Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Portugal

Drug and alcohol addiction is a prevalent problem among communities throughout the world.

No matter your age, sex, wealth, or beliefs, no one is immune to the effects of addiction.

And while this is true, Portugal is an interesting example of a country that has experienced the highs and lows of dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

Addiction And Portugal

In 2000, Portugal had decriminalised the use of all drugs and became the first country in the EU to do so.

Before this, Portugal had some of the highest rates of drug consumption in the EU.

The passing of this law saw a dramatic decrease in drug consumption levels.

Between 1998 and 2011, the number of drug treatment patients increased by over 60%.

Furthermore, drug-related deaths plummeted to below one-fifth of the EU average and more than one-fiftieth of the US.

While Portugal has found success in their unique approach towards dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, it still faces similar problems to other countries.

The World Health Organisation reported that in 2016, around 7% of the Portuguese population suffered from an alcohol use disorder.

It was estimated that on average each individual consumes 10.6 litres of pure alcohol per year.

When they separated the statistics of non-drinkers from drinkers, they found that on average each male drinker consumes 25 litres of pure alcohol per year.

Additionally, there were almost 35,000 high-risk opioid users in Portugal in 2015.

Despite the problems that Portugal may still face, it is incredibly encouraging that they have eliminated stigmas surrounding drug and alcohol addiction.

Rather than facing prison sentences or criminal convictions, users are enrolled on proactive rehab facilities.

The decrease in stigmatization in Portugal means that entering a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal is not only a viable but a strongly advocated option.

Entering A Drug And Alcohol Rehab In Portugal

Rehab 4 Alcoholism offers industry-leading preadmission assessments and referral services for subjects who are seeking support to overcome their drug or alcohol addiction.

When dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction, it is vital that subjects have their recovery facilitated through a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal.

Here, patients can expect their chances of recovery to be maximised.

By dialling +44 345 222 3509, you will be put in touch with a trained member of our admissions team.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences and requirements when it comes to entering a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal.

These preferences can relate to budget, location, facilities, and much more.

These consultations will be conducted in a very relaxed manner, and we ensure you that it is conducted with complete discretion.

When you have provided information regarding yourself or your loved one, our experienced team can develop a structured recovery plan.

Here, a suitable drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal will be identified and a personalised recovery plan will be designed to maximise responsiveness to treatment methods.

Contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism today by dialling +44 345 222 3509 to make sure that your recovery is as safe and comfortable as should be.

Your recovery will always be our priority, and we will combine our strengths to overcome addiction.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic and debilitating disease that ruins the lives of many, both directly and indirectly.

It is a chronic disease of the brain’s reward system, leaving subjects yearning for their substance and creating many problems ranging from physical, psychological, social, financial and much more.

When a subject continues to consume their addictive substance, their nervous system becomes accustomed to having the substance present within their body.

This means that whenever the substance is withdrawn, subjects will face intense physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Thus, they will consume more to ease the pain, and in doing so their tolerance increases.

The next time they consume the addictive substance they will need to consume more to match previous levels of euphoria.

This will lead to subjects consuming dangerous levels, which could lead to death.

Even if subjects do not consume life-threatening levels of their addictive substance, they are still susceptible to long-term health complications.

This can come in the form of cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease and much more.

How To Identify Addiction?

If a subject believes that they may be suffering from addiction, there are many signs to look out for.

They may be physically or psychologically dependent on their substance, and these will present unique symptoms.

If a subject is physically dependent, they will experience symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Trembling
• Digestion problems
• Headaches, fatigue

Psychological dependency will present symptoms that impact an individual’s mental health, often involving feelings of anxiety and depression.

Regardless of the distinction between physical and psychological dependencies, each subject addicted to a substance will experience impaired control.

Co-Occurring Disorders

When suffering from an addiction, some subjects may be diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.

This is also referred to as a dual diagnosis.

This is when a subject has other health disorders in addition to their addiction.

Subjects who are dealing with mental health issues or other health conditions are far more susceptible to falling to addiction.

The subject should disclose this when they are discussing their circumstances with the trained admissions team at Rehab 4 Alcoholism.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we believe that in order for the subject to live and function optimally, we must address them as a whole, rather than only targeting their addiction.

More measures will be taken in their recovery programme to deal with these disorders, and this is an example of when personalised programmes become indispensable.

Medicated Detox For Alcoholism

A medicated detox is fundamental for every substance use disorder recovery plan.

Because of this, it is imperative that patients undergo medicated detox at a medically supported facility under the guidance of professionals.

At a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal, patients can expect to receive a high standard of care and support during their medicated detox.

Patients who suffer from more severe addictions will need to undergo medicated detox through a residential rehab in Portugal.

This is because they will be prescribed medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and they will not be exposed to environmental factors with present relapse triggers.

Patients that are dealing with alcoholism can expect to spend around 7 days in the medicated detox stage.

