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A Few Ways Rehabilitation Helps Drug Addicts

Rehabilitation centres can be critical for those overcoming an addiction, though seeking out treatment can be an overwhelming and scary task. Sometimes it feels like you may have a million questions and apprehensions about the whole process such as:

  • How does addiction rehabilitation help overcome a substance use disorder?
  • What does a typical day in a alcohol and drug rehab facility entail?
  • How much does a stay at a drug and alcohol treatment facility cost?

Continue reading for all these questions and more to be answered, plus how NP Addiction can help on your’s or your loved one’s road to recovery.

What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction – or substance use disorder – is a disease where an individual loses control of their drug taking, despite the negative consequences to their health, personal, and professional lives. Here, the person’s life can be consumed by the drug, and commonly feel as though they need to take it to maintain any feeling of normality.

What is the Cause of Addiction?

It’s a common misconception that people with substance use disorders are weak willed, though this powerful condition is quite the opposite. When an individual takes drugs, the brain releases a surge of endorphins and its reward circuit is altered. After a while the brain’s physical and chemical structure changes, making it extremely difficult to function and fight the automatic urge to use drugs further.

People can be exposed to drugs via social, recreational use or prescribed medications. Even after one time, individual’s can become hooked and start abusing the drug regularly. There are a multitude of factors that may trigger this habit, including:

  • Genetics
  • Mental illness
  • Access to healthcare
  • Absence of social support
  • Environment during upbringing
  • Adverse childhood experiences
  • Peer group habits regarding drug abuse

What is the Cause of Addiction?

Signs of Drug Abuse

Addiction from substance-to-substance has a number of nuances, however, there are some general symptoms that can be generally spotted in people dealing with the condition. These include:

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when a regular dose of the drug isn’t taken
  • Wanting to sop using the drug but not being able to
  • Not being able to uphold personal or professional responsibilities
  • Changes in friendship circles
  • Changes in personality: lacking motivation, irritability
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Shakes and tremors
  • Lying about or hiding their drug use
  • Getting into financial or legal trouble
  • Partaking in risky behavior

The Short- and Long-Term Impact of Addiction

People take drugs to experience the euphoric rush caused by a surges of chemicals around the body and brain. Depending on the type of drug, the length of time this ‘high’ is felt differs and so do its after effects. When someone regularly takes a drug, their body adapts to the substance and a dependency forms. In this case, when a regular dose of the drug isn’t fed into the body withdrawal symptoms can start to kick in, these can include:

  • Intense cravings for the drug
  • Confusion
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • High temperature
  • Headaches
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shaking or shivering
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Vivid, unpleasant dreams
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia

Withdrawal from some substances can be extremely dangerous, with coming off some drugs involving the risk of a coma, seizures, or death. For this reason, it is vital to have professional treatment advice during the transition process.

How Drug Addiction Treatment Works

How Drug Addiction Treatment Works

There are a number of ways in which a person recovering from addiction to drugs or alcohol can become clean. Each individual’s journey to recovery can look a variety of ways and will require a holistic, personalized drug addiction treatment plan. If you are wondering how does rehabilitation help drug addicts, the following information will provide the answer.

Medical Detoxification

Usually, the journey to sobriety starts with a detoxification plan. This process allows the addicted individual to safely come off the substance and eventually get to a place where they are no longer dependent on it. It is vital that people going through this stage seek professional addiction treatment advice as without the right guidance and medical supervision, it can sometimes be extremely uncomfortable and potentially lethal.

Due to the negative feelings experienced during this period relapses are quite common, as people try and reverse these effects. Recovering individual’s during this time period have a higher risk of overdosing, with some trying to consume same amount of drug as at the peak of their addiction. This is yet another reason addiction recovery professionals should be present. Here, the physical and mental health of the person recovering can be monitored around the clock and medicine may be able to be prescribed to ease some of the withdrawal system discomfort.

Rehabilitation Centres

Rehabilitation centres allow people to identify and overcome issues surrounding their addiction. Substance abuse treatment consist of different types of therapy, as long-term recovery has been shown to be more likely when psychotherapy is carried out alongside diminishing physical drug dependence.

Individual therapy (behavioral therapy), group counselling, and family therapy sessions are likely to be provided as treatment options as part of an extensive therapy program. Here, the aim is for the individual to uncover:

  • The reasons behind their addiction
  • Any underlying mental illnesses
  • Substance abuse triggers
  • How to build coping mechanisms
  • How to deal with previous trauma
  • What needs to be done to repair relationships with family members that have been damaged by the drug taking

Group therapy is extremely helpful during the recovery process. This environments creates for a non-judgemental space for individual’s to share their experiences to others that have been through similar things. These sessions also allow people to feel heard, supported, and take away valuable advice that has worked for others.

