Addiction is one of the most devastating and most underestimated diseases. Pretty often, the dependent people start realizing their problems too late, when drugs and alcohol manage to take a serious toll on their lives. The only thing that can help them is rehabilitation centers.
Top 20 Drug Rehabs in Worcester
Let’s observe the line-up of the best rehabilitation centers in Worcester and pay the utmost attention to their services and ratings.
1. Washburn House
This is an inpatient rehab center that works with all types of addiction – drugs, alcohol, prescription medications. It accepts patients aged 18 and older. The treatment starts with a few weeks of detox in a residential treatment center – it helps to avoid temptations in the future and focus full-fledged on recovery. The staff includes certified clinicians, doctors and nurses.
Address: 1183 Main St, Worcester, MA 01603
More Information on WashburnHouse.com
The program includes:
- Group and individual therapy;
- Psycho-education groups;
- Assessment by medical and mental health professional team;
- Expressive therapies (yoga, painting, poetry, journaling, performance, music therapy, book club).
Inpatient program takes about 17-21 days. However, recovery requires more time, that’s why customers are referred to partial hospitalization or an intensive outpatient program. Alternatively, clients can opt for residential treatment – there are beds for 32 men and women in separate rooms (singles, doubles, triples).
Washburn House accepts many private insurance plans and offers flexible payment options. There are dozens of positive customer reviews in Google – people admit that this place is great for starting recovery.
2. AdCare Hospital
AdCare offers various treatment options, including inpatient rehabilitation. It starts with a proper assessment of the patient’s needs and situation after which specialists come up with a personal recovery plan. There are several major services provided: detoxification, crisis stabilization, inpatient family counseling, and residential programs. The duration of treatment isn’t long: detox requires 3-5 days while residential recovery lasts for up to a month.
Address: 107 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605
More Information on AdCare.com
While undergoing the residential program, customers:
- Get individual and group counseling;
- Follow a personalized plan;
- Get coping skills;
- Work with a case manager.
Patient’s family members are recommended to try the Family Support program: it provides a lot of useful information about abuse and ways to help the loved one.
AdCare Hospital is a part of American Addiction Centers (AAC), and is accredited by the Joint Commission. According to their statistics, over 60% of patients stay sober at 12 months after completion of treatment. Thus, the place is recommended for patients who want to complete all stages of treatment within the shortest time span possible. It accepts insurance plans and direct payments. There are dozens of positive customer reviews in Google – people admit that the center helped them stay sober for a long time.
3. Spectrum Health Systems
Being founded in 1969, the center provides residential treatment in separate facilities for male and female patients. Also, there’s a program for young adults. After individual assessment, each patient follows a structured weekly schedule that consists of necessary activities. The length of stay is defined after medical examination and is based on individual needs. Customers can choose from the whole spectrum of services: detox, MAT, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and so much more.
Address: 10 Mechanic St #302, Worcester, MA 01608
More Information on SpectrumHealthSystems.org
As a part of residential program, patients can get the following services:
- Individual and group counseling;
- Anger management;
- Partner abuse education;
- Peer recovery support;
- Evidence-based therapies;
- Relapse prevention training;
- Mental health services;
- 12-step meetings;
- Dual diagnosis;
- Recreational activities.
The team works closely with family members encouraging them to help the loved ones. They are recommended to visit special family counseling sessions, too.
Spectrum Health Services accepts insurance plans and direct payments. Customer reviews in Google are mixed.
4. New England Recovery Center
The center offers inpatient rehabilitation for adult patients. The team consists of certified doctors, nurses, and addiction specialists. They deal with alcohol and drug addictions. The length of treatment depends on the severity of dependence and is defined after assessment of the patient’s physical and mental health. It starts with detoxification that lasts 4-6 days and includes medically-assisted therapy.
