Drug Addiction and Rehab in Charleston, SC

Drug addiction is a chronic condition that can cause significant change in brain function and impact a person’s behavior. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, rehab is essential to overcoming a drug addiction.

The Nature of Drug Addiction and Drug Dependence

Addiction isn’t merely a lack of willpower – it’s a disease. Defined as the inability to stop using a substance even though you have the desire to stop, drug addiction impacts several brain systems and can alter the way you behave and think. In rehab, clients learn how to change the behavior patterns that were influenced by addiction and develop new habits.

While every case of addiction involves some degree of dependence, a drug dependence can exist without addiction. Dependence is a condition marked by the physical need for some substance. Over time, substance abuse causes changes in the brain’s chemical processes. The brain gets used to the presence of the drug and starts requiring the substance to operate normally. When you stop using the drug of abuse, affected brain functions attempt to rebound, which causes withdrawal symptoms to occur.

Getting Help in Charleston, SC

Substance abuse treatment begins with detox, which addresses the physical dependence on a drug. During detox, any remaining traces of drugs are allowed to leave the body so that the brain can restore its normal function. Most quality Charleston treatment programs provide medical detox for their clients–this type of detox involves close medical supervision and uses both conventional and alternative therapies to ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Once the dependence on a drug has been broken, the goal of treatment is to address the more complex issue of addiction. Successful addiction treatment hinges on identifying and addressing any underlying issues that may be fueling substance abuse, such as trauma, mental health disorders or stress. The best Charleston treatment centers rely on a blend of traditional and complementary therapies to help clients tackle the issues behind the addiction. One widely-used therapeutic technique is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps clients learn how to spot self-destructive thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthy thought patterns. During treatment, clients learn coping strategies that will help them battle cravings and handle triggers that could lead to relapse.

Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit

Both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration agree that a holistic approach yields the best results in addiction treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan that works for every individual, so it’s important to develop an individualized treatment strategy that meets the unique needs of each client. A quality treatment program will offer a broad range of therapies, combining research-based therapy with alternative techniques such as meditation and music therapy.

It can be difficult to stay motivated once treatment is complete, so a good aftercare plan is essential. Aftercare may include participation in a support group or 12-step program, continued therapy, mental health treatment or medical care; the specific components of an aftercare plan will depend on the needs of the individual.

From Rehab to Recovery

Drug addiction treatment may be challenging at times, but there’s no denying the benefits. In addition to addressing the factors that contribute to addictive behavior, clients also make healthy behavior changes, boost their self-esteem and learn how to improve their personal relationships. Completing rehab doesn’t just increase your odds of long-term recovery – it can enhance your quality of life. Charleston Drug Treatment Centers can help you today. Just give us a call at (843) 480-9956 to get started on your recovery journey.