Skip To Rehab Listing
However, for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction problems, Merrillville can also offer resources in the form of 36 drug and alcohol rehab centers designed to help patients in their treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Approaches and Settings
Merrillville area residents who have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse have multiple recovery settings available to them, such as the following: inpatient addiction treatment centers, long term drug rehab programs, outpatient detoxification programs, intensive outpatient treatment, short term treatment programs.
These rehabilitation programs make alcohol and drug rehab easy to access, with convenient locations and numerous different treatment approaches from which to choose, such as those listed here: activity therapy, couple/family therapy, group therapy, individual psychotherapy, trauma-related counseling, cognitive/behavior therapy.
Special Programs for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Alcohol and drug abuse impacts every person differently. In order to accommodate these differences and offer more customized treatment, drug and alcohol rehab programs in Merrillville offer a number of special programs for clients such as: seniors or older adults, treatment for spanish-speaking clients, clients with HIV/AIDS, aftercare/continuing care, child care for clients children, clients referred from the court/judicial system.
Clients who feel they may need these special programs can explore them with the rehab facility in order to receive help that is designed to maximize the likelihood of sustained sobriety.
Treatment Payment Alternatives
Residents of Merrillville come from varied financial situations, making it vital for rehabs to provide several payment alternatives that place rehab within financial reach. Clients can expect to get payment alternatives at close by alcohol and drug treatment programs such as the following: private pay, private health insurance, payment assistance, medicare, medicaid, state welfare or child and family services funds, access to recovery (atr) voucher.
Regardless of a patient's financial status, payment should not be an obstacle to rehab. Alcohol and drug rehab programs guide people through their payment alternatives and help them pinpoint a way to pay for their rehab.
The goal of varied rehabilitation centers, methods, programs, and financing alternatives is that treatment for addiction is accessible for as many individuals who really need it.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
Can alcohol withdrawal be fatal?
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal in severe cases, which is why it should always be managed under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This is especially true for individuals who have been drinking heavily for a long period of time or who have a history of severe withdrawal symptoms.
The most serious form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens (DTs), which occurs in approximately 5% of patients undergoing withdrawal. It typically starts 48 to 72 hours after the last drink, and symptoms can include severe confusion, hallucinations, high blood pressure, fever, heavy sweating, and rapid heartbeat. In addition to these, seizures can occur, which add to the risk.
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Mortality rates without treatment are estimated to be as high as 35%, but with appropriate treatment, this rate drops to 5-15%.
Even less severe cases of alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous because they can lead to dehydration, severe vomiting, or other complications. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult for an individual to maintain abstinence from alcohol, increasing the risk of a potentially dangerous relapse.
Why do drug abusers live in denial?
"Denial is a common characteristic of many people struggling with substance abuse. It involves refusing to accept the reality of their addiction and its damaging consequences. There are several reasons why this denial occurs:
Fear: Admitting a problem means confronting the reality of addiction, including the perceived pain of withdrawal, the work of recovery, and potential stigma. Fear of these challenges can drive a person to deny their problem.
Guilt and Shame: Addiction often brings feelings of guilt and shame. Denial serves as a defense mechanism to avoid these difficult emotions.
Cognitive Impairment: Substance abuse can physically alter brain function, impairing judgment, memory, and self-awareness, making it harder for individuals to recognize or admit they have a problem.
Perception of Normality: If substance use is a daily occurrence, it can seem normal to the person doing it. They may think everyone else is doing the same or that their usage is acceptable or controlled.
Rationalization and Minimization: Individuals with substance use disorders often rationalize their behavior ("I only use on weekends") or minimize the consequences ("I still have my job, so it's not a problem").
Avoidance of Responsibility: Acknowledging the addiction implies a responsibility to change. Denial helps avoid this responsibility.
What areas of the body are most effected by long term drug abuse?
Long-term drug abuse can have significant impacts on various systems and organs within the body. The specific effects can vary depending on the type of drug used, but here are some general areas that can be affected:
Brain: Drug abuse can change the brain's structure and function, leading to alterations in behavior, judgment, memory, decision-making, and even mental health. Chronic use can lead to neurological disorders and cognitive decline.
Heart: Many drugs put a significant strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to a range of heart-related issues. These can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, damaged heart muscle, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Liver: The liver plays a key role in metabolizing substances, including drugs. Chronic drug use can lead to a variety of liver conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Lungs: Drugs that are smoked or inhaled can cause serious lung damage. This can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Opioids can also slow breathing, potentially leading to hypoxia, a condition where not enough oxygen reaches the brain.
Kidneys: Certain drugs can lead to kidney damage and disease, including kidney failure. This can be caused by increased body temperature, breakdown of muscle tissue that clogs the kidneys, and direct kidney toxicity from the drugs themselves.
Digestive System: Drug use can also affect the digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in appetite and metabolism. Some drugs can also cause significant damage to the stomach and intestines.
Skin: Certain drugs can also affect the skin, leading to conditions like acne, skin infections, or skin picking resulting in sores. Intravenous drug use can lead to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.
Immune System: Some drugs can weaken the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections, diseases, and certain types of cancer.
It's important to note that the specific health effects of drug abuse can vary depending on the individual, the drug(s) used, the frequency and duration of use, and other factors. Seeking professional help and treatment is crucial for mitigating the negative health consequences of drug abuse.