Address: 153 Oak St, Westborough, MA 01581
More Information on NewEnglandRecoveryCenter.org
Residents of the sober house abide by a daily schedule and perform the following therapeutic activities:
- Counseling sessions at least three times per week;
- Group therapy;
- Personal fitness;
- Daily goal setting and evening reflection groups;
- Yoga classes;
- Outdoor leisure time;
- Healing Garden;
- Motivation enhancement therapy;
- Cognitive behavioral therapy;
- Gender-responsive programming;
- Relapse prevention training;
- Aftercare planning;
- Recovery support groups.
Thanks to a comprehensive approach, specialists manage to help patients deal with all kinds of issues – physical, social, mental, and spiritual.
New England Recovery Center accepts most insurance plans, checks, credit cards and wire transfers. Customer reviews are mixed with some people being satisfied with the residential program, and others complaining about the staff’s attitude.
5. Northeast Addictions Treatment Center
This rehab offers individualized treatment plans after a thorough assessment of patients’ health. Northeast Addictions Treatment Center has all essential services: day treatment, intensive and traditional outpatient programs, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare support.
Address: 36 Miller Stile Rd, Quincy, MA 02169
More Information on Neaddictions.com
Patients have access to a wide range of services:
- Dual diagnosis treatment;
- 12-step NA and AA meetings;
- Evidence-based treatment;
- Didactic therapy;
- Motivational interviewing therapy;
- Cognitive behavioral therapy;
- Dialectical behavioral therapy;
- Internal family systems therapy (IFS);
- Alumni program;
- Classes and workshops;
- Job training.
Customers should abide by a clinical schedule that offers a healing environment and is divided into morning, midday, and evening activities (classes). Family therapy is also available.
The center is certified by the Joint Commission, so it guarantees patients’ safety and quality of care. It accepts insurance plans that can be verified online. Many customer reviews were found on third-party services, but people express opposite opinions. While some are absolutely content with services, others complain about being treated in a wrong way.
6. CleanSlate
This center provides rehabilitation and detoxification services with MAT being based on Vivitrol and Suboxone. It deals with alcohol, opioid, nicotine and drug dependence. Adults (men and women) and adolescents are accepted.
Address: 411 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602
More Information on CleanSlateCenters.com
The list of services provided is pretty extensive:
- Medically-assisted detox;
- Group therapy;
- Psycho-education;
- Experiential therapy;
- Motivational interviewing;
- Case management;
- Matrix model;
- Smoking/tobacco cessation;
- HIV and Hepatitis B testing;
- Family counseling;
- Referral to other centers and services.
Note that no residential treatment services are provided, however, patients can get help with housing. Customers are allowed to smoke in a certain area.
CleanSlate is accredited by CARF. It’s recommended for people seeking outpatient treatment and a supportive environment, and those who want to start treatment but don’t know how. The center accepts Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance plans, as well as direct payments. Customer reviews in Google are mixed. Some people were satisfied with the staff and attitude, while some claim that the place has become much worse.
7. SaVida Health
The center specializes in opioid addiction treatment and offers inpatient and outpatient services together with medical assistance and 24/7 supervision. The programs are flexible, and schedules can be personalized after mental and medical assessment. There’s no need for patients to live on-site while undergoing therapies.
Address: 121 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605
More Information on SaVidaHealth.com
The medically-assisted therapies in SaVida Health are based on FDA-approved medications (Vivitrol, Naloxone, and Buprenorphine). The center outlines the following benefits of treatment:
- Maintenance of long-term abstinence;
- Positive behavioral changes are reached in every patient;
- Counseling and therapy are provided for all customers;
- The staff addresses such issues as housing, employment, etc;
- Strong community support;
- Improved problem-solving skills;
- Family involvement is encouraged;
- Flexibility and individualized treatment plans.
Also, there are many educational and informational resources and FAQs available on the official website.
SaVida Health accepts Medicaid, Medicare and some commercial insurance plans. According to customer reviews in Google, the place is great and truly deserves the patients’ attention.
8. Jeremiah’s Inn
This center with 29-bed capacity accepts men aged 18+ who have undergone detox and stayed clean for at least 30 days. People referred by court are also allowed to participate. The program lasts as long as required to achieve desired goals and, according to the official website, costs $10 per day. It can be individualized after a bio-psych-social assessment of customer’s mental and physical health.
