Why Some Drug Rehab Programs Fail
By tom57 | June 24, 2009
You may know someone that has made the decision to get help for drug addiction. He/she may have selected a center and completed the program only to continue using drugs. The first thought may be that the program itself was flawed, and in fact, that is a possibility.
The reasons that some programs work and other fail are numerous. Perhaps the essential ingredient of success is the readiness of the individual to commit to working toward recovery. It is also important that the patient be treated as an individual.
Unfortunately some treatment centers seem to put the focus on the program rather than the patient. They may have a precise protocol, (that is never deviated from), for all individuals with a particular addiction. The patients are treated in an identical manner with no regard given to individual needs or wants.
Obviously it is the person that should be the focus. The program and center in general should be developed with the individual it will be serving in mind.
Some programs are much institutionalized. Such programs may take away basic privileges, such as TV viewing, diet preferences, and even time outdoors. The privileges are things that can be ‘earned.’ Programs of this sort tend to assert power and authority over the patients. The staff may even be openly judgmental.
This ‘treatment’ is meant to convey to the patients that life comes with choices and the wrong choices can mean living with the consequences. It is also a way of ‘teaching’ that there will always be rules and regulations and they must be obeyed. While such programs can be effective for some, all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
But even great Drug Treatment Centers do not always result in complete recovery. This is sometimes because the patient was not ready to move forward with his life. After all drug addiction affects virtually every aspect of one’s existence and giving it up means more than simply giving up the drug itself. It is a lifestyle change that can affect relationship and the way daily routines are managed.
Drug Rehab Centers that work to meet the needs of individuals have a much higher success rate than those that don’t. When the patient knows that his basic comfort needs and preferences will be met he can focus on more important things, like working the program itself.
Drug Rehabilitation is difficult under the best of circumstances but when the individual is placed under unnecessary distress the difficulties are increased drastically. Nonjudgmental and understanding staff plays a key role in successful programs. A therapeutic environment that is safe, comfortable, and private will enhance the program.
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