Drug and alcohol addiction – also known as substance use disorder – is a serious brain illness in which the subject becomes either physically or psychologically (or both) dependent on a substance.
The best way to address this illness is through drug and alcohol rehab.
Common conditions treated at drug and alcohol rehab in Sri Lanka include:
According to the brain disease model of addiction [1] – a model developed by neuroscientists – the reward pathways in the brains of people who are prone to addiction are affected significantly when exposed to particular substances.
While we are more likely to develop an addiction the more that we consume excessive quantities of drugs and alcohol, some people carry genetic, psychological or biological traits that make them more susceptible to addiction.
While many people dispute that addiction is a disease, the model reinforces the idea that there are dramatic chemical changes in the brain when suffering from an addiction.
Addicted people suffer from serious physical and psychological symptoms – which can actually kill them – when they are suffering from substance addiction.
Mental health issues are commonly associated with addiction. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder can lead to the development of an addiction.
On the other hand, drug and alcohol consumption can lead to mental health issues.
There is a mutually destructive relationship between these which needs to be addressed with patients undergoing treatment for addiction at a drug and alcohol rehab in Sri Lanka.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is something that affects people globally, regardless of their race, age, class, gender, and other factors.
While certain demographics and even certain careers are affected more than others, addiction is a disease that does not discriminate.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, [2] Sri Lanka faces significant issues when it comes to illicit drug consumption, production, and trafficking.
Statistics from state authorities in 2023 show that there was an increase of 13% in drug-related arrests from the previous year.
Among these illicit substances are cannabis, heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine.
Statistics show that around 52% of drug-related offences include heroin [3], whereas 36.9% of drug-related offences were related to possession and consumption of cannabis.
The same report from the UNODC also explains that community-based treatments are not accessible enough to combat this increasing consumption rate.
When it comes to residential treatment in Sri Lanka, most of the patients in recovery are poly-drug users.
The majority of the patients at a drug and alcohol rehab in Sri Lanka were recovering from cannabis addiction, followed by heroin addiction, and then methamphetamine and cocaine addiction.
Almost 25% of drug-related arrests [4] due to possession or trafficking of drugs were in Sri Lanka’s capital – Columbo – followed by Gapmaha.
Despite the prevalent issues regarding substance use disorder in Sri Lanka, treatment and help aren’t as accessible as they should be to eradicate these issues.
If you are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, and you require treatment for your condition, reach out to us at Rehab 4 Addiction.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, your recovery is at the forefront of our priorities.
We will use our experience, expertise, and knowledge in order to optimize your recovery.
When you dial the number 0800 140 4690 from the UK or +44 345 222 3508 internationally, you’ll come into contact with a friendly and experienced team member from Rehab 4 Addiction.
Whether you want to simply ask questions, enquire about rehabilitation centres near you, or are ready to be admitted into a drug and alcohol rehab, the admissions team is at your disposal.
If you are ready to enter a drug and alcohol rehab in Sri Lanka, you’ll need to complete a health assessment – also known as a preadmission assessment.
While this sounds incredibly formal, it merely consists of answering a questionnaire about your medical history, addiction history, treatment preferences and so forth.
A drug and alcohol rehab refers to a rehabilitation centre where patients are admitted in order to help them recover.
The term “rehabilitation” literally means to restore something to its healthiest condition.
At a drug and alcohol rehab, patients will undergo a range of treatments, therapies and specialised addiction counselling sessions in order to help them overcome addiction and rebuild their lives while in recovery.
At a drug and alcohol rehab in Sri Lanka, you can expect to undergo various stages in order to optimise your recovery.
There is no single method that is the answer to addiction. Instead, we need to combine a range of scientifically tested methods that can not only help patients overcome the detox stage but also develop healthier lifestyle habits and a positive future.
Patients at a drug and alcohol rehab can expect to undergo several recovery stages, namely:
If you are suffering from an addiction to a physically addictive substance, such as alcohol, heroin or other opioids, you’ll need to undergo a medical detox.