Address: 1059 Main St, Worcester, MA 01603
More Information on JeremiahsInn.com
For residential treatment, Jeremiah’s Inn uses the Social Model Recovery – it combines case management with peer-oriented program and experiential learning. Also, residents can access such services as:
- Yoga;
- Entertainment activities;
- Reiki;
- Meditation and mindfulness;
- Sports activities;
- 12-step meetings;
- Self-help meetings;
- Alumni program.
The holistic approach makes up for the best results. Residents also participate in volunteer events, which encourages them to improve their lives and lives of people around. They also accept donations, so anyone can help the center financially or materially. There aren’t many customer reviews in Google, but people are mostly content with services.
9. Lake Avenue Recovery
The center offers outpatient addiction treatment program that would be suitable for those who have already completed a treatment program but need extra support for maintaining sobriety. It’s a nice alternative for those who cannot commit to Intensive Outpatient program or Partial Hospitalization.
Address: 425 N Lake Ave Suite 202, Worcester, MA 01605
More Information on LakeAveRecovery.com
The treatment process consists of the following elements:
- Co-regulation (teaching of coping skills, encouragement of community support);
- Attachment theory (teaching building lasting and profound bond with people, role of relationships, attachment and communications);
- Trauma-informed care (TIC) helps people overcome traumatic experiences and their consequences;
- Psychodynamic therapy (analysis of one’s own thoughts, behavior patterns, and their influence on substance disorder);
- Triggers and the Body’s Alarm System (understanding the brain’s natural responses, and how life experiences and trauma cause adverse reactions);
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (skills that re-train positive mindset and behaviors);
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (teaching how addiction and other diseases can be triggered by certain situations).
By providing a lot of useful information, the center’s staff allows patients to understand what exactly causes substance abuse, and how to eliminate the roots of the problem. Judging by numerous customer reviews, their program is very efficient and professional.
10. Community Healthlink
Community Healthlink offers the whole range of inpatient services: detox, PASSages, and Thayer TSS and also specializes in adult mental health, family issues, 24/7 emergency help for addicts, and substance abuse treatment options. It accepts adults and adolescents. Treatment plans can be customized after a bio-psychological assessment. Also, patients can get a transitional and aftercare plan upon finishing any of those programs.
Address: 12 Queen St, Worcester, MA 01610
More Information on CommunityHealthlink.org
The list of available services depends on the program selected. All in all, patients are provided with:
- Detox (4-6 days);
- 24/7 nursing care;
- Intensive aftercare planning;
- Group and individual counseling;
- Nicotine replacement therapy;
- Case management;
- 12-step AA and NA meetings;
- Motivational interviewing;
- Life skills development;
- Substance abuse psycho-education;
- Health and wellness classes;
- Recreational groups and activities.
Community Healthlink is a CARF-accredited organization that offers safe and quality services. It can be recommended as an option for outpatient treatment, however, it’s highly recommended to visit the facility and talk to the staff because there are many negative customer reviews.
11. Recovery Centers of America
This center provides inpatient rehabilitation for adult patients, both men and women. It deals with many kinds of addictions: opioid, alcohol, prescription medications, and so on. Patients can start treatment with detox that lasts for 3-9 days and is accompanied with 24/7 medical monitoring. Also, there are many options for outpatient recovery (day treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive and General Outpatient treatment, etc).
Address: 75 Lindall St, Danvers, MA 01923
More Information on RecoveryCentersofAmerica.com
During their stay, patients abide by schedule and follow the structured recovery plan. Programs usually include:
- Evidence-based treatment;
- Cognitive behavioral treatment;
- Substance abuse education;
- 12-step meetings;
- Art and music sessions;
- Psychiatric, nutritional, and spiritual treatment;
- Help of social workers and case managers;
- Family therapy;
- Fitness and sports.
