As the problem of alcoholism and drug abuse continue to exist in society, the presence of rehabilitation centers prove to be very helpful. Each year, this problem that results in crime, lost work productivity and health care costs the U.S. more than $700 billion. The National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAA) reported that in 2014, 16.3 million adults in the U.S. had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) with 10.6 million of them being men and the rest are women. In the same year, an estimated 1.5 million adults received treatment for AUD at a specialized facility.
Not many know that alcohol abuse can also lead to death. In fact, the NIAA reports that nearly 88,000 people majority of whom are men die from alcohol-related causes yearly. This makes alcohol the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. This is the reason why prevention is very important and rehabilitation centers play a significant role in this aspect. They help patients overcome their addiction and live a free life once again.
Benefits of a Treatment Facility
There are many benefits to gain when addicts enter a rehab center. For one, they can experience a stable environment in the facility which is essential for those newly recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. It will help them stay away from temptations including people who may trigger or encourage their addiction and keep them safe all the time. The absence of negative influences also makes its easier for them to overcome their problem.
The presence of counselors are as important. With their knowledge and experience, they know how best to help addicts cope with their problems and recover from their addiction. Through an inpatient or residential treatment program, patients are given constant medical and emotional support round the clock. Medical attention is necessary particularly as withdrawal from certain addictions can have lethal consequences.
Peer support is also one benefit patients can gain while in the rehab centers. Knowing that there are people who go through the same predicament you have can at least make you realize that you’re not alone and that you can get help from counselors who know what they are doing. “The period of recovery is usually made easier when peer support is available,” according to the administrator of the Anthem Health Insurance Addiction Rehab facilities. “In addition, patients can develop new friendships during their recovery process and this is vital in preventing them from being lonely and isolated.”
The daily routine provided to patients in the facility are helpful as well in raising awareness of their activities and responsibilities. As they go through one-on-one therapy, group therapy and alternative therapy, they have a lot to learn on what needs to be done to help them recover from the addiction. And other than their discussions that includes sharing, they are also taught on good nutrition and regular physical fitness.
On the part of the family, they are spared from seeing their loved one witness his or her physical and emotional struggles at the facility. Although they may feel anxious about the situation, they can still rest assured that their loved one is safe and is getting the right assistance in achieving his goal of recovering from the addiction.