Prescription Drug Addictions

Prescription drug addictions are on the rise, not only as primary substances of abuse but also as secondary substances of abuse. At Narconon Arrowhead statistics show significant numbers of program participants involved in multiple prescription drug abuse along with any other reported drug addiction or alcoholism. This is no small problem when one takes into account the severe debilitating effects occurring on both the mental and physical levels from the abuse of these ‘medications’. Couple this with severe and often deadly side effects from mixing these substances and the clear rise in violence and suicide that can accompany withdrawal and ones sees a whole new level of treatment needed in handling today’s addictions.

All drug rehab programs are not created equal; there are many different types and formats. There are long term, short term, in-patient, out-patient, traditional 12 step, and non traditional to name but a few. One big difference to be aware of is whether or not the drug rehab programs you may be looking at are drug free or whether the program embraces the use of other or substitute or additional drugs and ‘medications’ in an effort to control or alleviate addiction. Narconon Arrowhead is a long term, non traditional, drug free approach to the problems of abuse and addiction. These points set us apart from many of the other drug rehab programs available. We start with the assumption that the being is basically good and despite any appearances to the contrary actually wants to attain a completely drug free productive life. The Narconon program embraces many, many different factors that stop or inhibit the individual from reaching this goal. The majority of Narconon staff are ex-addicts and alcoholics themselves and know what it takes to get lasting results – we’ve been there! When examining the various drug rehab programs look for one thing – LASTING results and success.

Alcoholic Anonymous statistics show a retention rate of 5 – 7%. 12 step treatment options definitely work for some but not all by a long ways. Many shorter term inpatient alcohol treatment centers are based on 12 step methodologies and as such often suffer from the same low retention and success rates. Narconon Arrowhead is a long term inpatient alcohol treatment center that used the more effective but less traditional methods of education and empowerment. We do not treat alcoholism as an incurable disease that one is stuck with for life. Our success rates show that when the factors of cravings, guilt and depression are fully confronted and resolved that the need and desire for alcohol, or other substances for that matter, fades into the past as a motivating factor.

Long term addiction is a phrase that could be applied to the condition wherein the addict has continued his addiction despite attempts to terminate it. We all know someone who has tried over and over to beat the addiction. There may have even been multiple visits to drug rehab facilities and just as many relapses following these visits. There are three key factors that lead to long term addiction with continual relapse. These are mental and physical cravings, guilt from all the damage caused, and depression resulting from the shattered hopes and dreams that the addiction has created. An addict is headed either towards, jail, death or sobriety. To achieve lasting sobriety the above three points must be fully resolved. Long term addiction is best addressed in a long term residential treatment environment.

If one understands ‘rehabilitation’ as the process of restoring something to a previous state or an improved state, then one will have an idea of what a rehabilitation center should do or accomplish. Rehabilitation is so much more than simply getting someone to stop using drugs or alcohol. Full detoxification of the body to remove drugs and toxins that have been accumulating in the fat tissues for years is a vital factor. Many of the people who have completed the Narconon New Life Detoxification Program report feeling years younger, as well as often reporting a complete cessation of their physical drug cravings. There are of course lots of other actions to facilitate and bring about rehabilitation on a mental and emotional level. When looking for a rehabilitation center, look for a center with complete and comprehensive services and a proven track record of creating drug free and productive lives.