Customers are provided with chef-prepared meals and a comfortable place. They can choose from program specializations, for example, there are some Christian Bible-based classes, and programs for LGBTQ+ community.
Recovery Centers of America are accredited by The Joint Commission and other organizations. Insurance plans are accepted together with direct payments.
12. Spring Hill Recovery Center
The center offers residential treatment for adult patients in a comfortable and homelike atmosphere, far from daily triggers and stresses. The staff combines personalized, evidence-based and holistic treatment while addressing the issues of mind, body, and spirit. It goes without mentioning 24/7 clinical care.
Address: 250 Spring Hill Rd, Ashby, MA 01431
More Information on SpringHillRecovery.com
All treatment plans are tailored after a thorough mental and medical assessment of patient’s state. The list of available services includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT);
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT);
- Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT);
- Individual and group therapies;
- Yoga;
- Mindfulness/Meditation;
- Adventure-Based Therapy;
- Art or Music Therapy.
Additionally, there’s medical detox and intensive outpatient programs available. The staff helps patients safely finish their transition into usual life and develop life and coping skills.
Spring Hill is accredited by CARF and other organizations. It accepts private insurances. Customer reviews on third-party websites are mostly positive, though some people aren’t satisfied with service efficiency.
13. The Willing House
The center provides facilities for sober living – this is a community for men and women in need of support and structured treatment options. The staff does its best to minimize the exposure to triggers, stress and other kinds of negative influence. During their stay, residents abide by schedule and undergo regular screening and tests. The length of programs is defined personally after a thorough medical and mental assessment.
Address: 33 John St, Worcester, MA 01609
More Information on TheWillingHouse.com
The facility features private and semi-private beds, meeting rooms, recreational room, fully-equipped kitchen and so much more. There’s a wide range of services provided:
- Group and individual therapy;
- Bio-psych-social assessment;
- Treatment of co-occurring conditions;
- Seasonal entertainments (kayaking, reiki, tai-chi, qigong);
- Meditation and yoga;
- Music and art therapy.
The Willing House is recommended for people in need of safe housing options and strong community support. It provides all essentials for efficient residential treatment.
The center accepts donations, which allows customers to benefit from individualized plans. There are dozens of 5-star customer reviews in Google, which proves that this center is worth consideration.
14. Right Choice Health Group
This organization offers medication-assisted treatment and various therapies that help people with drug, alcohol, and opioid dependence. They also help pregnant women with addiction. The duration of treatment is defined personally after a thorough medical assessment.
Address: 125 Liberty St #205, Springfield, MA 01103
More Information on RightChoiceHealthGroup.com
What are the main reasons to consider this center for recovery?
- For MAT, it chooses safe, FDA-approved medications only (for example, Vivitrol). Also, it guarantees a safe transition from Methadone;
- Remote location treatment is provided to patients who don’t have the opportunity to visit the classes;
- Aftercare support is available for the alumni – they can visit group meetings and follow the post-recovery plan to avoid relapse;
- 12-step meetings are organized for all patients (both AA and NA). Aside from that, there are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing available;
- Right Choice Health Group accepts various insurance plans (Medicare, Medicaid, Cigna, Optum, and many others).
All in all, this center is recommended for people who need quality detoxification combined with counseling. It’s not an option for those who want to continue by transition into a sober house. There are numerous customer reviews judging by which this place is great and worth trying.
15. The Addiction Referral Center
The Addiction Referral Center was founded in 1973 and first worked as a drop-in center. Today, it offers help for people who need referral to different recovery programs and also provides some services. It works with adult patients aged 18+. The staff consists of certified specialists.
Address: 33 Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752
More Information on TheAddictionReferralCenter.org
The list of services includes:
- 12-step meetings (groups or in person);
- Recovery coaching;
- Referrals to residential treatment, detox, sober living;
- Peer support;
- Aftercare plans;
- Referral to addiction counseling;
- Family meetings and counseling.
Also, the center helps people get food and shelter, employment and mental health care. It organizes events and meetings to gather donations for patients and raise awareness of substance abuse dangers.
