Rehabilitation Centre- What do they do?

Rehabilitation is term for the processes of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment, for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescribed drugs and street drugs like cocaine, heroin or amphetamines. The general intent is to enable the patient to cease substance abuse, in order to avoid the psychological, legal, financial, social, and physical consequences that can be caused, especially by extreme abuse. A rehabilitation centre will provide such treatment to a person who’s willing to lose the addiction towards alcohol or drugs.

      An alcohol rehabilitation centre would have a rehabilitation program set for a person who is addicted to alcohol helping them to get rid of it. Generally there are three steps which are followed-

Detox

·         The first step in an alcohol rehabilitation program involves detoxification from the alcohol. The detox process can take a variety of forms depending on the amount and length of time the alcoholic has been drinking. Most of the patients can be treated on an outpatient basis, while others will prefer inpatient programs to help them get through the initial detoxing and to provide a safe mind set away from temptation. After the patient is announced not to drink again, mild symptoms may rise after a few hours of the last drink. Patients will experience a range of symptoms like nausea, night sweats and tremors. But some patients may show severe withdrawal symptoms which has to be given medical supervision, they can show extreme blood pressure hikes and death. Symptoms that a heavy drinker may show include hallucinations, convulsions and seizures. Symptoms will progress at a high rate after 2 days of last drink and can be treated with sedatives and other medications such as beta blockers.

Introduction

·         For several weeks following detox, the mental compulsion, or obsession, to drink will be very strong which will prevent an alcoholic from concentrating. Alcohol rehabilitation counselors begin therapy to help the alcoholic understand the underlying issues that caused the person to drink. Patients also must admit that they have a disease and cannot drink again if they are to continue with their recovery over the long-term. Overcoming denial is a challenge for counselors in the first days and weeks in rehab. Medical doctors see patients during their alcohol treatment program. Physicians check for signs of depression and look for signs of a secondary mental condition that may require medication. Remorse, guilt and self-loathing may impair a person's ability to get sober. Antidepressants often are used to treat alcoholics for a year or more.

Immersion

·         As patients in alcohol treatment centers begin to feel better they are immersed into daily routines that support their well-being. Some treatment centers offer alternative therapies such as massage, yoga, medication classes and arts and crafts. Group therapy sessions are an integral part of the rehab as well as assignments that help alcoholics gain insight into their lives and make decisions about changes that may need to be made. Patients are introduced to other community support organizations for their family. Patients are encouraged to build relationships in groups to assist them once they leave the facility, usually within about 30 days. Many alcohol rehab programs also offer follow-up care in the form of regular counseling sessions, annual alumni reunions, newsletters and phone calls.

With the increasing need for treatment of addicts increased in India, Indian government felt the need for a council which would regulate and monitor services given by different centers which was later made as the Rehabilitation Council of India.

As the years went by, many rehabilitation centers have been set up by the state and also private enterprises aiming at helping the people in getting rid of their addictions. Now rehabilitation centers are present in almost all major cities of India. A rehab session may last from 30- 90 days depending upon the degree of addiction. Centers provide these sessions at an approximate fees of Rs 8000- Rs 20000 depending upon reputation of the centre, experience and also the kinds of services that are provided.

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Some of the rehabilitation centres may be found on the right side of page under "Useful Links" area.