While new on the drug scene, synthetic drugs have quickly become an issue. These human-made chemicals, altered to classify as legal, have found an eager audience in teenagers and young adults. Because they are legal, users wrongly assume that synthetic drugs are the best way to get high safe. However, the short and long-term side effects can jeopardize one’s health and lead to addiction.
One of the things that is exacerbating the problem is that synthetic drugs are easily accessible. Consumers can purchase synthetic pot, also known as “herbal incense,” or synthetic cathinones, also known as “bath salts” from the internet.
What Are the Health Risks of Long-Term Use of Synthetic Drugs?
In the beginning, when people talked about synthetic drugs, they referred to LSD, PCP, Ecstasy, amphetamine, and methamphetamine. Nowadays, the drug market has expanded so much that countless new substances seem to appear every other fortnight.
The way it works is that whenever a chemical formula becomes illegal, the manufacturers change it, bypassing the laws and staying in the clear. As a result, there is no certainty regarding the substances synthetic drugs contain and the effects they have. Moreover, there aren’t enough studies that can state the health risks people put themselves in by consuming synthetic drugs.
What Are the Options for Paying for Treatment?
- Insurance
While not many, some treatment programs and facilities accept insurance or Medicaid. However, each program is different, and each patient has distinct needs, so it’s difficult to estimate how much of the costs the insurance provider will cover. That’s why it’s important to discuss with your provider, as well as research the facilities that accept insurance to see exactly the restrictions you’re facing and how much of the program your plan will cover.
Keep in mind that most insurance packages usually don’t cover alternative therapies. However, Medicare typically covers inpatient and outpatient treatments, including hospitalization costs. - Personal Loans
Maybe you just don’t have the option of getting a loan from friends or family, but there are still other ways of getting the money you need. There are two other options: you either pay for it using a credit card, or you make a bank loan.
If you’re considering a credit card payment, make sure it has a low-interest rate so you don’t end up paying more than you would if you were to opt for a different option. Do some research and try to find out if any credit card companies offer smaller interest rate for healthcare and medical expenses, such as substance abuse treatments. The same goes for bank loans, where you should verify just how big the interest rate is and how easy it will be to pay back the amount you’ve borrowed. - Treatment Facilities
Some substance abuse treatment centers offer either affordable packages for their patients or even full financing, so the patients can concentrate on their treatment and only after worry about paying back everything. Explore your options, see what’s out there, and decide on the most appropriate choice for you.
How Much Individual Therapy Will I Get in Treatment?
As with any treatment, the doctors should consider the needs and health condition of the patient before choosing a plan. Individual therapy will consist of a series of one-on-one sessions with a trained specialist. The number of these sessions will vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their disorder and how they will respond to treatment.
How Are Group Therapy Sessions Carried out in Treatment?
Group therapy is considered an effective option for patients dealing with substance abuse, as it works as a confrontational way for them to face their problems. It is quite typical for patients that struggle with synthetic drug addiction also to have a history of complicated relationships with figures of authority (whether it’s family, teachers, law enforcers, etc.). That means they will be more likely to accept information and criticism from their fellow group members, rather than, let’s say, a leader. Thus, the group becomes a safe space where patients can express their thoughts and feelings without feeling judged, seeing that they’re surrounded by people that have been through similar experiences.
How Long Are Treatment Programs for Synthetic Drugs Addiction?
Treatments can last anywhere from a month to three months for most patients. However, it all depends on the patient and their needs – some of them might need an extended stay of up to one year while others can come back more than one time. Different options cater to all needs, from month-long programs to year-long ones.
If you’re struggling with synthetic drug abuse, the most important thing you can do right now is to reach out for help. Staying educated and informed will help you make the best decision for your particular situation, so make sure you understand what it is you’re going through and get treatment as soon as you can.
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There is no secret formula for overcoming addiction. Getting clean is a process, but its success depends on asking for help as soon as possible.