A gateway drug rehab program gives people a chance to break their addiction to drugs or alcohol before they begin turning to harder drugs like heroin or meth. Social users and those who abuse their prescription medications will find their tolerance levels increasing, as will their cravings the longer they continue the abuse. If they continue the abuse, the chances of switching to harder drugs significantly increase. Fortunately, there are several drug rehab programs available that offer comprehensive treatment options for all levels of addiction.
At Crestview Recovery, our treatment center works with individuals and their families to support them through every step of the recovery process. We explain the differences between dependence and addiction. Then, we teach clients about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how they can cause serious medical conditions. Clients develop a healthy outlook on life and improve their confidence in abstaining from drugs and alcohol no matter how stressful life gets. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, reach out to our knowledgeable team today at 866.262.0531 to learn more about our drug rehab programs.
Addiction Treatment for Gateway Drugs
Gateway drugs are a class of drugs that are considered relatively safe in small doses and don’t cause an immediate addiction. These drugs still produce a euphoric sensation but not as severe as harder drugs like heroin, meth, or cocaine. People who abuse gateway drugs are more likely to switch to harder drugs that will produce a stronger euphoric sensation as their tolerance levels increase, and they need to take more just to feel the same sensation.
Examples of gateway drugs include:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription pain medication
Enrolling in addiction treatment for gateway drugs can prevent people from trying harder drugs by showing them the dangers of addiction and the harm those drugs can cause. At Crestview Recovery, our gateway drug rehab programs offer safe and effective treatment for alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drug abuse. Clients develop a healthy understanding of addiction while working on processing the feelings that led to the addiction in the first place.
Finding a Gateway Drug Rehab Program in Portland
When drug or alcohol use begins to interfere with work and personal responsibilities, it is a sign of a growing addiction. If left untreated, it can cause some people to try harder drugs and worsen their condition. Legal drugs like cannabis and alcohol can still cause a serious addiction when you abuse the substance over a long period. A gateway drug rehab program can stop the abuse before it leads to an addiction to harder drugs and causes serious medical problems.
When searching for a gateway drug rehab program in Portland, look for the following programs and services as a minimal level of care:
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most widely-accepted treatment options for treating addiction and other mental health disorders. Therapists work one-on-one and in group sessions with clients to address the reasons behind their addiction and develop healthy coping skills for abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Group therapy allows clients to bond with their peers and gain valuable insight into addiction from different life perspectives.
Residential and Outpatient Treatment Programs
Choose a treatment center that provides residential and outpatient programs, along with aftercare or alumni support for continuing addiction support. A full-service facility will have everything you need to recover from addiction successfully.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
To reduce addiction withdrawals and cravings, medical staff will administer medications that are shown to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications are not a replacement for the drugs clients abuse, and most will be 100% drug-free by the end of the program.
Holistic Therapy
More people are starting to prefer holistic options for treating addiction and other mental health disorders. Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness techniques have been proven to encourage a healthy lifestyle and reduce any cravings or desire for more drugs. Other holistic options include creative writing, art/music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and adventure/outdoor therapy.
Find the Best Drug Rehab Programs for Treating Addiction at Crestview Recovery
At Crestview Recovery, we support men and women who are struggling with addiction to alcohol, cannabis, or other legal substances through our gateway drug rehab programs. We teach our clients about the dangers of addiction and how bad drugs and alcohol are for their physical and mental health.
Pick up the phone today and call 866.262.0531 to schedule an appointment and meet with our compassionate team to begin your recovery journey.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
