.

In a therapeutic community, you will work alongside other people in recovery. Through team-building exercises, group activities and shared responsibility, you will learn how to trust, cooperate with and value others. Relying on other people is something many struggle with, especially those whose addictions have left them isolated from family and friends.

By learning there is strength in numbers and vulnerability, the therapeutic community brings people closer to one another by fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. A long-term rehab is a great way to finally start to see value in yourself; you won’t be able to sit on the sidelines anymore.

Feeling proud of your own contributes to a greater community can serve invaluable as you progress into the real world, find a job and develop healthy relationships.

Don’t Wait for the “Right” Moment to Get Help

There will never be a day that makes quitting easier than the last. If you are interested in getting help for substance abuse, we want to help you take the next steps. If you’re only ready to simply learn about your options, that’s okay too.

Contact us today at 123-456-7890 for information about rehabs near you.

Are Inpatient Rehab Centers Safe Places to Seek Mental Health Treatment?

Substance abuse and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. Most people begin to drink heavily or use drugs to mask the difficult, painful feelings tied to depression or anxiety. Other mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD can influence someone to abuse substances and develop an addiction.

Inpatient rehab can give you specialized mental health treatment along with drug or alcohol rehab to find the balance, stability, and skills you’ll need to maintain sobriety and improve your life.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When looking for a rehab that offers quality mental health treatment, you should look for facilities that offer “dual diagnosis treatment.” When someone has a substance abuse problem and a mental health disorder, this is known as a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnoses can be primary or secondary; primary mental illnesses are caused by substance abuse while secondary disorders occur alongside the addiction.

In either case, your mental health and addiction are closely intertwined. By finding a rehab that values and emphasizes mental wellness, you will be setting yourself up for a much more stable recovery.

People who go to rehab and only get help for addiction are likely to relapse; the psychological nature and influence of mental health on substance abuse makes mental health services valuable to everyone in recovery.

What Does Mental Health Therapy Mean in Rehab?

You might not understand why you have to go to therapy in rehab, or why mental health treatment matters in addiction treatment. Substance abuse is considered a mental illness; there are 11 different substance use disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Doctors and mental health professionals use this book as a guide when identifying the symptoms of various psychological disorders and mental illnesses.

In the context of rehab, mental health is about so much more than treating mental illness. Even if you do not suffer from depression or anxiety, there are many important life skills that are directly linked to your mental well-being.

Some of the skills you may develop through mental health therapy include:

– Stress management.
– Self-discipline.
– Building self-esteem.
– Recognizing and responding to emotions in a healthy manner.
– Overcoming grief and loss.
– Healing from painful memories or trauma.
– Communication and conflict resolution.
– Parenting skills.

In just about every aspect of life, your mental health comes into play. By taking the time to prioritize your emotions, thoughts and how you handle them, you give yourself a foundation necessary to overcome bigger challenges.

Types of Mental Health Treatment in Inpatient Rehab

How you feel about your addiction will make the biggest impact on your recovery. To make sure that you have all the resources you need to stay sober, most inpatient rehabs offer a variety of therapeutic treatments to tackle different mental health issues.

Some of these strategies may include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Therapists do not typically have a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. It’s important to choose a rehab that offers a “holistic” form of rehab, which means they consider every aspect of an individual’s life in their recovery.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

If you have lived through trauma, rehab may be the place you finally get the help you need to begin healing. Opening up about trauma is hard, and reliving painful memories through recollection may even seem unbearable. Counselors understand how difficult this is, and they are trained to guide you through every step of counseling and rebuild from your painful past.

LGBT Rehab

The unique challenges, struggles and mental health issues faced by people in the LGBT community require specialized treatment. You do not have to fear discrimination in rehab. You will be able to find a therapist who accepts you exactly as you are and does not seek to change anything about your sexuality or gender during treatment.

There are many inpatient rehabs that offer LGBT-specialized therapy, so you can get treatment in an inclusive, inspiring environment.

Find the Right Rehab for You

Contact us today at 800-737-0933 to get connected with a rehab that offers the services you need. Whether it’s trauma-informed care, women’s only rehab or treatment for a specific mental health problem, we can work together and find a program that can help you.

Can You Choose Your Therapists at a Drug Rehab Center?

Your therapists will play the biggest role in your treatment. In fact, the relationship between a counselor and their client plays the largest role in the success of any type of psychotherapy. You need a therapist you can trust, as well as one who has experience treating the various nuances and challenges of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

Rehab is about choice; your choice to get better, your choice to say no to addiction and your choice to commit to a better life for yourself and your loved ones.

Getting to choose your own therapist is understandably important to you, but connecting with all of the specialists assigned to your treatment is equally worth discussing.

