Chemical Dependency
Chemical dependency centers help individuals and their families find solutions to the difficult problem of drug and alcohol addiction. The staff at a chemical dependency center brings a great deal to the table, including extensive professional experience and compassion as well as evidence-based medical treatment and therapies. The goal of a chemical dependency center is to help the individual achieve a healthy, drug- and/ or alcohol-free lifestyle.
If you are addicted to drugs and/ or alcohol and you need help breaking that addiction, Michael's House can help. Michael's House offers a complete chemical dependency treatment program for people addicted to any combination of drugs and alcohol, including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, crystal meth, club drugs, prescription painkillers, stimulants and more. If you are looking for a proven and safe program that focuses on the individual, contact our Michael's House call center at today.
What is Chemical Dependency?
The definition of chemical dependency is the repeated use of alcohol and/or drugs in a manner that threatens the individual's health and life, as well as the safety of those around him or her. For example, chronic health problems and issues with personal and work relationships usually arise when chemical dependency is present. Even when warned by doctors and loved ones that they are hurting themselves, the addict finds it impossible to stop using their drug of choice without medical assistance at a chemical dependency treatment center.
If an individual suffers from chemical dependency, it is imperative that he or she seeks treatment as soon as possible. Chemical dependency centers work closely with individuals suffering from addiction to any illicit substance including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, marijuana and other substances. Many who require treatment for chemical dependency are addicted to multiple drugs and alcohol.
What are the Stages of Chemical Dependency?
Chemical dependency usually occurs in five stages that describe the progressive and lethal effect of drug abuse and alcohol abuse. It is largely believed that most addicts do not seek or need help until they have come to the point of no return or have "hit bottom" in their drug abuse. At Michael's House, we don't believe this is true. We believe that, like all medical disorders, the earlier you get treatment at a certified drug rehab, the more likely you will experience a successful and lasting recovery from chemical dependency.
Chemical Dependency Stage One: Experimentation
When a person decides to use drugs and/ or alcohol for the first time—even if it is prescribed medication to prevent pain or a legal drink—and it is for recreational rather than medical use, the action falls under the first stage known as experimentation. There are many reasons a person may choose to use drugs or alcohol: controlling pain after an accident or surgery, boredom, depression, social reasons. If it works the first time, the person will most likely try it again.
Chemical Dependency Stage Two: Regular Use
A very few users will never develop a chemical dependency but will continue to use their drug of choice without any initial impact. Over time, certainly, health problems are likely and finances and relationships may not go in the best possible direction, but in terms of making it safely through day-to-day life, they will not develop the medical disease of drug addiction.
The majority, however, will use an addictive drug of choice for a time and be unable to quit voluntarily. In fact, most will need more and more of the drug to achieve its original effect, building up a tolerance. Many will try to quit only to find themselves slipping back into their habit of drug abuse once physical withdrawal symptoms kick in. Although regular use is not always a sign of a problem, the next stage of risky use is.
Chemical Dependency Stage Three: Risky Use
'Risky use' is a term that encompasses the many behaviors and decisions and consequences that result due to abuse of drugs and alcohol. But, for many people, things that they would never have done before their drug use turned into an addiction suddenly start to become commonplace. For instance, the limitations that a person sets for themselves may continually begin to fall off (i.e., "I won't take any pills at work" turns into "I can take one pill as long as I'm about to get off in an hour" or "It's my lunch hour, so one won't hurt"). Dangerous behavior, dangerous choices under the influence, and the buildup of dangerous effects in the body can add up to permanent damage if chemical dependency is not treated in a timely manner.
Chemical Dependency Stage Four: Dependence
Dependence upon drugs and alcohol can lead to disaster. The ability to keep up with responsibilities to family and career slip. Drug and alcohol users become focused on getting their drug of choice and using it and lose focus on other aspects of their lives. There are a limited number of individuals who are able to be dependent on drugs and alcohol and still keep up with their personal obligations. Most lose their jobs, their families, their financial security and their personalities. If nothing else, almost all lose their interest in hobbies and friends in favor of maintaining their addiction.
Chemical Dependency Stage Five: Addiction
Chemical dependency is a serious illness that if left untreated will end in death. With constant drug use, the addict is perpetually craving the drug, looking for the next dose. Damage to body systems and organs develops more and more as time passes.
Fortunately, chemical dependency is a treatable condition. At Michael's House, we can help.
What is a Chemical Dependency Center?
A chemical dependency center addresses all aspects of addiction recovery, including withdrawal symptoms, detoxification, counseling, rehabilitation and aftercare programs. Once an individual enters a chemical dependency program, the staff will first assess their physical status and stabilize them medically. Next, the focus will turn to the difficult withdrawal period and detox period – helping the individual clean all the chemicals out of his or her body so that real achievements can be made towards recovery.
The chemical dependency center is also likely to engage the individual in counseling sessions – be they one-on-one or in group setting. Group counseling at a chemical dependency center gives the recovering addict a chance to interact with a peer group who is dealing with many of the same challenges. These sessions are very helpful and often result in a person talking openly about their addiction for the very first time. The cost of a chemical dependency center may vary – but many are affordable or in some cases even free as a service of the community. These institutions are not in business for profit, but instead have a primary directive of helping the chemically dependent individual achieve sobriety.
Finally, the chemical dependency center may also feature an aftercare program for the individual to attend after they have completed their time at the center. Aftercare programs are a key element in the full recovery of an addict, providing accountability and support as the individual attempts to reenter mainstream society.
Chemical Dependency Treatment at Michael's House
Michael's House offers chemical dependency treatment for those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol and ready to make a change. Contact Michael's House for more information about chemical dependency treatment and how, together, we can help you or someone you love recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
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