How do I know if I need rehab/treatment?

If you cannot manage or control your life because of an addiction or compulsive behavior, you need rehab or treatment. Problem behaviors persist even when addicts are aware of the negative effects of their addiction on their jobs, relationships and health. When a person starts to show signs of addiction, it is best to contact a professional counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or addiction specialist who can better assess the situation.

What are some signs of addiction?

The following are common symptoms of addiction:

• The need to continue or increase use of the substance in order to achieve the desired effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal when you don’t get the substance often enough.
• Focusing your social life or work life around using the substance.
• Extreme mood changes: finding yourself experiencing extreme happiness, sadness or anxiety.
• Sleeping noticeably more or less than usual – usually at abnormal times of the day or night.
• Experiencing changes in your energy level.
• Extreme weight loss or gain.
• You find yourself lying to cover up your substance use.
• You find yourself stealing the substance to use, or money to buy the substance.
• General demeanour of secretiveness, being careful about what you say to friends or family.

The cost of rehab vs. the cost of addiction.

While the cost of rehab may be a deterrent for some people, it is important to remember the many “costs” of addiction. Addiction can be costly due to:

• The cost of the drugs.
• Loss of productivity at work.
• Legal fines.
• Medical bills for physical or mental health issues associated with addiction.
• Addiction “costs” users in other ways too, ranging from the deterioration of relationships to overall unhappiness and poor health.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

Many individuals seeking rehab travel to a rehab facility away from their home. This is beneficial in some cases because it removes users from their home environment where they abuse drugs or alcohol.

In such a distinctly separate location, those attending rehab are able to fully focus on their addiction issues, free of outside distractions or temptations from work, family, and friends.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

In addition to stopping drug abuse, the goal of treatment is to return people to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. According to research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning. However, individual treatment outcomes depend on the extent and nature of the patient’s problems, the appropriateness of treatment and related services used to address those problems, and the quality of interaction between the patient and his or her treatment providers.

Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects on the brain and behavior and to regain control of their lives. The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing to drug abuse is not only possible but also likely, with symptom recurrence rates similar to those for other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses—such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma — that also have both physiological and behavioral components.

Unfortunately, when relapse occurs many deem treatment a failure. This is not the case: Successful treatment for addiction typically requires continual evaluation and modification as appropriate, similar to the approach taken for other chronic diseases. For example, when a patient is receiving active treatment for hypertension and symptoms decrease, treatment is deemed successful, even though symptoms may recur when treatment is discontinued.

How can family and friends make a difference in the life of someone needing treatment?

Family and friends can play critical roles in motivating individuals with drug problems to enter and stay in treatment. Family therapy can also be important, especially for adolescents. Involvement of a family member or significant other in an individual’s treatment program can strengthen and extend treatment benefits.

Family involvement is crucial for the recovery process. Most treatment facilities have a set period of time for the family to come visit and take part in workshops or lectures. Many times, addiction stems from issues within the family, so it’s essential to understand family dynamics and provide a space for the family to communicate and heal. Not only does this heal the patient, but it brings freedom and peace for the rest of the family.

What is detox?

Detox, or detoxification, is the clearing of toxins or harmful substances from the body. A detox may be done by taking supplements or drinking liquids that are made specifically for detoxification, fasting and eating prescribed foods. This flushing of toxins is vital for an individual’s health and stability. While detox may be uncomfortable, there are ways to lessen the physical pain. Detox addresses the physical issues that come with addiction. Once a patient undergoes detox from alcohol or drugs, they are then ready to begin the psychological journey to recovery.

Different addictions call for different treatments. In order to find out what is best for you, discuss your situation with qualified staff.

How long does rehab take?

There isn’t a set period of time that applies to everyone when it comes to rehabilitation. When determining the appropriate length of treatment, we take into consideration the history and severity of the addiction, specific substances used, any co-occurring medical, mental, or behavioral health conditions, and the physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual. Our treatment varies between 8 and 12 weeks.

Studies find that those who spend three months or longer in treatment programs have better rates of long-term sobriety.

Can I leave rehab once admitted?

While in treatment, patients are always accompanied by staff. However, a person is free to discharge himself at any time.

Are there any opportunities for exercise or outdoor recreation?

Physical exercise is an essential part of a healthy recovery program. Apart from gym sessions and yoga, we take advantage of the beautiful country side and clear sea Gozo owns. In fact, walks in the countryside are organised on daily basis, while during the warmer months swimming is also encouraged.

What can I bring with me?