How Therapy Works in Rehab

Some rehabs follow a 12-step program that focuses heavily on group therapy. You’ll spend the majority of your time in these programs with others, working through a methodical process of recovery that includes admitting your powerlessness against addiction, identifying your weaknesses, trusting others or God and building the skills you need to stay sober.

The original 12-step program is rooted in Christianity, and it’s designed to help people overcome substance abuse by putting their faith in God. There are now many secular 12-step programs, but more and more rehabs are beginning to understand the importance of individualized substance abuse treatment.

Individual therapy gives you a safe space to discuss your addiction and mental health one-on-one with a certified counselor; while group therapy is valuable, there are many things you may not be comfortable revealing with others. Your personal counseling sessions will give you therapy that is designed just for you.

Picking Your Therapist

In most cases, you won’t get to interview all of the different substance abuse counselors and choose which one you like best. Counselors and psychologists are assigned to rehab participants based on a variety of factors including specializations, the type of addiction and availability.

For example, you may enter rehab and want to address your eating disorder along with your substance abuse. The rehab may have a counselor who specializes in treating co-occurring eating disorders, which will make it easier for them to understand your problem and come up with effective treatment strategies for you.

If you feel like you do not like your therapist in rehab, you can bring this up to the staff and see if there is another available for you to work with.

What If I Don’t Like My Therapist in Rehab?

It’s okay if you don’t like your therapist. This is the most important thing to establish. Not everyone “clicks,” and that’s why there are so many different staff members involved in rehab. Before you decide what to do next, it’s important to identify why you dislike your therapist.

Ask yourself:

  • What would I like out of therapy that I’m not currently receiving?
  • Do I dislike the therapist’s approach? Do I find them too direct, too gentle, etc.?
  • Am I feeling unheard in therapy?
  • Do I feel like I’m on the same page as my therapist?

Sometimes, people become so uncomfortable with what they’re going through in therapy that they take it out on the counselor. They begin to dislike the person rather than the practice; if you are not ready to discuss something or dislike a certain therapeutic exercise, that’s okay. Let your therapist know; being open about how you feel about everything, including your therapist’s choices, are all welcome and encouraged.

What to Do if You Don’t Like Your Therapist

After identifying the reasons you’re unhappy with your therapy, it’s important to let the counselor know what’s bothering you. Sometimes, the methods a therapist uses may seem pointless, and it’s okay to voice this. If you let your therapist know that you’re feeling stuck, this will help them become better at their job and provide you with a higher quality of treatment.

At the end of the day, you must also realize that therapy isn’t about your therapist. Focus on your goals, and remember that your emotional growth is what truly matters most.

We can help you choose a rehab that feels right for you. It’s natural to feel anxious and even afraid of treatment, but we’ll walk you through different programs so you feel empowered in your search. To get started, contact us at 800-737-0933.

How Can You Avoid Relapsing During Long Term Drug Rehab?

Many people who are assessed during short-term rehab will express fear of relapse if they are released from their programs. After all, relapse is a very real threat in the recovery community, and patients themselves often realize this and ask for further treatment. Long-term residential programs provide a community-like atmosphere that gives recovering individuals many paths toward relapse prevention. It’s one of the reasons that patients enter long term drug rehab in the first place. They realize the many programs long term treatment professionals set up solely to deal with the daunting prospect of relapse. How can you avoid relapsing during long term drug rehab? The answer is a long one.

Treatment centers have safety measures put in place specifically to help individuals deal with triggers to relapse. The long term drug rehabs themselves are often the best way to avert relapse in the early days. They do drug screens, provide a drug-free environment to live in and help each client gradually re-enter the community. Group meetings provide peer support. Some are 12 step meetings, but there are other meetings in long term facilities that help clients deal with life on life’s terms.

Individual and Group Sessions

Long term rehab centers structure their programs around the solid principles of addiction counseling and science. They have trained counseling staff on hand that knows how to discuss the triggers that often cause relapse in recovering clients. When you’re in inpatient rehab, you have access to counselors or caring staff 24 hours a day. If there is a true emergency, they can also deal with that.

Group sessions are another excellent way to get support from a counselor who is leading the group, plus peers who might be encouraged to share their own stories during group sessions. You’ll also find group meetings to provide peer support. Some are 12 step meetings, but there are other meetings in long term facilities that help clients deal with life on life’s terms.

Dual Diagnosis Services

Good long term residential centers have dual diagnosis services that help clients with mental illness receive their medications and counseling for those specific issues as well. The result is a well-rounded treatment program that addresses issues that commonly lead to relapse. Those with a co-existing mental illness often face pressure to relapse simply from the symptoms of that particular illness.