Depending on the needs of the individual there are both inpatient and outpatient options to choose from. Inpatient treatment programs are the advised treatment plans for severe addictions and give the benefit of being removed from the problematic environment that the addiction developed in. This creates a fresh new space to deal with the substance abuse disorder. This type of residential treatment also has the benefit of twenty-four hour care from medical professionals. Outpatient treatment may be better suited for those who have need to maintain significant work or familial obligations. It may also be appropriate for those with short-lived or mild addictions.

What is a Typical Day Like in Drug Rehab Program?

Each day follows a particular structure of waking up, activities, therapy sessions, meal times, and sleeping, providing routine and stability for people who are overcoming addiction. Plenty of breaks are given in between the treatment practices, allowing head space to reflect on and process what they have just learnt. Free time around is also an important feature of the daily schedule in treatment centres, where individual’s are able to talk, practice socializing, and learn new coping mechanisms.

What are the Benefits of Drug Rehab Programs?

What are the Benefits of Drug Rehab Programs?

Anyone dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction will benefit from partaking in a rehabilitation program. Some of these benefits include:

  • Around the clock professional support: medical are available for the individual’s in the drug rehab treatment centers at all times. This is critical for safely treating any ongoing physical symptoms, providing needed mental health services, and preventing relapses.
  • The structure and routine it provides: these break the cycle of unhealthy habits that were picked up while the person was going through their drug or alcohol addiction and helps build a healthy, balanced schedule that can be stuck to after leaving the treatment facility.
  • The supportive and safe environment it offers: being surrounded by people who understand what you are going through and what you need to recover as effectively as possible.
  • The holistic treatment people receive: in the drug and alcohol rehab process, the recovering person will focus on improving their mental, physical, and emotional health.
  • It’s focus on health: individual’s will part-take in a healthy diet and regular exercise as part of their treatment program. This gives a better chance at a successful recovery, prevent relapse, build healthy future habits, and reduce the risk of a number of diseases.

How Much Does Addiction Rehab Cost

How Much Does Addiction Rehab Cost?

The upfront monetary cost of drug rehab is a reason many hesitate to seek treatment, however, the long-term cost of addiction (lost job, social costs, future health expenses) is likely to be much greater. No matter what your personal preference or monetary situation, there are a number of facilities that can fit your requirements.

There are multiple of factors that influence the price of addiction treatment centers. These include:

  • Type of facility: generally inpatient costs more than outpatient programs
  • Treatment options
  • Location
  • Size and length of program
  • Treatment facilities available: a swimming pool, gym, nutritional counselling, massage therapy

To give a picture of the overall costs of the process, the average cost of a detoxification program is around $600 to $1000 per day and a thirty day program costs between $14,000 to $27,000. Although this may seem like a lot, all or part my be covered by government subsidies or your treatment provider.

Depending on the treatment provider you are insured with and the type of insurance policy you chose, the majority of the costs to enter rehab may be covered . Some treatment providers include residential alcohol and drug treatment, though usually only for around one month. The best way to find out how much you may have to pay out of your own pocket is to contact your current treatment provider.

How Long Do Rehabilitation Programs Last?

Again, the treatment process is extremely individualistic, though people normally enter inpatient treatments for one, two, or three month periods. It is also vital for people overcoming addition to partake in a long-term recovery program. This may include regular visits to support groups or checking in with a counsellor.

Should I Find Addiction Treatment Close to Me or Away?

Although addiction is nothing to feel ashamed of, it’s understandable that many may apprehensive about seeing someone you know at a treatment center close to home. For some people, being completely isolated to their everyday life is a positive during their treatment process. This way they can put all their energy and headspace into the program without distractions or worries about confidentiality. However, treatment centers located closer to where you live allows for easy access to services if you are an outpatient, plus allows for easy familial visitation.

What If I Relapse?

Relapse is unfortunately in the nature of addiction, though inpatient rehab facilities and long-term support hugely reduces this risk. Sometimes it can take more than one stay at a drug treatment center to kick a drug addiction long-term but remember this is completely normal part of the ongoing recovery process and you are not alone in this fight!

Contact Us

If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact NP Addiction today for advice and assistance in seeking addiction treatment that is right for you. We understand the difficulty in overcoming this disorder, but will be with you every step of the way during the addiction rehabilitation process.

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Samantha Kelly​

Director of National Business Development & Admissions Coordinator

I am a dedicated and passionate professional with extensive experience in business development Admissions and marketing. I have an incredible passion for showing others that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel if someone truly wants it.
Being in recovery myself I understand the struggles of addiction and alcoholism. I Started this Career path in 2009. With multiple years of experience, I bring a multi-faceted approach and am always seeking new ways to make a difference in the lives of those I work with.

Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. He says he is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine