utah_drug_rehab

An addict’s need to get drugs has been the uppermost thing in his life.  Very often other needs are not met or even recognized during addiction.  They may feel that they do not have the right to get their needs met.  While in drug treatment for addiction the clinical team should help the individual to identify the needs that must be met and introduce the carious behaviors in which they can be met.  These would be appropriate, positive actions and behaviors rather then negative, manipulative ones.


Clients in drug treatment should be encouraged to practice assertive behavior to meet their needs.  Assertion means to stand up for your personal rights in a direct, honest, and appropriate way.  Non-assertion is actually a trigger for many addicts.  It has to do with letting others violate your rights.  Characteristic behaviors of this include not being honest with others or yourself, or not being forthcoming about expressing your feelings and thoughts.


Often before drug treatment, and sometimes during, individuals dealing with addiction mistake assertiveness for aggression.  Aggression is standing up for your rights by dishonesty and inappropriate behavior.  The goal of this behavior is domination rather then communication.

 

 

Drug treatment center therapists and tech staff help battle addiction on three different levels – educational, emotional, and spiritual.  It is important that when an addict is admitted to a drug rehab facility that they start the recovery process in all three of these areas.  It is difficult to understand how addiction develops unless you are educated on the different terms and information that is behind the disease.  Here are a few commonly used terms while in drug rehab…

 

Designer psychoactive chemicals – chemicals made in labs from legal drugs that have the same effects as some illegal drugs.

 

Dual diagnosis – occurs when a patient is diagnosed with a mental illness as well as addiction or abuse of a drug.

 

Over-the-counter chemical – drugs that are available without a prescription and can be bought at any public grocery or convenience store.

 

Huffing – breathing vapors from a substance in a bag through the nose and mouth.

 

Nitrate “poppers” – Used to improve sexual performance

 

Butyl/isobutyl – used to improve sexual pleasure – street names: “locker Room”, “Rush”, “Bolt”, “Quicksilver”, “Zoom” and is found in room deodorizers.

 

Inhalant laughing gas – nitrous oxide found in dentists’ offices, bakeries, and whipped cream aerosol cans and is used as an inhalant.

 

 

 

 

Know what the reaction to intoxication.

 

Understanding yourself and how you react to substance use is a very effective tool for a treatment team to have when constructing a long term recovery plan.

 

In young adult drug treatment, it is important to understand the emotional and physical changes that have happen to clients when they have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the past.  Clients can be actively psychotic, relaxed and comfortable, or in a panic.  They can experience intense flashbacks, or may be in a delirium (characterized by disorganized thinking and reduced ability to maintain attention).  In some instances, hallucinations are a side effect although they are usually visible or tactile and rarely auditory

 

Understand the Against Medical Advice intervention.

 

There may come a time in treatment where you as a client no longer believe it is in your best interest to remain there.  This is also a process that will cause you to feel emotions and personal issues that have not been focused on or understood before that can lead you to prematurely leaving drug treatment.

 

Because clients are in drug treatment by their own choice, there is no legal way to make them stay if they do not want to be there.  When clients do choose to leave it will come with an AMA (against medical advice) intervention.  This particular method is focused around the truth of their situation.  Every time a client brings up a reason for leaving treatment, they must be confronted with the truth in a gentle way.

 

Make use of the BioPsychoSocial Review and understand why it is needed for young adult drug rehab.

 

As a client you want to be as honest and forthcoming as possible when completing the BPS review upon admittance to drug rehab.  This will assist the clinicians and support staff to create a treatment plan that is specific to you and your needs.

 

The purpose of the BPS (bio psycho social) assessment in young adult drug treatment is to find out exactly what the problems are and where they came from.  All diseases have a BPS that contribute to their dysfunction.

 

Information needed: date, name, age, sex, marital status, children, residence, others in residence, length of residence, education, and occupation.

 

History of the present problem must contain:  age of onset, duration of use, patterns of use (daily or binge, drink all day, after work, how often) consequence of use (physical, psychological, and/or social problems caused and exacerbated by drinking), previous drug treatment, what were results, blackouts, withdrawal symptoms.

 

Past history: place of birth, how did you get along with others (students/teachers), college history, military history, occupational history, employment satisfaction, financial history, sexual orientation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, current sexual history, relationship history, social support for treatment, spiritual orientation, legal problems, strengths, weaknesses, leisure activities, depression, mania, anxiety disorders, eating disorders.