Counseling, group meetings, medication management, and peer support all form a solid backbone for recovery in a long term drug rehab. Dual diagnosis will be among the most important services to look for when seeking out treatment. Without support for a mental illness, relapse is likely, and these centers know this and provide the services.

Triggers for Relapse

Among the many things, you’ll learn inside a long term drug rehab is how to cope with the triggers of relapse. Triggers include anything that might stir up feelings that make you want to lose. In the early days, triggers will come often and strongly, but as you learn to live life without drugs or alcohol, you become more resistant to these triggers. Many things that might trigger a relapse include:

  • Negative emotions (stress, depression, fear, and other negative emotions)
  • Seeing a person that reminds you of addiction (AKA a former using partner)
  • Seeing an object that reminds you of using (for example a spoon or a can)
  • Positive emotions at times can make you want to “celebrate”

If it seems like you’re surrounded by a world that reminds you of drugs or alcohol in the beginning, you’re not alone. Triggers will be strong in early recovery, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so important to find a long term treatment program that is helpful to you in the early going. You can learn to cope with those triggers by using tools learned in counseling, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Seeking out help from a peer in recovery can also help, as they’re also experiencing these intense emotions. As you go through life drug-free in an inpatient drug rehab, you begin to replace those negative triggers with things that don’t remind you of using at all. Over time, it becomes easier to cope with, and you learn to appreciate life for what it is, without drugs.

If you want to prevent relapse by entering a long term drug rehab, our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 800-737-0933 to get started.

What Programs Do Alcohol Treatment Centers Offer People with a History of Relapse?

If you have been struggling with chronic addiction relapse issues, the first thing you need to do is stop beating on yourself. The reality is relapsed happen far more often than anyone could imagine. That means you are in a normal class of addiction sufferers.

What you have to remember is addictions are diseases. Even worse, they are diseases for which there is no known cure. As you went through treatment, there was no chance you were going to completely rid yourself of the desire to keep using drugs or alcohol. Instead, your efforts were being pointed towards arresting your addiction and positioning yourself to better cope with the things that cause you to self-medicate. Meanwhile, your addiction was supposed to be rendered dormant. It’s unfortunate if no one ever explained this to you.

Going forward, you still have this chronic relapse issue you have to address. It’s clearly a tall order, but there are ways drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers like ours can help you continue the battle towards a lasting recovery. The key to success is you not giving up hope. As long as you are willing to keep reporting back to rehab for help, rehab facilities will keep helping you find the right solution.

What Programs Do Alcohol Treatment Centers Offer People with a History of Relapse?

If your next stint in rehab is not your first or your second, you would be well within your rights to try a different rehab facility. Like anything else, each facility does things a little different. Your lack of success at maintaining a lasting recovery might be as a result of you not getting access to the right treatment personnel.

If you have already been through several treatment facilities, it’s likely the problem lies within yourself. Taking that position, the rehab you feel most comfortable with is where you want to head to for additional treatment.

Most likely, there are three reasons why you are encountering continuing problems with your addiction. They include:

  • You haven’t spent enough time in treatment
  • You haven’t been given access to the right treatment options
  • Your living environment is so toxic, you can’t break the chains that bind you

There’s very little rehab facility that can do about the last problem on this list. That’s something you need to address on your own. It’s the responsibility of your therapists to arm you with the coping skills to make better decisions. The good news is the first two problems are things a rehab facility can likely do something about. Let’s discuss further.

You Haven’t Spent Enough Time in Treatment

There’s a good chance you have been in and out of rehab while going through standard one to two-month treatment programs each time. Clearly, that’s not working. What you will likely need to do is go through what the addiction treatment community refers to as extended treatment.

It’s really a matter a keeping you isolated away from your drug of choice long enough to beat back that incessant drive you have to keep using it. That might require as long as 180 consecutive days or more of therapy. It might sound drastic, but drastic situations demand drastic measures. During your time in an extended addiction treatment program, you would continue working on isolating problems and developing the coping skills you will need to deal with temptation and your triggers.

At some point, you have to stay in rehab as long as it takes to firm up your recovery. Have faith. There is a point for pretty much everyone when treatment finally takes hold.

You Haven’t Been Given Access to the Right Treatment Options

In this modern age of addiction treatment, therapists have access to literally dozens of different treatment options. It’s quite possible you haven’t yet encountered the treatment option that flips the recovery switch in your mind and body.

This is something your therapists need to address. They need to think about what hasn’t worked and started offering new options into the mix. One reason why trying a new rehab is a good idea is because you might get access to more treatment options. To prompt your therapists, you might mention terms of evidenced-based therapies and holistic treatment.

We feel for anyone who is battling chronic relapses. That’s why we feel compelled to work hard to help people like you. If you want more information about how we might go about helping you finally find sobriety, you can call one of our representatives at 800-737-0933