Drug Addiction Rehab, First Step Is the Hardest

Drug addiction takes a costly human toll. Lives are lost, families are destroyed, careers are ruined and jail is a very real prospect for the addict. These are just some of the costs of illegal drug use and addiction.

Illegal drug addiction includes the use of such non-prescription drugs as marijuana and other sources of THC, methamphetamine and other central nervous system stimulants, heroin and other opiates, crack and other forms of cocaine, hallucinogens such as LSD, so-called synthetic marijuana, club drugs such as Ecstasy and much more.

The demand for drugs creates a market in which new types of drugs are being developed with alarming frequency. Often, the medical community and law enforcement is months behind the curve in dealing with these new drugs.

Defining Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a dependence on illegal drugs. In many cases, the use cannot be controlled – it is an obsession with using the substance. Some definitions state that the individual needs the drugs in order to be able to function normally. In some cases, this is true. The problem with it is that many people who are addicted to illegal drugs don’t function normally. That’s why drug abuse is considered an abnormal behavior with serious consequences for a person’s physical and mental health as well as their ability to lead a productive, well-adjusted life.

Drug addiction goes by many other names. These include substance addiction, substance abuse, drug dependence and similar terms. The drugs may be illegal drugs, those prescribed for the person or those prescribed for someone else. In this guide, we’re focusing the discussion on the abuse of illegal drugs.

Most people who are substance-dependent would like to quit. Many find that they are unable to do it on their own. It may take a treatment program, ongoing counseling and the support family, friends and a religious community.

Signs of Drug Addiction

Are you wondering whether or not your drug use should be considered an addiction?  Some of the telltale signs include:

  • The feeling you have to use the drug frequently – daily or even throughout the day.
  • Always being sure you have a supply of the drug and being anxious about running out.
  • Trying to stop the use of the drug but not being able to.
  • Spending money on the drug when you can’t afford to, or stealing to make purchase possible.
  • Operating motor vehicles while under the influence.
  • Engaging in behaviors  that create physical danger for yourself and others such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex.

The signs of drug addiction in others are easy to detect by someone trained to spot them. Some are obvious, such as incoherent speech, rapid speech, a dazed look with glassy or red eyes, confusion and disorientation.

Some signs of drug addiction are more subtle such as mood swings, irritability, euphoria, lack of ambition or energy, increased anger, paranoia, poor decision-making and a lack of good judgment.

Lifestyle behaviors that may indicate a person is addicted to illegal drugs include sleeping more than usual or less than usual, missing school or work, missing appointments, neglecting their appearance or physical condition and a general failure to keep up with responsibilities.

Drug Rehabilitation and its Costs

Drug rehabilitation is now a major focus within the health care profession. An increasing number of treatment programs, inpatient and outpatient, are providing wonderful opportunities for those with a drug addiction to get the help they need.

Unfortunately, quality drug rehabilitation can be expensive. For residential programs, costs start at several thousand dollars per month, but drug addiction treatment programs costing more than $10,000 are common. Outpatient substance abuse treatment is more affordable, in some cases costing less than $50 per session of counseling, class or group therapy.

If you are interested in finding a drug rehabilitation program, your doctor might be able to make a recommendation. Your county health office will also have information about options. You can also find program websites online by doing a search in your area.

Drug Rehabilitation and Medical Insurance

The good news is that many medical insurance policies cover drug rehabilitation or at least make it much more affordable. Some states mandate that insurance cover at least the detoxification part of rehab, but insurance policies differ in how much of the post-detox rehabilitation they’ll cover. The best policies might cover all drug rehabilitation costs with little or no deductible. Others will pay a percentage of costs, and deductibles vary widely.

Check your policy to learn the details, or contact the issuer of the policy. If you are shopping for a medical insurance policy, talk with each provider to learn what policy options are for covering drug rehabilitation costs.