Washington Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facilities
Washington, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most arboreal regions, is perhaps the most interesting state in the entire union. It’s the only state named after a U.S president, is home to both the largest coffee chain in the world and the nation’s richest man, and, interestingly enough, produces more apples than any other place in the country.
Best of all, it has some of the best rehabilitation centers in the nation. With the added benefit of boundless nature that promotes inner peace, love and understanding. If you’re seeking help with alcohol addiction, Washington has plenty to offer you.
How Do You Define Alcohol Addiction?
When you become addicted to alcohol, you will experience unavoidable changes in your body that go under your radar. The most subliminal change you’ll experience is developing a physical need for dopamine, a chemical responsible to the euphoric feeling you get when you’re doing something that gives you pleasure. Addiction affects you the ability of your brain to produce it naturally. Thus, it depends on the massive doses you get from an auxiliary source, such as alcohol. In turn, your body craves for more of that particular foreign substance, effectively damaging your body.
Overcoming addiction calls for proper medical care. Physical rehabilitation and psychological services are the largest segments of your recovery. You cannot simply quit your habit without experiencing serious consequences, both in body and mind.
Alcohol Addiction Statistics
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism’s (NIAA) most recent study determined that there are about 17 million adults who possess alcohol use disorder (AUD). Furthermore, 1 in 10 children in the United States live in homes with at least one parent who has a drinking problem.
The 2014 Behavioral Health Barometer report by SAMHSA states that, “In Washington, about 136,000 people aged 12–20 (16.3% of all people in this age group) per year in 2009–2013* reported binge alcohol use within the month prior to being surveyed.”
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Each alcohol rehab center treat addiction in their own ways. However, detoxification is a crucial first step treating this disorder. Purification is the largest portion of the pie, and it will jumpstart your journey to recovery.
Again, if you decide to take the path of residential rehabilitation, you are required to remain at a facility for your full recovery. Outpatient rehabilitation requires weekly attendance, though you are free to return home after each session. This allows you to work, spend time with family and live your life normally.
In some cases, you may also need to take medication that will reduce any potential cravings. They will also help you deal with any resulting withdrawal symptoms as they arise. If your addiction is more severe, you may need to take meds that induce certain conditions to manage your alcoholic tendencies, such as meds that will cause nausea if you ingest alcohol. Here are some examples of pharmaceuticals that take an elevated approach to recovery:
- Acamprosate. Manages your alcohol addiction by stabilizing your brain chemistry, effectively reducing your urges for consumption.
- Naltrexone. Offsets your alcoholic cravings by outright blocking the chemical receptors that trigger opioid responses from alcohol consumption. Originally purposed for treating opiate addiction, it is now clear by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating alcohol abuse.
- Disulfiram. Inflicts headaches, nausea or vomiting if the person consumes an alcoholic beverage. Used in extreme cases where alcohol consumption is beyond simpler methods of control and treatment.
Residential vs. Outpatient Rehabilitation
There are effectively two types of rehabilitation. Residential rehabs require people to live in a facility for the duration of their recovery. Outpatient facilities, on the other hand, only require patients to attend treatment sessions for specified periods of time.
Choosing between the two depends largely on which one best suits your needs after a quick self-assessment. Here are the differences between the two.
In a residential facility, you'll receive individualized care and a regimen to follow. You recovery is tailored to your needs every step of the way. Outpatient programs offer more freedom and oftentimes use a group therapy approach. They are more discretionary choices, and are great alternatives for those who do not need intensive care and need something that will work around their schedule.
If you like structure, residential rehabs tend to adhere to more rigid protocols when it comes to care. They possess excellent rehab structure that helps you focus and stay motivated. This will help you fend off any negative influences or stimuli that will potentially lead you to a relapse. Consequently, you will will be secluded from friends and family. Despite inevitable isolation, you will ultimately be in good hands; you’ll receive medical supervision by highly-trained medical professionals who will address all your needs. While outpatient facilities also possess structure, you also get the added benefit of returning to your home. Bear in mind that you will need to exercise especially good judgement, as your independence will be tested by your ability to stave off your triggers and temptations. On the flipside, you will have your loved ones for emotional support, if needed.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs
Because of the poisonous nature of alcohol use, detoxification is necessary to promote full-fledged recovery. This process is not devoid of certain risks, so it includes proper monitoring and round-the-clock care. Residential programs are best for heavy users. For some cases of addiction, outpatient rehab programs are better options. They require regular visits to a hospital or facility near you for systematic evaluations while detoxing. Best of all, you will gain knowledge concerning drug abuse as well as much-needed counseling.
Washington Rehab Facilities
The best rehab centers in Washington are located in Kitsap and Chelan counties and in the Puget Sound region, such as Seattle and Tacoma. These locations contain top-notch facilities that have excellent, highly-trained medical care staff.
When it comes to addiction, it is a two-front battle. You must cleanse your body, but your must also maintain your mental health during your quest for sobriety. Residential rehabs specialize in comprehensive physical and mental health for this very reason.
Outpatient facilities do this in a similar fashion, however they focus more on scheduled meetings rather than 24/7 care.
Mental Health Services
As stated earlier, mental health plays a big role when it comes to substance abuse, which is why dual diagnosis is crucial during recovery. Dual diagnosis is where an individual has a co-occurring disorder that manifest. Examples of co-occurring disorders, like gambling or sexual addiction, can complicate recovery. Consequently, trying to determine whether the substance abuse or mental disorder is more prevalent can prove difficult. With dual diagnosis programs, you will be evaluated for both disorders. This gives you the best shot of conquering your addictions and effectively take back control of your life.
Why a Rehab Center is the Best Choice
Battling your addiction solo is not a wise choice, as there are many challenges you may not be able to overcome on your own. Foregoing medical guidance will place you at great risk, especially if you try to go “cold turkey” (the act of ceasing all substance intake all at once), and your body may go through painful withdrawals. You may also end up relapsing and unintentionally damaging your body.
With the help of a rehabilitation center, you will take the necessary steps toward sober living without putting yourself at unnecessary risk. There’s no need to take the hard road toward sobriety. There are many medically-trained professionals willing to invest in your complete recovery with care and understanding.
