Belgium is a modern, vibrant country. But as with any region, it also has its share of people with drug and alcohol addictions. If you are looking for a place to rehab in Belgium, or are living in Belgium and need to discuss your options, we are here to help.

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Are you suffering from Addiction and need help? Addiction Advocates are leading UK based experts in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today.

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According to Statista, there were 21,479 drug possession cases in Belgium in 2021. Addiction is a growing problem worldwide and there are numerous crimes also associated with drug possession. However, there are many types of addiction. Addiction begins when you build up a tolerance to a certain substance and therefore constantly crave it to satisfy your needs.

Leaving an addiction without treatment can create some serious ramifications. It could lead to overdose and even death. Leaving behind a trail of destruction, you may find that addiction robs you of your career, dreams and aspirations, relationships and financial troubles may occur and anxiety and depression can take hold. There are many types of addiction, which vary in severity, including abuse of prescription medication, illegal substances and alcohol.

Signs of Substance Abuse

In the early stages of substance abuse, there will be numerous psychological disturbances that may affect your behaviour and character. When addiction begins to take hold, the negative effects of the substances will begin to manifest themselves. You may feel as if you have not changed, whilst others around you may see a blatant change in your character. There are signs of addiction that must not go unnoticed, such as:

  • Irritability/ anger issues
  • Withdrawal from daily tasks
  • No motivation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lack of personal hygiene
  • Stress

Drug addiction is not simply a temporary phase of youthful rebellion, or a period of transition, addiction is a disease and will stay this way until you get the help that you need. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you must reach out. Leaving addiction to sort itself out is a lethal decision to make. The time factor is decisive, and you must not ignore any red flags.

Alongside the psychological symptoms, you may be experiencing physical changes which may also create more unrest. These symptoms that derive from substance abuse can vary from person to person, but in the long term, it can lead to permanent disease or disability. In order to address the problem first, you must admit that there is a problem. Then you can work out how to tackle the issues.

Addiction Treatment Options in Belgium

Belgium has numerous rehab facilities. There are usually two options available: outpatient rehab and inpatient rehab. Both of these can be accessed via referral clinics or a doctor. One of the main challenges of rehabilitation is the decision to make a change, after all, rehab is a collaborative effort. When you commit to a programme, it is important that you follow it through.

Outpatient rehab services are available across Belgium and are free. These include self-help groups and other services that give people facing addiction a safe place. These groups will seek to create change, with basic tools, as well as create a community-based source of learning. However, the most recommended form of treatment is private rehab, which can cost within the region of hundreds to thousands of euros per programme. A private rehab is an extensive approach to addiction which focuses on healing the physical and mental states. It also focuses on building you a strong system of support, as well as offering key life tools that will help you follow your goals.

It begins with a detox period, followed by intensive therapy sessions that are the pinnacle to success. This will be a number of psychotherapies including CBT Therapy that helps you to understand, adapt and communicate. You will be able to heal ongoing mental health issues as well as deal with previous traumas that may have contributed to this poor lifestyle choice.

How Does Detox Work?

Detox is an exhaustive medical solution that heals the body from toxic substances. It is gradual weaning of the substance, performed in a clinical environment with a medical team present. Detox is a seven-day phase that will be conducted efficiently, with minimal withdrawal symptoms. Any mild symptoms could last a few days but they will likely be very manageable. Certain symptoms to note are difficulty sleeping, aches and pains, fever and mild flu-like symptoms.

Therapy and Support for Addiction

Therapy and support are often the second phase of treatment which will be undertaken following detox. Your therapy phase will be monitored and managed by a multidisciplinary team who will offer you care and dedication. If you are unfamiliar with the available treatments on offer in Belgium, we will talk you through some.

Psychotherapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is the preferred method, which assist you in understanding and adapting to your needs. It will help you determine triggers and give you tools to remain dynamic during adversities. We will also tackle your mental health, therefore counselling and one-to-one sessions are best. Family support sessions will also be beneficial to help you heal collectively.

When we have fully evaluated your mental health following rehab, we will create a bespoke aftercare plan. This helps to mitigate the risks of relapse and this will include follow-up sessions in the coming months. You will be appropriately monitored, and you will be able to engage with the support network you’ve built, whenever you desire it. With all the tips learned and therapies implemented, you will be able to progressively reduce the craving and therefore reduce the risk of relapse.

Contact Us for Advice

During addiction, you may feel alone and may not know which way to turn. However, you are never alone. At Addiction Advocates, we are non-judgemental and offer you professional advice to help you make the right decision. There is no need to feel lost or judged. Addiction is a disease, and we appreciate it takes courage to reach out. We want to help you.

For more information on how to remove addiction from your life, please call us on 0800 012 6088. A friendly and supportive team is ready and waiting to speak with you. A simple assessment will help dictate the best route for you. When you are ready to talk, we are listening.

References

  • [1] Statista - https://www.statista.com/