Positive steps are being made across the United States to assist individuals battling with substance abuse. Multiple aspects of society are involved in making a positive change in this regard. The government is creating programs to assist with recovery while at the same time putting pressure on the pharmaceutical industry with the goal of restricting the flow and access the public has to certain addictive substances. Private rehab centers in Utah have played a vital role in guiding those battling with substance abuse through the steps needed for a life of long-term sobriety.

Providing Guidance through the Withdrawal Process

Withdrawal is the first roadblock individuals breaking free from substance abuse face. When a person attempts the withdrawal process on their own, their chances of success are minimal. Conversely, positive results are seen when the withdrawal process is accompanied by monitored support and guidance.

The supervised withdrawal and detox programs many recovery centers offer provide practical tips to minimize some of the negative side effects individuals in recovery are likely to experience. There is nothing that can be done to completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms, as these are a reflection of the body’s attempt to purify itself of toxins. However, emotional support and physical support can be provided to help an individual stick to detox until the toxic substances have been purged from their system.

Another benefit of going through the detox process under the supervision of professionals is that there is no way a person can relapse because they do not have access to the substances they were addicted to. No matter how strong cravings become, and no matter how strong the temptation to relapse is, if the addictive substance is not available, relapse is not an option.

Moving on to Recovery

The research is clear. Individuals who go through drug treatment and rehab have a higher chance of making sobriety a way of life as opposed to those who do not. When examining the benefits of rehab, it’s important to note that detox is not rehab. It is definitely the first step that a person takes toward getting clean, but a lot more is involved.

The rehab process is a time when an individual is able to examine, reflect, and plan. The examination comes from looking at the past course of life that led to the substance abuse. This is not a time for recrimination. Instead, it is a time for an honest evaluation with the goal of making positive plans for the future. There are many circumstances that are within one’s control, as well as those outside of one’s control that might have contributed to substance abuse. When those are identified, a person has a clear understanding of possible triggers for relapse in the future, and they are able to make clear plans on how to avoid those triggers in the future.

Most rehab treatments focus on using a variety of therapies, like group, individual, or family therapy, to help a person work through some of the challenges they have faced and prepare them for those they will face in the future. The support network that one builds while going through the rehab process is vital for their success. This is why many rehabilitation programs, be them private or supported by the government, offer aftercare to their clients. They help their clients by providing continued support while they make the transition from being in rehab to being back into their normal environment.

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges Connected to Addiction

One of the most positive steps seen in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction, was the understanding of the link that exist between mental health challenges and substance abuse. Prior to the mid-1990s, mental illness and substance abuse were treated separately. In fact, in many instances, a person was told that they would first need to get sober before they could get the assistance they needed for their mental health challenges.

However, the codependent, or co-occurring nature of addiction and mental health challenges meant that if an individual sole treated their addiction, but not their mental health issues, eventually the addiction would return and vice a versa. The modern approach is to treat substance abuse and mental health issues as a dual diagnosis treatment.

This has revolutionized the way that substance abuse is treated. By addressing the root cause or the direct effect of substance abuse, individuals are able to experience long-term, sustainable recovery.

It is encouraging to see the efforts that are being made by governmental agencies, private agencies, and religious organizations to address the substance abuse problems society is currently facing. The end goal is to reach a day when substance abuse and its devastating effects are things of the past.