This research has shown what the key principles should be that any treatment center delivers. To ensure that this quality care reaches as many people as possible, it should be easy for patients to receive treatment when they need it. Each individual patient has multiple needs that go above and beyond their addiction, and these needs all have to be addressed. It is also critical that someone receives treatment for an appropriate amount of time.

What Do Treatment Centers Screen For?

Addiction is a disease. It affects the brain and body. There are psychological and physical aspects of the disease of addiction. Substances also affect people differently. Some people are more sensitive to substances than others. When a person enters a rehab facility all of these elements are screened to build a comprehensive treatment plan for that individual.

Doctors and medical professionals (addiction specialists, psychologists, therapists, etc.) screen the patient for their genetics, medical history, allergies, mental health, past record of abuse, substances they abuse, the frequency of use and the dosage. All of these elements are important in prescribing the proper medications for a patient during withdrawal and to help them with their addiction, if need be.

Mental health issues drastically compound substance abuse. A person who abuses drugs or alcohol and also has mental illness problems like depression, schizophrenia or any host of issues, can create side effects that are dangerous and deadly. Mind altering drugs mixed with mental health issues is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

If the environment you're in is toxic and contributing to your substance use, conditions, environment and people are making it too difficult for you to stop using, consider traveling for treatment. Not only will traveling to another city or state for treatment will remove you from these toxic situations, you'll also have the benefit of anonymity as you will be less likely to encounter people you know when you travel for treatment.

If you are searching for a treatment facility, be sure to call ahead in advance and make sure they treat the substance of your choice. There's no need to divulge any health issues over the phone, as medical professionals will go over that in confidentiality with you when you are screened. It is important to make sure that treatment facility will offer therapy for your substance or substances of choice.

Consider traveling for treatment to another city or state. Traveling for treatment can move you away from the toxic surroundings and stress that may lead to substance abuse.

While receiving quality care while in undergoing the treatment process, this is not the only element of care that one should pay special attention. Aftercare is a substantial element of the recovery process, so individuals should be purposed to pursue quality support groups to assist in remaining abstinent regarding substance abuse and addiction. Consider joining a weekly support group meeting. You can find one for most substances (alcohol, cocaine, heroin, etc.). In group meetings you can develop friendships who will provide support to you in your struggle with recovery. Also think about joining a 12-step program to further your chances at success in recovery.