Drug Addiction Rehab: An Abridged History

When scientists in the early 20th century observed subjects with what would later be known as substance addiction or dependence, it was thought people with addictions to drugs were morally flawed or lacking willpower. There was little talk of drug addiction rehab as the world was only beginning to learn the science of how drugs interact with the human body.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, early views shaped the world’s perception of drug abuse and led to a focus on punitive instead of therapeutic or preventative measures. Around the 1930s, as it became more clear that substances caused dependence, the scientific community focused on understanding how substances interact with the human body.

The issue became more visible as former soldiers were sick after coming home from battle with what was later discovered to be the symptoms of morphine withdrawal, due to the practice of medics administering morphine, an opiate, to wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

Physicians were also looking at the side effects of alcohol, as some subjects had trouble putting down the bottle. The roots of Alcoholics Anonymous can be traced to the 1930s, when a Vermont man having trouble quitting drinking asked psychoanalyst Carl Jung to help him beat the addiction. Jung determined the man required a spiritual experience to overcome the problem and directed him to the Oxford Group. The religious principals of the Oxford Group helped the man overcome his struggle with alcohol and the program evolved into what is known as AA today.

Over decades of research, modern science has uncovered more clues about addiction and research of the human brain has broadened our understanding of the effects of various drugs on the body and mind.

Today, scientists classify addiction as a disease that affects the brain and human behavior. They continue to use their understanding of addiction and the human brain to develop new treatments and prevention techniques to help those with substance abuse problems deal with their addictions.

Despite scientific advances, many people still don’t know what triggers men and women to use drugs and what factors contribute to their addiction. But that’s where a drug addiction rehab center comes in.

Drug addiction rehab: The First Step Toward Sobriety

Getting started with a professional treatment program is only the first step on the path toward sobriety. Drug addiction rehab takes a serious commitment and participation from the addicted person and often involves a multifaceted approach to overcome the disease. Most drug addiction rehab programs have an end goal of helping their clients live sober for the rest of their lives.

Types of treatment programs vary from intensive inpatient programs to 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Resident care centers, which put clients in a comfortable home setting, and flexible outpatient programs are other drug addiction rehab options that are becoming increasingly popular.

What to look for in a drug addiction rehab program

When considering the different options for drug addiction rehab, treatment seekers should consider several factors including treatment options, cost, staff credentials, facility location, amenities and relapse counseling/continued treatment. Some amenities offered at various facilities include on-site detox, dual diagnosis treatment,

A treatment seeker should choose the drug addiction rehab facility that meets his or her specific needs. Other important things to note are staff to resident ratio, staff accessibility, average length of stay, level of privacy, food service and aftercare programs.

About Alta Mira

The Alta Mira Recovery Programs, located in Sausalito, Calif., provides luxury drug addiction rehab for residents in a comfortable home setting overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Alta Mira combines holistic healing activities with research based clinical treatment to give residents their best shot at recovery. Call 866-922-1350 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an Alta Mira drug addiction rehab specialist today.