This place is recommended for those who want to find low-price treatment solutions, or people in crisis situations and dire need of shelter and food. Judging by customer reviews, this center is very efficient in solving problems – many customers manage to get needed help, and stay grateful to the staff.
16. The Counseling and Assessment Clinic of Worcester
This clinic offers general outpatient services, including traditional outpatient therapy, medication management, community support program, and mental health evaluations. Also, there are childhood and adolescent behavioral health services – they help to prevent and deal with substance abuse in young patients.
Address: 38 Front St 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608
More Information on CACWorcester.org
The duration of outpatient therapy is defined after mental and physical assessment of patients. As a rule, it requires 4-12 weeks. Customer access the following services:
- Anger Management;
- Nurturing Parents;
- Dual Diagnosis;
- Substance Addiction Education;
- Tobacco cessation classes;
- Coping skills;
- Relapse prevention;
- Family dynamics;
- Drug education;
- Treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Also, the center offers programs for first-time and second offenders: they provide aftercare plans that help people keep dependence and cravings under control.
The Counseling and Assessment Clinic of Worcester is certified by the Supplier Diversity Office and CARF. It accepts insurance plans and direct payments. There are a few 5-star customer reviews which prove that this clinic has professional services and doctors.
17. Anchor Medical Group and Wellness Center
The medical group specializes on drug addiction treatment and bases it on Buprenorphine. The staff treats patients without judgement – the whole process is about compassion and support. The duration of an inpatient program depends on the goals and initial state of the patient.
Address: 33 Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752
More Information on AnchorMedicalandWellness.com
Anchor Medical Group and Wellness Center leverages the treatment model called “Lifestyle Medicine”. It is aimed at changing the patient’s behavior and includes:
- Smoking cessation;
- Improvement of diet and physical activity;
- Moderation of alcohol consumption;
- Direct treatment of substance addiction;
- Reiki and Japanese acupuncture.
While patients are through their treatment course, urine drug level testing is made on a regular basis. Also, the staff addresses co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Anchor Medical Group and Wellness Center is recommended for drug addicts who want to start with efficient medication-assisted treatment and combine it with a holistic approach and inpatient recovery. Customer reviews in Google prove that the doctors treat patients with dignity and do their best to help people overcome problems.
18. Harrington Hospital
This is the place for people who search for comprehensive outpatient services: counseling, therapy, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and referrals. It also has a popular Suboxone therapy that helps people through the detox process. It accepts adults and parents with children, a lot of attention is paid to family counseling. While their parents are undergoing treatment, children stay involved in school-based activities.
Address: 100 South St, Southbridge, MA 01550
More Information on HarringtonHospital.org
The list of services in Harrington Hospital is quite extensive:
- Diagnostic evaluations;
- Individual and group therapy;
- Couples and family therapy;
- Treatment of co-occurring disorders;
- Intensive outpatient services;
- Suboxone medication-assisted treatment.
Those patients whose addiction is triggered by psychological problems are referred to the Co-occurring Disorders Unit (CDU). Its staff deals with mental illnesses and offers a wider list of services, such as Coping Skills, Sensory Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Spirituality Classes, Exercise Group, 12-step meetings, and so much more. Thus, Harrington Hospital is highly recommended for people after relapse and those who need a holistic approach to recovery.
19. Recovering Champions
The staff of this center treats different kinds of addictions (opioids, alcohol, prescription medications, etc) and offers a personalized approach to every client. Residential treatment is its main specialisation. The duration of the programs is different: it depends on the severity of addiction, customer’s goals and budget.
Address: 279 Brick Kiln Rd, Falmouth, MA 02536
More Information on RecoveringChampions.com
The treatment course consists of different activities, such as:
- Group and individual counselling;
- Evidence-based therapies;
- Yoga classes;
- Equine therapy;
- Community garden care;
- Family counseling;
- Education sessions;
- Cookouts and dinners.
