Finding Effective Chemical Dependency Recovery Options

Are you concerned that you or a loved one is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol? Are you looking to find effective chemical dependency recovery options that are available? Keep reading to learn more.

The Meaning of Chemical Dependency

Chemical dependency has been deemed a disease by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5), but there are many people who debate that. Chemical dependency is when someone is dependent on substances such as alcohol or drugs.

Over time, an addict struggles to quit using substances despite the negative consequences that they cause. The consequences can include but are not limited to Hepatitis C, liver damage and other physical issues, financial damage, relationship issues, and death.

When many people think of addicts, they stereotype and think of a homeless person. However, chemical dependency can affect anybody regardless of race, gender, economic class, and so on. Most of the time, the addict wants to quit abusing substances or somehow stop negative consequences; however, they cannot do that alone and need help.

To control their use of substances, addicts try many things. These include using only on holidays and/or weekends, switching substances, limiting the amount used, using only when the children are away, or not using while at work.

Addicts try many different methods of controlling their substance abuse, but most of the time they will fail. Usually, people who are chemically dependent will not be able to control their usage.

It is much harder to stop using substances than most people believe. Sadly, many people believe it is all about willpower, but the situation is actually much more difficult.

These problems are usually deep rooted and the people addicted to substances need to seek outside help. Using willpower alone to quit is usually not possible. Withdrawal after ceasing the use of substances is also very hard when someone has developed a physical dependency.

There are many ways that withdrawal exhibits itself depending on which substances people are addicted to, how much of these substances have been used in the past, and how long the use has been going on.

Symptoms of withdrawal include depression, severe agitation, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, fevers, delirium, seizures, blackouts, convulsions, and nausea. A lot of people who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms need to seek medical attention. After this point, programs for chemical dependency are necessary.

Just within the previous 20 years, the assistance that an addict can receive has evolved greatly. Getting professional help is vital in deciding what the next steps should be towards recovery.

Programs for Chemical Dependency Recovery

Various programs for chemical dependency exist. Below is a description of a variety of treatment options available.

Detox When someone is detoxing and quitting the use of a substance, they need medical supervision. A detox facility provides medication to keep individuals comfortable while experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Detox facilities exist because addicts need to flush out drugs or alcohol from their bodies in a safe manner. Typically, if it is an overnight facility, individuals will stay in a detox facility for three to seven days depending on which drug(s) they are addicted to. After the completion of a detox program, individuals are usually referred to in-patient facilities.

In-Patient and Out-Patient Treatment

There are countless treatment centers designated for people with chemical dependency, so addicts have many options. Step one, however, is determining if a detox center is necessary first. Some people go directly into treatment due to the fact that their bodies are not yet physically dependent. After a determination is made on whether or not an addict needs to go through detox, the next step is to determine if an inpatient or outpatient service is necessary.

Typically, inpatient treatment ranges from 28 days to six months. Sometimes, it is even longer. In an inpatient facility, addicts go to places where are they are admitted to stay overnight or for a specified amount of time. Different inpatient programs are available that cater to addicts’ specific needs.

Often times, addicts also struggle with other issues such as mental health problems, and this happens to be when a co-occurring treatment facility might be recommended. Co-occurring means a person has a mental health issue alongside substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders are not rare. A lot of times, individuals use substances to self-medicate their mental health problems such as anxiety and clinical depression.

Outpatient programs for treatment are also available. Individuals are not admitted to a facility overnight and they are allowed to leave subsequent to treatment. Depending on how far an addict’s addiction has progressed, he or she may go directly to out-patient treatment.

After an inpatient program, an individual will need to follow it up with outpatient treatment. The format of outpatient treatment varies greatly depending on an addict’s needs, but it mainly focuses on support system development, counseling, and education.

Some specific types of outpatient services include continuing care, intensive outpatient (IOP), and day programs. Day programs have the highest care level offered through out-patient settings, as they can range from five to seven days of the week and last several hours each time.

IOP programs usually have a few treatments per week and each treatment lasts a couple of hours. A treatment plan needs to be completed, and treatment hours gradually decrease. These programs also allow individuals to hold a job or manage personal responsibilities while still maintaining accountability in regards to treatment.

Continuing care is a component of many outpatient treatment programs. This includes support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, or a variety of additional 12 step programs.

Continuing Care is Crucial During Recovery

Addiction is a disease that isolates people and wants them to be alone. It is crucial for addicts to find support and not suffer alone. Twelve-step meetings are great because there are other people who are going through the same types of struggles and attendees can make friends who are also newly sober.

Each person in a 12-step program is at a different part in their recovery. Getting a glimpse of a person who has been sober for many years is equally as significant as seeing a newcomer attending his or her first meeting. A meeting offers accountability, and these programs are proven to improve recovery.

The hope of these programs is that attendees are able to rebuild their lives and prevent relapse. As they say, “one day at a time.” A 12-step model provides people with a way that they can live their lives substance free.

As you may have seen in television and movies, 12-step programs are based on finding some “higher power.” Of course, for Christians, this is Jesus. Celebrate Recovery can be a worthwhile addition to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The 12-step methodology is used, but Biblical comparisons for every step are also used.

The 12 Steps and Comparisons to the Bible include:

1. We have admitted we do not have power over our compulsive behaviors and addictions and that our lives have become unmanageable.

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. – Romans 7:18

2. We have come to believe that a greater power can restore our sanity.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. – Philippians 2:13

3. We have made the decision to let God take over our lives and our will.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. – Romans 12:1

4. We have analyzed ourselves and made a fearless inventory in regards to ourselves.

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. – Lamentations 3:40

5. We have admitted to ourselves, to someone else, and to God, the specific nature of the wrongs we have committed.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. – James 5:16a

6. We are ready to let God take away our character defects.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. – James 4:10

7. We have humbly asked God to take away our damaging shortcomings.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

8. A list of every person we have harmed has been created, and we are planning on making amends with all of them.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. – Luke 6:31

9. We have made amends to the aforementioned people when possible unless it would hurt them or someone else.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you; leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24

10. We have continued to make our personal inventory and then immediately admitted if we made a mistake.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12

11. We have used prayer and deep meditation to better our connection with God, specifically praying for the power needed to carry out His will.

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. – Colossians 3:16a

12. We have had spiritual experiences throughout these steps, and we have tried to relay the message to other people and maintain these principles through all of our interactions.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. – Galatians 6:1

Reference: http://www.celebraterecovery.co.uk/the-12-steps-and-their-biblical-comparisons/

Chemical Dependency Recovery as a Christian

James 4:8 proclaims, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

As Christians, you and I can strengthen our relationship with God despite struggles and chaos. God is able to free people from their addictions. We know as Christians that we can lean on God throughout this dreary time of hardship.

God is going to use your current pain to restore your life and hopefully assist others in their own struggles with addiction. It is difficult to find ways to strengthen your relationship with God throughout this hardship, but we have His word that he gave us in the Bible and we need to trust it.

Get Help Today

No matter which part of recovery you are in, seeking therapy for your chemical dependency will be a useful additional step. This is because it is necessary to assess underlying issues that may have caused you to start using substances in the first place. Working through these is crucial.

Seeking therapy can be a worthwhile step and help you on your journey to recovery so that you can get rid of your chemical dependency and avoid relapse. This will ensure that your life will see a huge improvement.

The grace of God can give you hope for a better future. Los Angeles Christian Counseling has several counselors who are ready to help you. Contact us today.