 

Medical History: Illnesses, hospitalizations, allergies, present medications.

 

Family History: father health, fathers role in relationship, mother and her role, relative problems or drug abuse, mental status.

 

Sensorium: mood, attitude, ability to feel range of feelings, thought processes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life skills – at this specific time in an addict’s life they are generally a little lacking in every day life skills.  Basic knowledge of budgeting, hygiene, scheduling, job and resume building, relapse cycles, and many other areas that are naturally learned in a healthy productive transition from teenage to young adulthood.

 

Education – for a number of young adults in drug rehab this is the beginning of the rest of their life.  This is where they get to decide what they want to do for a trade or career.  They get to do some self exploration and find out what makes them happy, motivated, and productive as a member of society.

 

Recreation – treatment does not need to be difficult therapy after hard work repeated over and over.  There are a variety of both energetic activities and recreational therapy that are specific to a young adult drug rehab culture.

 

Peer culture – It is beneficial for both males and females to be around their own demographic and peer group.  Building and maintaining healthy relationships are one of the strongest indicators of the potential for long term sobriety when in treatment for drugs or alcohol.  An addict is only as strong of the friendships and healthy relationships in their immediate support group.  Fostering healthy habits in communication assists for developing positive sobriety.

 

 

 

 

Individual Identity

At this developmentally specific stage of life, young adults should already know things that are certain about who they are, but should still ask themselves to deconstruct some ideas and make sure those aspects fits with a lifestyle.  Establishing an identity that feels good and is actually true to an internal self takes a lifetime of experience, but there are areas and passions ready feel to start looking in young adult rehab.  A program might ask that clients set some goals regarding finding and knowing their identity, passions and exploring themselves in relation to the world.

 

Develop Life Skills

From study skills for school, or figuring out finances, to creating a resume and the best way to apply and interview for a job, “life Skills” are kind of the nuts and bolts of navigating through daily life. Not everyone needs exactly the same approach in residential drug treatment, so at this point, drug rehab programs tend to individualize goals

 

Developing overall “Life Competence”

BODY (The healthy physical realm), MIND (The pursuit and understanding of intellect, cognition and the process of thought), SPIRIT (Individual, Peer and Community integration leads to being good at being alive.)  When talking about life competence, recovery does not end with a short stay in a young adult residential treatment – “no worries from here on in” – it is a kind of conscious competence. This is a phase of life where changes have been made and clients are changed people but still have to monitor and watch how to live; it’s not yet second nature.  There is a new freedom and a way of knowing what to do. There is an ability to locate and use new emotional coping skills, relation skills and what are called pro-social ways of living, but as a community, it takes daily focus.

 

Developing a “launching plan” (not just for work, school, or aftercare)

Think beyond just aftercare – yes - plan to have a set meeting schedule, or therapy appointments or family agreements in place – the nuts and bolts of  “daily maintenance”~  but because clients have learned to stay in the moment, and not sabotage the day, they can look to plan tomorrows and set some goals. Think beyond the immediate. What would give life an even greater meaning?  Realize that because of what clients have lived and gone through in addiction rehab they are better and actually ahead of people who never experienced what they did. They are exponentially valued because of it.

 

Pay it forward

Do for others – So - figure out a way to have the new changes made make a mark on the world – blankets for the homeless, raising funds for micro-loans to impoverished nations, reading to kids – Identity will be key to what you decide to do!

The ID, Super Ego, and Ego in Drug Rehab.

These three elements are what make up the psychoanalytics of every personality.  Applied to addiction and substance abuse they are the subconscious aspects and individual relies on for almost every decision.

The ID – this is the child or pleasure seeker for the young adult in drug rehab.  This thought process can be defensive, aggressive, impulsive and needs immediate gratification – essentially very addict conducive.  An addict given a stressful or trigger situation will revert to this element to use their drug of choice.

The Super Ego – this is the parent or protector of the addict personality.  The thought process is Hiding, Safety, Care-Taking.  The Super Ego is in direct contrast of the ID.  This is the part of the young adult needing drug rehab that criticizes and discourages drive, fantasies, feelings, and actions.  It is the part of the addict personality that criticizes behavior with guilt and shame.

The Ego – this is the balance of the addicted young adults ID and Super Ego – a regulator of the power struggle.  In young adult drug rehab, this element is encouraged.  The Ego has the ability to help an individual think critically and create options for different outcomes.  Having a choice when stressful or uncomfortable situations arise takes a person out of the addict survival mode and allows for healthy communication and relationships.