Recovery takes place in a sober house that features private and shared rooms, walking paths, swimming pools, lounge areas, sports grounds and calm, neighbourhood-like setting. Alternatively, Recovering Champions offers outpatient programs for those who want to combine treatment with work.
Recovering Champions accepts some major insurance plans (Aetna, Anthem, Cigna and others) – they can be verified online. There are over 100 customer reviews in Google, and the vast majority is highly positive – this is a top-rated place with professional and caring staff.
20. Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center
The center focuses on opioid use disorders and offers MAT, individual and group counseling, and various types of therapies. The staff aims to help patients realize the dangers of substance abuse, control cravings and overcome emotional distress. Specialists work closely with patient’s symptoms and medical history to come up with an objective assignment.
Address: 155 Airport Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420
More Information on FitchburgCTC.com
In-person visits can be assigned on any day of the week, which makes this outpatient treatment comfortable for customers. The list of available therapies includes:
- Individual and group counseling;
- MAT (Vivitrol, Methadone, Suboxone, Buprehorphine);
- Daily dosing and prescription dosing;
- Evidence-based therapies.
During the process of treatment, specialists assign customers’ progress and tailor the recovery plan accordingly. Regular drug screening is obligatory.
Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center is accredited by CARF. There aren’t many customer reviews in Google, but they are mostly positive: people are satisfied with the facility and quality of recovery.
The Importance of Drug Addiction Treatment
In many cases, people don’t even admit that they are addicted. How exactly can it be defined? Experts say that drug addiction is when someone is dependent on an addictive substance: alcohol, drugs, medications, and so on.
Addictive substances are psychoactive (psychotropic) substances that affect the central nervous system and thus also thinking and feelings. They can induce positive sensations. However, as a result, a strong desire to use the drug develops again in the user’s brain. Doctors refer to this as “craving”.
Drugs include not only illegal intoxicants such as cocaine, crystal meth or heroin, but also legal substances such as alcohol, certain medications and nicotine.
In most cases a psychological dependence develops first, which later gradually turns into a physical one. Some drugs make people only psychologically dependent, for example, ecstasy. On the other hand, purely physical addiction almost never occurs alone.
Modern centers offer a comprehensive set of services and tools for the total recovery of people with any type of addiction. The addicted can undergo the whole scope of treatment options: detoxification, outpatient counseling, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment. Thus, patients undergo the full recovery step by step.
Effects of drugs on the psychology
Experts differentiate between the following types of substances:
- Stimulating substances (amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy);
- Depressant substances (opioids, benzodiazepines);
- Mind-altering substances (hallucinogens like LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and mescaline).
Cannabis and alcohol can have both stimulating and depressant effects and also trigger hallucinations.
Psychoactive substances such as alcohol, heroin or cannabis reach the brain via the bloodstream and bind to specific docking points (receptors) on the surface of the nerve cells. This docking triggers various reactions in the brain, for example the release of the “happiness hormones” serotonin and dopamine. As a result, mood, perception, feelings and thinking can change.
Other effects are:
- The consumer feels euphoric and intoxicated, for example. The feeling of space and time can also be lost;
- Disinhibiting effect. Some drugs make the user seek contact with others or to behave completely disinhibited;
- The user perceives colors, sounds or smells that do not exist;
- Horror trip. Hallucinogenic drugs (such as LSD or mushrooms) and some cannabis strains can also make a person undergo a “horror trip” – a drug-induced psychosis, characterized by extreme fear or panic, strong arousal and a delusional change partly paranoid perception. In extreme cases, those affected commit suicide in this state or at least try to do so.
Effects of drugs on the body
The body’s reactions can be very different. For example, many drugs cause the pulse and blood pressure to increase and the pupils to dilate. In some cases, this can be used to identify the drug used. Heroin, on the other hand, has the opposite effect: blood pressure drops and the pupils constrict to the size of the head of a pin.
Other possible physical reactions:
- Balance and orientation problems;
- Dry mucous membranes;
- Constipation;
- Decreased sexual performance;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Feeling cold;
- Eye redness;
- Increased feeling of hunger;
- Decreased sensitivity to alcohol.