This is because withdrawal from physically addictive substances can be life-threatening.
Withdrawal from psychologically addictive substances such as cannabis or cocaine also presents harmful symptoms, but not nearly to the same extent as physically addictive substances.
However, you may still need to recieve medication when recovering from these substances.
During a medicated detox, patients will spend around 7 to 10 days receiving medication from an addiction physician and allowing the harmful substances to withdraw from their bodies while recovering in a safe and comfortable environment.
In this space, patients will receive 24/7 guidance from medical professionals and health practitioners.
Going “cold turkey” refers to the method of suddenly quitting a substance.
Depending on the substance and the history of consumption, this can be dangerous or even fatal.
During a medical detox, patients will receive medication that minimises symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps, delirium tremens and seizures.
This is the safest way to overcome a severe drug or alcohol addiction.
There isn’t one form of therapy which is better than another for addiciton recovery.
Instead, there are a wide range of therapies incorporated into a comprehensive recovery programme.
Treatment plans require a diverse approach to recovery, which includes personalised care and treatment.
A “one size fits all” method is not optimal for patients, and the following therapies help tailor the treatment to each patient’s unique needs:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a highly popular method of therapy that is used to treat patients suffering from not only substance addiction but also a wide range of mental health issues.
Many addicted patients suffer from anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders which can exacerbate their addiction.
Furthermore, these sessions come in the form of one-to-one therapy, maximising personalised care.
This is highly beneficial for the patient because they can address the root cause of their substance addiction.
Whether it stems from psychological disorders, low self-esteem, toxic behavioural patterns in the family or something else, they can understand more about their addiction.
Furthermore, they will not only understand their addiction but also develop the tools to combat it.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is imperative to developing a sustainable lifestyle and long-term recovery.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, or DBT, is similar to CBT but it places more emphasis on the emotional and visceral sides of addiction.
This especially caters to patients who suffer from intense bouts of anxiety, mood swings, erratic behaviour, and other emotional problems.
The purpose of DBT is to help patients learn how to manage their emotions, which will in turn help them to manage their addiction.
They will learn a wide range of mindfulness and coping techniques through evidence-based treatment.
Motivational Interviewing is unique because it differs from many other forms of therapy.
Rather than treating or providing the patient with something they are lacking, it focuses on helping them rediscover their inner drive and motivation.
The fact is that each patient has the pre-requisite tools and ability to recover from their alcohol use disorder or drug addiction.
While medication-assisted treatment will help them overcome withdrawal symptoms, Motivational Interviewing can help them understand why they want to recover.
Whether it stems from internal or external motivation, this form of therapy can help patients remain committed to their treatment programme, which will yield greater results.
Holistic therapy differs from traditional communication-based therapies.
Rather than having patients discuss their addiction and recovery with a licensed counsellor, Holistic Therapy focuses on the idea of holism – the idea that the mind, body, and spirit are intertwined.
We are accustomed to sayings such as “you are what you eat”, “the body is a temple”, and “healthy body, healthy mind”, and there is good reason for that.
The mental benefits of physical exercise are tremendous, and a healthy body and healthy mind can help us develop a healthier spirit.
A holistic approach can help patients not only overcome addiction but develop other areas of their life.
Holistic treatment comes in a wide range of forms and will vary according to personalised treatment plans.
Common examples include:
Adventure therapy allows patients to reconnect with nature, exercise their independence, develop their senses, and enhance behavioural activation.
Art therapy and music therapy can help patients externalise their thoughts and feelings in other ways than talking, and equine therapy can help patients facilitate connections and trust with animals.
Each form of holistic therapy has very unique characteristics and benefits.
Group therapy can offer benefits that individual therapy cannot.
This is because group therapy can foster camaraderie and social reinforcement by allowing patients to share, listen, and discuss their recovery journey.
This positive social reinforcement is encouraging towards other patients and actually increases the likelihood of remaining sober.
Statistics show that patients who attend group therapy are more likely to maintain recovery because of these benefits.