Medicated Detox For Other Substances

Just like with a medicated detox for alcoholism, patients will undergo a similar process when detoxing from other substances.

They can also expect to be placed in a safe and controlled environment regulated by medical professionals.

One of the differences will be the time spent during this stage.

While patients overcoming alcoholism will spend around 7 days during the medicated detox stage, patients facing heroin addiction, for example, could spend up to two weeks detoxing.

Cocaine, on the other hand, presents intense symptoms but the time spent detoxing will be shorter than that of heroin addiction.

Medication For Detox

Patients will be prescribed medication by an addiction physicist to ease potential withdrawal symptoms.

Medication isn’t compulsory, however some patients find that it makes the process easier.

The medication will vary from one patient to another depending on their history of addiction.

Examples of medication include but aren’t limited to:

• Benzodiazepines
• Disulfiram
• Naltrexone
• Subutex

Each serves a different purpose.

Benzodiazepines are a psychoactive drug that is used to treat withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety.

Disulfiram produces sensitivity to alcohol so that patients are deterred from relapsing.

Naltrexone reduces cravings and Subutex treats acute and chronic pain.

Home detox is also an option, and this option offers flexibility for those who have responsibilities at home.

It is also flexible in terms of budget.

However, it is advised that patients undergo medicated detox at a drug and rehab in Portugal which can provide medical supervision 24/7.

Additionally, a home detox may present some dangers such as relapse triggers.

Rehab For Substance Use Disorder

Patients who enter a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal are far more likely to stay in recovery than those who attempt to recover independently.

This is because they detox carefully, undergo therapy, and are taught about relapse prevention.

Another significant factor that drives this success for inpatients is the fact they undergo personalised recovery programmes.

A personalised recovery programme is invaluable when it comes to overcoming addiction.

Because addiction is such a complex disease, each case of addiction is different.

One recovery programme is not optimal for all, and we must pay special attention to the unique variables of each case.

These variables include the patient’s wellbeing, biology, history, behaviour, substance consumption and much more.

This is why a personalised recovery programme is heavily encouraged.

At a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal, the time spent undergoing recovery will vary from patient to patient.

Patients who are dealing with alcohol addiction can expect to stay for around 28 days in rehab.

However, patients who are dealing with more severe addictions – whether it be alcohol, heroin, or cocaine – could stay in rehab for longer.

This could mean from a few weeks to a several months if required.

Therapy at A Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Portugal

At a drug and alcohol rehab in Portugal, there will be a plethora of options when it comes to therapy.

Therapy is very important when it comes to treating patients.

After undergoing therapy consistently, patients will experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, along with refined tools to sustain recovery.

Examples of the therapy available at rehab include (but isn’t limited to) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), holistic therapy, support sessions and more.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

CBT and DBT are communication-based therapies that have the objective of developing the patient to become more constructive in their approach to addiction.

CBT aims to reconfigure behavioural and cognitive patterns that the patient experiences, and this will allow them to be more rational in their behaviour.

DBT, on the other hand, focuses more on the patient’s emotional side.

It is often implemented to treat patients who have a history of trauma and addiction.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic Therapy is unique because it is an all-encompassing form of therapy, rather than targeting specific symptoms.

Its purpose is to optimise the mind, body and spirit of the patient.

This is achieved through a range of methods, such as fitness, yoga, mindfulness, equine therapy, massages, reflexology and much more.

Because of its flexibility, there is a form of holistic therapy for everyone.

Support Groups and Family Therapy

Support Groups are also extremely valuable within the context of addiction recovery.

The reason it is valuable is that patients have the opportunity to empower and to be empowered.

By sharing about their addiction, they allow others to gain more insight.

It is effective in consolidating the intrinsic motivation within others.

Family support sessions are also effective as it allows the family to gain more insight into their loved one’s addiction.

By educating them on the subject of addiction, they will be better equipped to support their loved ones in sustaining sobriety.

Aftercare, Relapse Prevention, and Fellowship Groups

Recovery from addiction cannot be achieved overnight, and because of this, it is very important to equip the patients with relapse prevention tools.

Patients will learn how to identify and overcome relapse triggers for when they leave their drug and alcohol rehab.

Patients will undergo an aftercare programme to ensure that they are coping with more independence.

The aftercare will include things such as hotline support, access to fellowship groups, therapy sessions and more.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are reputable examples of fellowship groups.

Here, subjects who are in recovery can meet others in similar circumstances to share their experiences and reinforce their personal objectives.

The 12 Step Programme stems from an AA meeting and is considered to be fundamental to many recovery programmes.

It provides subjects with a comprehensive guide towards becoming an optimised version of the self through forgiveness, acceptance and much more.

Contact Rehab 4 Alcoholism Today

To begin your journey towards recovery, dial 44 345 222 3509.

You will be put in contact with an experienced member of our team, and you will be supported throughout your path to recovery.

Battling addiction is never easy, and it is necessary to utilise all the support you can.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we can achieve recovery together.