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Addiction Treatment Essay

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Addiction Treatment

You crave it, you want it and you just can not stop thinking about it or, you just can’t stop doing it, they call it addiction. “Addiction is a chronic, but treatable, brain disorder. People who are addicted cannot control their need for alcohol or other drugs, even in the face of negative health, social or legal consequences. This lack of control is the result of alcohol- or drug-induced changes in the brain. Those changes, in turn, cause behavior changes” (What is Addiction). The behavior change happens when the brain can no longer see the picture as the “big picture”, with out the drug substance. That is when a person that has an addiction starts depending on the drug substance to enhance their experiences. …show more content…

Once a person who is done with rehab they may or may not keep attending the course but they still need to maintain aftercare. “Even effectively treated people with addictions will confront unexpected situations after they leave a treatment program and return to their home environment. These situations may produce intense periods of craving to re-use alcohol and other drugs. Lapse, defined as re-use of alcohol or drugs at least once following treatment, occurs in at least 50% of those who complete treatment. The most dangerous period for lapse is the first 3-6 months after completion of formal treatment. Relapse, defined as return to excessive or problematic use, is less common, occurring in approximately 20-30% of those who complete formal care in the prior year” (McLellan). After care is very hard to do because the subject is done with rehab there may be no counselor or support for them. At times it is recommended that the person keep attending rehab and also for the persons family to help them with coping. When the person gets out of treatment it is important that the families, friends, and patient prepare for the chance of a relapse or lapse happening. Early detection and understanding the proper procedures to take if a re lapse appears to be coming will help to prevent a full blown relapse to happen. Family and friends should agree to respect and follow the plan that the person out of treatment wishes to follow with

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