Drug Addiction Treatment and Steps in Rehabilitation Centers

Through our extensive experience in drug addiction treatment and the recovery of many patients, we will provide an overview of addiction and detail our drug addiction treatment plan at the hospital.

Understanding Drug Addiction: Addiction is not an abrupt disease; it develops gradually. When a person realizes they are addicted, it has often become a habit. Therefore, early detection of a person’s addiction increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

How to Know if You’re Addicted to Drugs:

• How often have you used drugs or alcohol in the past year?
• When you reduce drug or alcohol use, do you experience symptoms such as insomnia, sweating, irritability, restlessness, or tremors?
• Have you abandoned other activities in your life (like hobbies, social relationships, or family visits) due to substance use?
• Does your substance use negatively impact your physical or mental health?
• Are there negative effects on family, friendships, or school/work life?

If a person meets at least three of these criteria within a 12-month period, it indicates that drug addiction has developed.

Understanding Drug Addiction as a Disease: Addiction is a disease, but it is one that can improve with the right treatment methods. Just like with diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, individuals must focus on their lifestyle choices to live healthily. With attention, they can continue their lives without issues.

How Alcohol and Drugs Affect Our Brain: Addiction is a brain disease. Prolonged use of addictive substances causes various effects and changes in brain cells. People often start using alcohol and drugs believing they can control their consumption. However, over time, substance use spirals out of control, and even if a person wants to stop, their brain compels them to continue.

With the intense use of alcohol and drugs, the brain’s self-stop mechanism fails. When faced with alcohol and drugs, the brain sends only the message “go and use,” unable to signal “stop.” Consequently, individuals continue to use substances even if they no longer enjoy them, following the brain’s message.

Our brains consist of nerve cells, and our perception of the environment occurs through these cells. Substance use disrupts communication between nerve cells, leading to numerous negative effects on our brains.

Drug use reduces brain function, weakens memory, and causes balance disorders and dementia. Many studies indicate that regular alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can lead to dementia.

In addiction treatment, substances can mechanically alter brain function by disrupting normal brain activity. Some substances cause cerebral vascular obstruction, leading to paralysis. Additionally, auditory hallucinations and mental illnesses are among the effects of drugs on the brain. Research shows that cannabis use increases the risk of developing schizophrenia by seven times.

Drug use slows down brain function as it disrupts nerve cell communication. Individuals find it challenging to learn new things and solve problems. Research using brain imaging techniques has also revealed that alcohol and drug use slows down the brain and causes changes in its structure.

Performing tasks requiring attention while under the influence of these substances is extremely unwise, as alcohol and drug use significantly weakens reflexes. The negative effects of certain drugs on the brain can lead to sudden death.

The changes in brain structure and the deterioration of nerve cells do not improve simply by ceasing substance use. Recovery may take a long time. It’s essential to remember that addiction is a brain disease beyond a person’s control and will. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and anything that reminds them of these substances is crucial until the brain improves.

Steps for Drug Addiction Treatment: Patients are treated in our rehabilitation center in Turkey with complete privacy, which is very important at the start of the treatment.

Initially, upon entering the rehabilitation center, a record is opened for you, followed by an interview with the psychological consultant for the patient and their family, which may take about half an hour to assess the patient’s condition and formulate a treatment plan lasting between 3 to 4 weeks. Sometimes, a patient may require an additional month of treatment, which will be evaluated after completing the first month’s treatment.

After developing the addiction treatment plan and identifying all the psychological issues that led to the patient’s addiction, a comprehensive treatment plan is implemented.

The steps involved in drug addiction treatment include:

• A full month of hospitalization in a private room.
• Daily assessment by the psychological consultant.
• Nursing services and treatments available 24/7.
• MRI of the brain.
• Examination by a neurologist.
• Examination by an internist.
• Blood chemistry analysis.
• Comprehensive toxicology screening.
• Monitoring treatment doses through analysis.
• Deep brain stimulation with 20-30 sessions.
• Neuropsychological tests.
• Personal therapy sessions (5 sessions/week) that include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness assessments, psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalysis, acceptance and commitment therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, tailored to the patient’s condition.
• Group therapy sessions to prevent relapse and raise awareness of harm and emotional regulation (6 sessions/week).
• Family training on how to support the patient after discharge and help prevent relapse.
• A full week of follow-up by a professor.
• Translator assistance throughout the hospital stay.
• Transportation to and from the airport, along with facilitation of travel arrangements.

Cost of Addiction Treatment in Turkey: The cost of drug addiction treatment in Turkey is quite reasonable compared to Europe, varying from place to place. However, the treatment methods, techniques, and the expertise of doctors play a significant role in recovery, with treatment costs ranging between $18,000 and $30,000 for a full month.

After the patient stays in the hospital for a full month of addiction treatment, a week of recovery is provided, followed by a review appointment to reassess the patient’s condition before final discharge upon recovery and return to normal life.

Why Choose Us for Drug Addiction Treatment?

At Dr. Al-Akkad’s clinic, we understand that overcoming drug addiction is a challenging journey, and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients. Here are some compelling reasons to choose us for your drug addiction treatment:

1. Comprehensive Treatment Plans: We offer tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery.
2. Experienced Team: Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in addiction treatment and mental health. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
3. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology and facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your recovery.
4. Holistic Approach: We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. Our programs incorporate therapy, counseling, and support groups to promote overall well-being.
5. Confidentiality: We prioritize your privacy and ensure that all treatment processes are confidential and respectful.
6. Aftercare Support: Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. We provide ongoing support and resources to help you maintain your sobriety and integrate back into daily life.
7. Proven Success Rates: Our evidence-based methods and dedicated approach have resulted in high success rates for our patients.

Choosing Dr. Al-Akkad’s clinic means choosing a path to recovery with a compassionate team that truly cares about your well-being. Contact us today to start your journey towards a healthier, addiction-free life.