Certain substances such as amphetamines, ecstasy and other stimulants can also cause an epileptic seizure.
Side Effects of Drug Use
As soon as the effects of a drug wear off, depression and tiredness often set in. Some people fall into a twilight sleep, others cannot sleep despite for cases when being exhausted.
The lines between dangerous consumption (or behavior) and addiction are fluid. But there are a few main signs indicating that a person can be addicted. If at least three of them apply, a case can be called ‘addiction’. These alarm signals can be transmitted to all types of addiction – from alcohol and medication to drug and nicotine to shopping or gambling addiction.
Cravings
Strong desire or compulsion to consume a substance or to do something over and over again. An alcoholic person feels an almost invincible longing for the next sip, the nicotine addict the greed for the next cigarette. This desire can be strong even when there is no physical dependence, i.e. no physical symptoms occur during withdrawal.
Loss of Control
A second key sign of addiction is loss of control. For example, an alcoholic is hardly able to control when he or she drinks or when he stops drinking and how much alcohol he consumes. A gambling addict or shopaholic will continue to gamble and shop, even if they can no longer afford it financially.
Inability to abstain from the next dose
The loss of control makes addicts incapable of abstinence. This goes so far that the addict cannot do without his drug even if the addiction already has serious health or social consequences. There are heavy smokers who do not give up cigarettes despite having a smoker’s leg, people with cirrhosis of the liver who continue to drink, or gambling addicts who continue to gamble even though their families are in danger of breaking up and their finances are at an end.
Tolerance development
People who slide into an addiction need ever larger amounts of their drug to achieve the same effect. The body gets used to the drug, its consumption increases. This can also apply to behaviors with an addictive character, which often escalate. One good example is gambling addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms
The most severe withdrawal symptoms occur when stopping hard drugs such as heroin, but also in severe alcoholics when withdrawing. They range from relatively mild symptoms such as sweating, freezing and tremors to severe pain in the limbs, sleep disorders, hallucinations and circulatory collapse. Since the greed for the drug grows immeasurably, withdrawal by one’s own is hardly possible.
Behavioral addicts also suffer from withdrawal! Behavioral addictions or compulsions such as gambling or shopping do not make you physically dependent like addictions based on the abuse of substances. The kick for the addict is based on biochemical processes in the brain. If they fail, withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, aggressiveness and the irresistible urge to practice the addictive behavior again can certainly occur.
Problems with social life
Those caught in an addiction lose interest in other pursuits. Hobbies, social contacts and even the job are neglected. The drug, be it a substance or a certain behavior, becomes the center of life.
Secrecy and guilt
Questionnaires designed to reveal a possible addiction disorder also contain questions about the secret use of the substance or feelings of guilt after the use. These are also clear warnings. An alarm signal for an addiction is often that others have already spoken to the person concerned about his behavior.
The fact that an addiction develops from occasional use is due to several mechanisms:
- Suppression of other things in life. With addictive substances, positive feelings can be switched on and negative feelings switched off. This reduces the motivation to do this in the more arduous, tedious but healthy way without addictive substances;
- Conditioning. Formerly neutral situations such as the end of the working day, the end of a meal, watching TV, going to a club are linked to consumption. They then often automatically trigger a desire for the addictive substance;
- Vicious circle. If addictive substances are used to escape problems, a vicious circle often arises: the drug consumption itself creates additional problems with the environment.
Types of Treatment
Rehabilitation for addictions is also called withdrawal treatment. It can be done as an inpatient method in a clinic or as an outpatient method. The duration depends on the degree of the disease. Also, it should be noted that sometimes treatment is not made voluntarily – relatives might have to force the addicts to be hospitalized.
Inpatient Recovery
Short-term inpatient therapy for alcohol and drug addicts usually lasts eight weeks. For drug addicts, up to 14 weeks are allowed.