Family Therapy, like Group Therapy, can offer positive social reinforcement and much more.
Whether the patient has a positive or negative relationship with their family, they can benefit profoundly from this type of therapy.
Treatment approaches vary when it comes to Family Therapy, and this depends on who the patient is and the family dynamic itself.
If the patient was a teenager who has a tumultuous relationship with their parents, the therapy sessions would look different to a patient who is a parent with a caring and supportive family.
Family therapy can improve lines of communication, help families create a better home environment, address and discard toxic behaviour and create a home that is more suitable for recovery.
It can also offer counselling sessions for family members who are struggling to cope with their loved one’s addiction.
While there are many methods to improve family dynamics, the ultimate goal of Family Therapy is always to reinforce the patient’s support network.
It is sometimes expected that a patient will relapse following their treatment at alcohol and drug rehab in Sri Lanka.
This does not mean that the patient has failed permanently or that further treatment is not worth it. In fact, it is sadly very common for patients to relapse.
However, what’s important is that patients recognise what relapse triggers look like, and learn how to overcome them.
Patients will learn about the intricacies of relapse prevention strategies, such as HALT, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired.
Not only are relapse triggers presented in the form of physical drugs and alcohol, but they are presented in emotional states, thoughts, feelings, smells, sights and more.
Relapse triggers can be unique to the patient, and patients will learn about environments to avoid, how to make their homes safe from relapse triggers, and also how to develop healthy coping mechanisms to prevent these triggers from leading to a relapse.
Treatment and support don’t suddenly stop after you leave a drug and alcohol rehab.
Patients are likely to have access to resources, fellowship programs, counselling sessions and more following their treatment through a 12-month aftercare programme.
Fellowship programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, [5] and SMART Recovery are popular examples of international fellowship groups where recovering people will meet and discuss their recovery journey.
Patients can find AA meetings in Sri Lanka online. [6]
Patients should undergo an addiction assessment before deciding whether to undergo inpatient or outpatient treatment.
One form of treatment isn’t necessarily better than the other, because it entirely depends on the patient’s unique addiction history and treatment needs.
At a residential rehab in Sri Lanka, patients will undergo intensive inpatient treatment.
Inpatient treatment is suitable for patients who are suffering from moderate to severe forms of addiction.
The reason that inpatient treatment is more suitable for patients suffering from moderate to severe forms of addiction is that they are likely to suffer from more severe withdrawal symptoms and a greater level of dependence, making it much harder for them to recover.
Patients are required to be in a facility that minimises relapse triggers, offers 24/7 expert support and has sufficient medically supported facilities when suffering from moderate to severe addictions.
At this residential rehab facility, patients will spend around 28 days undergoing recovery.
This may include a medical detox, therapy, counselling and relapse prevention planning.
While it typically costs more than outpatient treatment, it offers greater levels of personalisation, support, resources, and a greater potential for long-term recovery.
Outpatient treatment offers affordability and flexibility for patients who are suffering from mild to moderate forms of addiction.
While these are appealing to many patients, they can also leave more room for error and relapse.
This is because, while the treatment programme is less intensive, the patient will experience less thorough supervision, fewer hours of therapy, and are still exposed to relapse triggers at home.
On the other hand, many patients may not be able to afford residential treatment.
They also might not be able to take the time to attend rehab, due to commitments regarding employment, family duties or other responsibilities.
Because of this, outpatient treatment offers patients the choice to undergo recovery without pausing their other responsibilities in life.
If you are suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction and need help to overcome it, reach out to Rehab 4 Addiction today.
You can contact us by dialling the number 0800 140 4690 from the UK or +44 345 222 3508 internationally.
When you reach out to us, you are free to ask as many questions as you like regarding treatment options, and we can help you begin the admissions process as soon as possible.
Only with your consent and willingness to enter treatment will we begin the admissions process.
This is your personal recovery journey, and your recovery is our highest priority.
[1] https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/research-studies/addiction-research/brain-disease-model
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