For a complete list of items to bring and items to leave home, will be sent to you once admission date is given. We encourage residents to wear casual clothing suitable to the season. One can always contact us, if there will be any queries.

How much individual therapy will I receive?

Each person is assigned an individual worker prior to admission. Residents are free to talk and discuss their difficulties any time with their counselor or any other member of staff on the premises. Our main approach to treatment is group therapy and the support of the recovering Fellowship.

Everyone will receive a minimum of two therapeutic individual counseling sessions each week with their counselor but the number of sessions is dependent on your treatment plan.

If I am experiencing depression and anxiety, will that be addressed?

Yes. Our goal is to give you all the tools of treatment and recovery necessary to make sure you never have to use an addictive substance again. In many instances, though, we discover that addiction may not always be the only issue. There are often other “co-occurring” disorders. We provide the skills to meet life’s challenges without the use of drugs and alcohol.

Can I take my usual prescription medications while in treatment?

Usually, yes. However, certain medications may be unsafe while in treatment. We have seen many individuals struggle to recover from alcohol or drug abuse, unaware that a medicine prescribed for them is triggering their addiction. Each medicine is checked for its relapse potential as well as its safety to determine whether you should continue taking it. In certain cases, an alternative, safer treatment can usually be prescribed.

After admission, when can I see or speak to my family members?

Visitation is on Friday. After a patient has been at OASI for 15 days, Friday visitation may be approved. We also offer a Family program so loved ones can be involved in the patient’s healing. Addiction is a disease often made worse by isolation; therefore, we encourage active family participation in the recovery process. To facilitate this process, OASI provides many opportunities for patients and families to heal and strengthen their relationships. Family therapy sessions are designed to improve communication, while special education programs allow loved ones to better understand the continuing recovery process. Families are welcomed to attend all alumni functions and meet families of other patients for fellowship and support.

How are the rooms?

The premises are a converted farmhouse. The style, which creates an ambiance of tranquility, compliments with the natural environment where it is situated. Some rooms are more then 80 years old and all are meant to promote a serene and warm atmosphere. The unit is equipped with five rooms. Each bedroom has an en suite and contains 3 beds.

What is the language used in treatment?

Although the official language is that of Maltese, the second official language is English. Wherever you go on the Maltese islands, you will be provided with all the assistance you need if you can manage a few words in English. All the staff speaks good English and all the groups and individual sessions can be done in English.

How will I arrive to the treatment facility?

We will provide a list from which transport can be booked from.

What happens after I complete rehab?

Depending upon the individual needs at the time of treatment completion, a patient may be given an aftercare plan. Part of that plan may include moving into a social reintegration process before returning home, or it may call for attending outpatient treatment. To continue to build upon the work done in treatment, the addict or alcoholic will need to continue therapy. ……. Aftercare online??

Do I need to go through the Social Reintegration Process?

Like every part of the treatment episode, this service is voluntary. The aim of Social Reintegration (SRI) Process, as the name implies, is to assist the individual client reintegrate back into society. It eases the shock a person may experience when from a safe and supportive environment moves back into society. The SRI process involves a series of activities, including plan formulation, triggers identification, skills practices, planned independent activities outside the premises, attendance to AA/NA meetings, etc. Each plan varies according to the individual’s needs.

Are aftercare plans individualized?

An individualized aftercare plan should be developed before each patient leaves the treatment facility and should also include input from the patient. Each individual comes to treatment with a unique set of issues that must be addressed both during treatment and during aftercare. An individualized aftercare plan is a must.

What happens if I relapse?

Relapse should not be viewed as a failure but should instead be seen as an obstacle to overcome on one’s lifelong journey to sobriety. It provides an opportunity to reassess one’s path and get back into a program that offers the support and help needed to maintain sobriety. Keeping in touch with rehab and self help groups highly reduces the relapse rate.

Some people who are struggling with addiction complete more than one stay in rehab before they are able to find their footing in their recovery journey. The only person who can manage your addiction is you, and rehab will help you build the skills necessary to maintain sobriety.

When someone in recovery retreats to old habits, it does not mean that the treatment was not successful or that the person is a failure. It simply means that the person relapsed. The key is to get help and get back on track as soon as possible. In its simplest terms, our goal is your recovery. It is important that patients and families are clear in their understanding that addiction is a chronic, lifelong disease that requires on-going management: disease management, followed by recovery management. Chronic addiction is often characterized by periodic relapses which may include actual alcohol or drug use, resulting from peer pressure, not following your recovery program and aftercare plans or the inability to cope with stress. OASI offers individual addiction treatment and recovery programs for patients with varied needs, from initial treatment through continuing care and relapse prevention.