Outpatient Recovery
With all-day outpatient treatment, the person being rehabilitated comes six to eight hours a day to a facility close to their home. Therapy lasts up to 12 weeks for alcohol and drug addiction, and up to 20 weeks for drug addiction. Therapeutic individual and group discussions are a must of any program. They usually last as long as required to help a person maintain sobriety.
Residential Recovery
Standard therapy can take 12 to 15 weeks inpatient for alcohol and drug addiction and 21 to 26 weeks for drug addiction. After the treatment in the clinic, an adaptation phase of up to three months is usually required. It helps to find out whether the person affected can lead their own life again.
Rehabilitation patients can take advantage of aftercare services following inpatient or all-day outpatient therapy. They should begin as seamlessly as possible, but no later than three months after rehabilitation.
Therapies
Treatment of addiction encompasses the entire medical and therapeutic spectrum of rehabilitation measures. It takes into account the physical and mental aspects of the disease.
Doctors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and movement therapists work together in the rehabilitation team. The team draws up the treatment plan together with the patient. The goals of the therapy are also determined together with experts.
Strengthening the patient’s initiative plays an important role in therapy. It makes him strong for the future use of the addictive substance and paves the way for an abstinent life.
Rehabilitation places a special focus on job-related measures. They are intended to enable permanent reintegration into working life. This also includes working out steps back into the social environment.
Choosing a Rehabilitation Center
In order to find a suitable place, it’s obligatory to check a few crucial features in rehabs.
- Which types of treatment are provided? If addiction is serious, long-term residential treatment is needed. On the opposite, people who want to combine treatment with employment or education should opt for outpatient recovery options.
- Which services are available? Check the list of services available in a rehab. Everything depends on the cause of addiction. For example, if a person’s dependence is caused by psychological problems, it’s important to seek counseling, evidence-based therapies and case management. Those who need a retreat from stress should opt for rehabs with yoga, meditation and options for sports. Other interesting services may include CBT, DBT, outings, massage, wilderness therapy or equine therapy.
- What’s the state of facilities? Regardless of the treatment type chosen, it’s important to make sure that the place is comfortable. Check the hospital’s or office’s overall appearance, if you’ll be treated on the outpatient basis. If you are in search of a residential rehab, visit the selected place. Pay attention to the type of bedrooms (private or semi-private), kitchen, the rooms for counseling and rest, and so on. Make sure that the place will be comfortable for a patient.
- Is treatment faith-based? This is a crucial aspect that’s often neglected. Many rehabs have programs that include Bible studying and worship, which isn’t suitable for atheists. At the same time, such centers don’t charge much or their programs are absolutely free. If you don’t want to deal with 12-step meetings and chapel visits, find non-faith-based programs and rehabs.
- Is drug screening made? How regularly? Addicts’ relatives want to make sure that their beloved ones stay clean and sober. The only way to guarantee that is regular drug screening. It’s made randomly, so patients cannot get prepared for it in advance.
- What’s the patient-to-staff ratio? The lower number of patients is being treated, the more attention can be paid to each person. That’s particularly important for people dealing with serious dependence.
- What’s the center’s capacity? It also allows you to define staff-to-patient ratio. Besides, patients who like solitude would rather prefer small private rehabs, while sociable people would like to live in a larger community.
- What’s the cost of treatment? Typically, centers charge on a per day basis or for the entire program. Check rates on the official website or make a request by contacting it.
- Which insurance plans are accepted, if any? Many private insurance plans (Medicare, Optum, Cigna) can actually cover the cost of treatment and medications. However, your insurance plan should be verified in advance.
- Is communication with friends and relatives allowed? This rule differs from one place to another. In some cases, residents of rehabs cannot even call anyone – they don’t have any connection with relatives for at least a month. Most often, family visits are allowed on the weekend.
The Bottom Line
With the help of a rehabilitation center, anyone can successfully get rid of addiction and continue living a full-fledged life. Yet, it’s crucial to find such a center first. With the help of this ultimate guide, you will be able to select the best rehab in Worcester that totally covers your requirements and allows reaching real results.