Alcohol Detox: is the initial part of the alcohol addiction recovery process. Alcohol detox involves stopping the consumption of alcohol and giving the body the time it needs to cleanse itself of the harmful toxins associated with wine, liquor or beer. During alcohol detoxification process, the individual may experience a series of withdrawal symptoms. Read more…
Another word for addiction is “dependence.” There are two kinds of substance dependence:
Psychological dependence occurs when a person feels he or she needs the drug to function or feel comfortable (e.g., needing to drink alcohol to feel relaxed in social situations, or needing to be high to enjoy sex). Some people come to feel they need a substance just to be able to cope with daily life.
Physical dependence occurs when a person’s body has adapted to the presence of a drug. Tolerance has developed, which means that the person needs to use more of the drug to get the same effect.When drug use stops, symptoms of withdrawal occur.
Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Residential treatment programs can also be very effective, especially for those with more severe problems. Treatment Within the Criminal Justice System can succeed in preventing an offender’s return to criminal behavior, particularly when treatment continues as the person transitions back into the community. Studies show that treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. Research suggests that treatment can cut drug abuse in half, drastically decrease criminal activity, and significantly reduce arrests.
