Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 1 April 2015

Drugs have the power to control a person's life, and this can result in failed relationships, careers and family lives. Unfortunately, the pull of addiction can be too strong for some people to overcome on their own, and in these instances, it may be necessary to seek out professional help to overcome this problem.

However, many people are a very distorted view of the services provided by these professionals, and learning the answers to these routinely asked questions should give you a better idea of what to expect from this treatment:

Why Do Substance Abuse Patients Require Medical Care During Rehabilitation?

Some people assume that a drug addiction is simply a question of willpower, and while it is true that willpower and determination are among the most important factors for successful patients, there are other issues at play.

For example, many drugs create an intense chemical dependency with the body, and this can cause a person to experience potentially life-threatening complications if they suddenly stop getting their drug. 

To combat this problem, many patients will need to be prescribed medications to help their bodies avoid this reaction to the absence of their drug. Fortunately, this is not a permanent solution, and patients will be able to be weaned off of these medications as they progress through their treatment program. 

Can You Leave Treatment Whenever You Want?

There is another common idea that it is impossible to leave a treatment program until it is complete. While this is true when the drug treatment is part of a court order, patients that voluntarily enroll of these centers are usually free to leave whenever they wish. However, this is something that is strongly discouraged because it can force a person's treatment to start completely over. 

However, there are times when a person will need to leave the treatment center for a short period of time. Often, this happens when a death or other family emergency has developed that can not be missed. When leaving, you may need to have a guardian observe you and vouch that you did not consume any prohibited substances while you were gone. This may seem like an excessive step, but it the most reliable way of ensuring that patients can attend these services without compromising their treatments. 

You do not have to let substance abuse rule your life, but depending on the substance you are combating, you may require intensive professional help to overcome this devastating problem. By understanding the importance of medical supervision during this process and that you may be able to leave the treatment center of your own will, should make it easier for you to make a wise choice when you are considering treatment options.

If you have more questions, contact a professional like Dr. Lewis A. Weber & Associates for more help.