Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, despite its negative or dangerous effects. Drug dependence means that a person needs a drug to function normally. Abruptly stopping the drug causes withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences.

Alcohol Rehab

Addicts must undergo alcohol rehab in order to obtain complete recovery from alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is a symptom of deep underlying issues or problems that the afflicted person copes with by self medicating. Effective long term recovery is achievable by an alcohol rehab that treats the primary causes of alcoholism and expels the body of toxins by holistic methods and detoxification. Holistic alcohol rehabilitation treats all physical and mental characteristics of alcoholism or drug addiction. If a loved one cannot stop drinking after only one or the first alcoholic drink, that person may need to attend alcohol rehab. Not being able to control the number of drinks one intakes or not being able to quit drinking altogether or participating in binge drinking often are very common occurrences among alcoholics. Many alcoholics attempt methods to control drinking, but are unsuccessful without professional addiction help and treatment. Alcoholism or dependency on drugs is a symptom of other problems. Coping with alcohol is just an easy, fast and convenient pattern that forms and worsens over time. At alcohol rehab centers treatment teams provide a supportive and stable environment that fulfills and leads alcoholics to recovery, both physically and emotionally. At alcohol rehab, alcoholics can expect to be cared for with the utmost respect and kindness. Many alcoholics are simply not ready to stop drinking until everything is lost, including jobs, families, relationships and loved ones. Many addicts believe there is a method to control or stop drinking without professional help. Others believe recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is not possible. Once a person chooses to face problems and treat the root causes of alcoholism by seeking professional help from treatment centers, the alcoholic can experience successful recovery with hard work and then everything will change and improve. Malibu Alcohol Rehab Center formulates completely individualized rehabilitation programs that are custom tailored to the unique physical and mental needs of its patients. During alcohol treatment patients can expect an initial evaluation and assessment of alcohol abuse. The rehabilitation addiction team collaborates continually on the progress of the patient to qualify the treatment program as we unveil the underlying causes of alcoholism and any other coexisting maladies that may exist. During the stay of an addict at inpatient rehab center, the treatment program includes alcohol detoxification and is part of the initial rehabilitation process. The experts at Malibu Alcohol Rehab Center only use treatments that are conducive for long term recovery from alcohol and illicit or prescription drug abuse. Acknowledging alcoholism enables potential for change. By entering alcohol rehab center, an addict is taking action to stop drinking behaviors with a plan and strategy that has changed the lives of so many others. Alcohol rehab professionals have experienced with drug and alcohol abuse treatments and ease patients into sobriety while minimizing discomfort and building up self image and spirituality. When the mind, body and soul participate in the holistic healing process, the patient can begin to take the proactive steps towards living a healthy and happy life.

Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders

It is important to adequately assess mental disorders and to address these diseases as part of effective drug abuse treatment. Specialists can address many types of mental health problems in standard drug abuse treatment programs. However, individuals with serious mental disorders may require an integrated treatment approach designed for treating patients with co-occurring mental health problems and substance use disorders. Although not readily available, specialized therapeutic community Mentally Ill Chemical Abuser programs (MICA) attend to patients with co-occurring mental and addictive problems.
Science has progressed by developing effective medications for treating mental disorders, including a number of antidepressants, anti anxiety agents, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. These medications may be critical for treatment success in offenders who have co-occurring mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for treating some mental health problems, particularly when combined with medications. Contingency management can improve adherence to medications and intensive case management is useful for linking severely mentally ill individuals with drug abuse treatment, mental health care and community services.

Drug Abuse Treatment to Offenders Return on Investment (ROI)

In 2002, the estimated cost to society of drug abuse was $180.9 billion (Office of National Drug Control Policy [ONDCP], 2004), $107.8 billion related to crime related to drugs, including criminal justice system costs and costs borne by victims of crime. The cost of treating drug abuse including research, training and prevention efforts is about $15.8 billion, a fraction of these overall societal costs (ONDCP, 2004).
Drug abuse treatment is cost effective in reducing drug use and bringing about associated healthcare, crime and incarceration cost savings. Positive net economic benefits are consistently found for drug abuse treatment across various settings and populations. The largest economic benefit of treatment is in avoided costs of crime, incarceration and victimization costs, with greater economic benefits resulting from treating offenders with co-occurring mental health problems and substance use disorders. Residential prison treatment is more cost effective if offenders attend treatment after release, according to research (Martin, Butzin, Saum and Inciardi, 1999). Drug courts also convey positive economic benefits, including allowing participants to earn wages and avoid incarceration and future crime costs.
Incarcerated women have high rates of substance abuse, mental disorders and other health problems.