Like any other discipline, the drug rehab industry will have its fair share of supporters and critics as it stands in its present state. Either way you look at it, however, this industry does have more than its fair share of individuals dedicated to helping their clients defeat the influence of drugs in their lives and make the world a better place. Of course, there are some ways that this industry could be made better.
Many of these facilities rely on strategies that have no basis in medical science, and according to the Midwest Drug Rehab Institute, “treating addiction properly is absolutely crucial, but far too many rehabilitation centers completely ignore the human element.” Admittedly, many of the high-end clinics have a lot of alternative therapies, including such things as kayaking, surfing, games, or other such therapies besides just the traditional 12-step group.
Although somewhat controversial, a lot of drug rehab clinics utilize a therapy called equine therapy. This is where the client connects with a horse as one step in their recovery. Although this may seem iffy to some, it is important to note that, like dogs, some people have bonded with horses for literally centuries. Horses are good at reading the emotions of humans, and besides that the visiting and care of a horse will teach the patient responsibility, accountability, empathy, and a host of other skills, all the while in a non-judgmental and sober environment.
While there are no laws regulating a type of therapy that can be used, there are laws in all 50 states regarding how to set up a drug rehab facility. There are laws regarding the typical start of a business, and there are also laws regarding the very nature of a drug rehab facility, including such things as getting a license for your facility, getting accreditation, devising a business plan, and of course hiring and training all staff. For example, most rehab facilities need such employeesas a clinical director, medical director, medical staff, clerical staff, caseworkers, intake staff, and janitorial staff.
Although there are definitely critics within the drug rehab industry, it’s important to remember that recovering from a drug addiction is a very complex process. Not everyone will respond to traditional methods. That’s the bad news.
However, the good news is that there has always been, and always will be, dedicated staff that will do whatever research they can to fully understand the nature of defeating and addiction. For example, there was a study several years ago where a researcher worked with a group of rats and determined that if they are socialized and have all their basic needs met, there is actually very little chance they will engage in drug use. This is the reason why some of these rehab facilities do activities other than traditional methods. In a nutshell, dedicated staff is available throughout the United States to help everyone get clean. Some of the programs may seem a bit flawed to the inexperienced, but dedicated staff are out there.
Author Harper Harmon is a freelance writer and blogger who focuses on business, health and other various topics. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from UCLA and currently resides in Santa Cruz with her dog, Sassy.