 

1.      Instilling Hope – The natural physical environment of Utah will provide a platform for instilling hope in individuals suffering from addiction.  This is a factor that will come from a treatment programs staff and clientele.  As a professional or peer, it is always a good mind-set to provide plenty of hope for yourself and others in treatment.

2.      Universality – Utah Drub Rehab provides treatment strong with diversity - in culture and seasons.  No matter where an individual is from, it is good to know that we all have problems, experienced pain or misery and we do not have to battle adversity by ourselves.

3.      Passing of Knowledge – Informing individuals of the natural flow of a program and how treatment works can aid in positive outcomes while in drug rehab.  Areas such as psychological health, illness, and the psychodynamics of addiction, etc. can be explained so they are understood as it relates to an individuals treatment for drugs or alcohol.

4.      Humility & Purpose – Having the ability to recognize something greater then yourself and the selflessness to give back to a person in need are very effective interpersonal tools during drug rehab in Utah.

5.      Family Transference Recognition – When developing from children - to adolescents - into young adulthood we start patterns of interactions with family and other relationships.  A great learning tool while in treatment is to take these experiences, recognize possible transference and distortions and learn from them.   provides many different settings for this type of therapy.  A family boating, fishing, skiing, or ATV trip can take place to help facilitate more of a natural setting for interaction.

6.      Communication Techniques – One of the most difficult factors a person coming out of treatment experiences is communicating with society in general in everyday situations.  There is a natural niceness and easy-going quality to the people of Utah.  It is a safe place to transition back to a normal healthy lifestyle.

7.      Staying in the Moment – This factor is applicable at all times during, transitioning from, and after treatment.  It is the ability to demonstrate to yourself and others that you are in the here and now and taking advantage of opportunities.  Although it is easy to let your mind wonder and think about the past and your story and how it might have been different, if you are skiing or snowboarding down a mountain in Utah it is difficult to be focused on anything else but what is right in front of you. 

8.      Flattering Imitation – Everybody in addiction treatment moves at their own pace.  The individuals that are flourishing in their treatment can act as role models both emotionally and psychologically to other peer members.  It can also be beneficial for individuals to take on some of the behaviors and mind-sets of those that are functioning more adequately in treatment.

9.      Human Nature – What we all have in common as individuals in treatment are the basic features of existence.  The first - inevitably things will change, the second - we will all suffer or feel a sense of unsatisfactoriness, the third – insubstantiality.  Ignoring or distorting these facts while in drug rehab or in life will lead to frustration, disappointment, or despair.

10.   Direct Advice – This is something we will be doing everyday and in every relationship once drug rehab is complete.  Giving and receiving feedback on a variety of topics and feelings while in treatment is a factor that can create productive effective treatment.  When we have thinking errors or not thinking clearly sometimes others can see characteristics in us that we can’t see in ourselves.

 Most detoxification centers in Utah will have the bare essentials for what is needed to successfully compete the process.  However, detoxing from alcohol or drugs such as morphine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Xanax & Valium, marijuana, cocaine & amphetamines is physically not the most pleasant and can be eased a little by bringing some niceties from home...

1. Personal Towels/Bath Robe - Most detox centers in Utah will have facility issued towels.  These are not always the highest quality as they put through the machine washer many times over.  Having your own towel and robe can provide a bit more privacy and comfort.  

2.  Swimwear for Sauna - Many detoxification facilities are providing some time in a sauna to help release toxins and rejuvenate the body during this draining process.  It is always a bit more relaxing having your own clothing items.

3.  Personal Art/Decor - Some times detoxing in Utah can feel a little cold.  Bringing some photos of family and friends or personal art that helps put your mind and body in a peaceful place can be beneficial while detoxing from drugs or alcohol.

4.  CDs, DVDS, Ipod - There is down time during this process of recovery and detoxification.  Personal music and movies can be soothing, warm, and uplifting while you detox in Utah.  

5.  Sandals, Slippers, Contacts, Eyewear - While detoxing in Utah you are in a relaxed environment.  Plenty of trips in and out of bed.  It is a good idea to have some easy where sandals and the appropriate eyewear.


Some basic items you do not bring or will not be allowed to bring to detox centers in Utah...

1. Glass containers
2. Mouthwash
3. Medications
4. Stuffed animals/pillows
5. Laptop computers