Drug Addiction
Drug addiction isn't a weakness or a lack of willpower; it's a chronic brain disease that causes the sufferer to compulsively seek and use drugs despite harmful physical and psychological consequences. Many drug rehab centers in Erie offer detox programs and ongoing therapy to help patients recover from substance dependence. By teaching new coping skills and ways of handling life stress, these Erie drug treatment centers support the recovering addict in maintaining a drug-free life.
Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 23.9 million people in the U.S. used an illicit drug or a psychotherapeutic medication such as a stimulant, pain reliever, or tranquilizer in 2012. Of these people, only 2.5 million (1 percent) sought treatment at drug treatment centers.
Drug History and Current Trends in Erie?
According to The Bureau of Narcotics of the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General in Erie, cocaine is the most widely used illicit drug in the region. Cocaine is considered Pennsylvania's greatest threat due to its low cost, accessibility, and associations with violent crime. Heroin is a growing threat in Pennsylvania and throughout Erie County, with 255 people having reported using the substance in 2009-2010 - a significant increase from 138 people in 2008-2009 and 169 people in 2006-2007.
Treatment Options
Drug treatment programs can be inpatient or outpatient. Drug rehab centers in Erie offer both of these options. Available inpatient treatment programs are administered within a facility. This means that you'll stay there while you undergo treatment, and may be referred to an outpatient program once the detox and more intense part of recovery have passed. Residential programs can last from one to two months. You will receive round-the-clock care.
Many studies show that inpatient drug treatment programs are the most effective way to recover from drug addiction. Depending on the nature and severity of your drug use, an inpatient program may be necessary to ease painful and harmful withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, recovery from drug dependence requires medical therapy
Outpatient programs are designed for those patients who have responsibilities at work or at home and cannot stay at a facility. They are provided with the same services including individual and group counseling as well as educational services and alternative treatment modalities.
Other Programs in Drug Treatment
In some cases, a medical detoxification program is necessary to help an addict manage withdrawal symptoms after quitting drugs. Certain addictions produce withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous or even fatal. Underlying medical conditions can also add to the danger of detoxifying without medical help.
Drug and alcohol treatment centers in Erie offer a medical detoxification program to help you manage uncomfortable and potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms. These facilities have the expertise of medical professionals that will provide comfort during your detox, and help ease your transition to an inpatient treatment program.
Warning Signs
The following are signs you or a loved one has a drug dependency:
- Lying or sneaky behavior
- Mood swings
- Stealing
- Problems at work, home or school
- Legal problems
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Red eyes
- Sore throat
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Losing weight without dieting, loss of appetite
- Hallucinating
- Needle or "track" marks on the arms or other parts of the body
Individualized Programs
Your recovery from drug dependence will begin with a doctor or health professional who specializes in substance dependence. Addiction is a complex, chronic disease, and treatment must address not just the substance problem, but all areas of the addict's life. An individualized program is necessary help stabilize the patient psychologically and physically, and to prepare him or her for a new, drug-free life.
To find the right treatment facility and program for your needs, call 814-651-9437 today.