Some detox programs use an alternative medication. There are also drug free alternative detox programs, short or long term residential, and out patient counseling. Most assume that withdrawal is detox. Drug rehab after detox is strongly suggested to help stay with goals and strengths learned in detox. Detox centers in Louisiana may offer detox along with rehabilitation programs. These treatment centers counsel the recovering addict in continuing aftercare programs. After care has been found to assist the addict in not relapsing and treatment centers that choose to use twenty four hour support along with aftercare have been proven to increase the chances of long term drug free lifestyles.

Treatment centers can be found by referrals from a family physician and phone book searches. The internet provides an comprehensive and discreet way to find information. Some treatment centers will mail information to the home of the addict along with needed forms. Louisiana has programs in place to assist in finding and offering financial aid to those who need it and wish to enter a detox program. Louisiana also offers Rapid detox, which is a medically supervised program that requiring the patient to be under anesthesia while medication is used to quickly remove the body of drug toxins. This brings on withdrawal, but the patient will feel very little to no pain as they are under anesthesia. The cravings they experience will be much less than if they had chosen a detox without medication.

Inpatient treatment programs in Louisiana have the addict spend their days and nights in a medical surrounding receiving medical detoxification. Inpatient treatment focuses on learning to be accountable for ones’ actions. Recovering addicts examine their damaging patterns and behavior. The detox programs may last up to twelve months. Adaptation to new constructive techniques of day to day living are taught. Studies have shown that long term approaches to detoxification is an overall better system than outpatient. Some people have only a short experience with addiction and use detox as a way to not delve deeper into addiction. Detoxification is only the first step in addiction recovery.

A full recovery will depend on the type of care received plus the personal dedication of the recovering addict. Treatment centers in Louisiana offers tools for addiction recovery that help the individuals learn to cope with life after their addiction. Learning to deal with situations such as seeing their old drug abusing friends, withstanding cravings, and avoidance tactics increase chances of not relapsing. Counseling is provided by the better treatment centers and will involve the whole family, not just the addict. A support network of family and friends will strengthen the resolve of a recovering addict by letting them know they are cared for. Changes in the brain caused by drugs can interfere with their understanding of their family and how they are still loved. The family members will learn strategies to increase their understanding of drug abuse and what they can do to help the recovering addict. They will learn how to speak without criticizing the addict and how their actions can affect the addiction recovery process.