Chesapeake Treatment Centers

Chesapeake, Virginia, fully accepts that its community has a problem with drug and alcohol abuse. As a result of this, they have made comprehensive treatment available through a range of detox and rehab facilities. Specifically, however, they have put efforts in place to ensure that people can access inpatient rehab facilities as much as possible.

The Benefit of Inpatient Rehab Facilities

Outpatient rehab facilities are usually seen as more convenient and more affordable. Hence, many people who have a substance abuse disorder prefer them. However, because it means that they can remain in their own home for the duration of the treatment, they also continue to live in the environment in which their addiction was facilitated in the first place. As a result, outpatient rehab is much less effective, and generally only recommended for those with a mild dependency and who have never yet relapsed.

Another focus in Chesapeake, VA, is to encourage people to remain in rehab for as long as possible. Research has shown that those who remain in rehab for a period of 90 days or more have the greatest chance of success. This is because they can make a clean break from their previous life, and because they can completely focus on their recovery.

No rehab would be possible without a period of detox first, however. Chesapeake authorities have put a number of initiatives in place to make sure that people can find medically assisted and supported detox. With some substances, particularly alcohol, the associated withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous. In all cases, however, they are uncomfortable and can lead someone to relapse.

After detox and rehab, inpatient or outpatient, Chesapeake residents are supported through intensive aftercare treatment. These include continuing therapy and counseling, and also access to sober living facilities, referrals to 12 step programs and peer support groups, and more. Put together, public health officials hope to make a real difference in the lives of those trapped in the cycle of addiction.

Preventive Measures

While a strong focus in Chesapeake is on healing those who have a substance abuse problem, public health officials have also placed a focus on preventive measures. There is an alarming increase in the number of young people accessing drugs and alcohol from a very young age, and early intervention efforts must be put in place in order to stop this from happening and from escalating into a full blown addiction. As such, city officials have started a number of coalitions and partnerships with other stakeholders, including community organizations, law enforcement officials, educators, and health care professionals, in order to create awareness programs for young people. They also aim to provide them with safe alternatives, so that young people feel that they can do things other than use or abuse substances.

Chesapeake is serving as an example of best practice for many other areas in Virginia and beyond. While they continue to deal with a significant substance abuse problem, they are making great strides in addressing this. The future, therefore, looks much brighter for the community as a whole.