When you develop a substance abuse disorder, it can destroy your personal life, damage your health, and aggravate pre-existing medical and mental health conditions. With so many individuals having a family member or close friend struggle with addiction, substance abuse disorders are prevalent. Addiction is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms continue to become increasingly more severe without treatment. But what is rehab like and what treatment can you find at a men’s addiction treatment center?
Not only is addiction a chronic condition, but it also can impact anyone. That makes even brief experimentation or occasional use of potentially addictive substances dangerous. Once you develop an addiction, treatment is the best way to improve your chances of making a full recovery.
Why Addiction is a Disease
Substance abuse disorders cause drastic changes to your brain chemistry. Long-term use and abuse of drugs and alcohol can damage neurotransmitter receptors in your brain, as your brain becomes dependent on your substance of choice to function properly. Another characteristic of addiction is that it impairs your ability to make logical and rational decisions. Neurotransmitter imbalances can aggravate underlying mental health conditions and decrease inhibitors, making you more prone to engaging in risky and dangerous behavior.
Drugs and alcohol are filtered by your liver, which is why substance abuse disorders can lead to serious organ damage. Psychoactive substances can produce two types of addiction: psychological and physical. A psychological addiction, which is also referred to as a behavioral or process addiction, causes your brain to rely on your substance of choice but doesn’t lead to physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop using.
Physical addictions, which can involve substances like prescription medications, alcohol, and opiates, cause your body to become dependent on your substance of choice. When you don’t use, you can experience withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings that make it hard to recover without the help of a men’s addiction treatment center.
What is Rehab Like?
Before you begin with addiction treatment, it’s essential to ask what is rehab like so you know what to expect. Men’s rehab programs utilize a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to provide you with the skills and tools you need to learn how to manage your symptoms. Men’s addiction treatment programs offer:
- Trauma therapy
- Medication management
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Individual, group, family, and marital counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
If you’re wondering what is rehab like, it’s important to remember each program is unique. A residential program will keep you at the center and provide you with a more immersive experience.
Outpatient programs, which include intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization options, are more flexible. These allow you to continue working or going to school while in treatment. Completing an outpatient program following residential care can help you transition back into the real world after you leave.
Connecting with a Men’s Addiction Treatment Center Today
If you’re wondering what is rehab like, chances are you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder. Early treatment is essential, as symptoms will continue to become more detrimental, the longer you avoid getting help. Find an addiction treatment center today for the help you need.