Several recent news articles covered the death of Jacob Fetchik who died of a drug overdose in Phoenix, Arizona just eight days after completing drug rehab. A friend gave him prescription drugs - a muscle relaxant, which Jacob crushed and snorted, and methadone. The friend stole the drugs from his mother, a recovering heroin addict on methadone treatment. It is possible that the friend, or his mother, may be charged with negligent homicide. While there is no excuse for the friend stealing the drugs, giving them to Jacob, or for the friend's mother not locking up her drugs, it is possible that his death could have been prevented by a more extensive or more appropriate drug rehab program.
How could Jacob's death have been prevented by drug rehab? Here's what happens when rehab is successful.
1.The addict is taken through a program that helps remove the drugs which, for the most part are poisons, from his system.
2.The addict is gotten into shape through good nutrition, exercise, and so on, to reverse the physical deterioration as much as possible.
3.Drug rehab counselors work with the addict to get down to the bottom of why the person started taking drugs in the first place and helps the person address those issues.
4.The addict is given the life skills necessary to live a productive life.
5.The counselors also address the environment into which the addict will go when the residential rehab program is complete. This part of rehab ensures that the person is going into an environment that will support his desire to stay clean.
What went wrong with Jacob? The most obvious thing is that he went to the house of a friend whose mother is a heroin addict, although her addiction is currently to methadone, and who had drugs in the house and available. She also has a son who steals her drugs.
Jacob's tragic story highlights the need to find a rehab program that addresses the needs of the individual thoroughly, and does not consider the rehab process complete until all of the above elements are completely addressed.
If you're looking for drug rehab in Arizona, ensure you consult with a rehab specialist who can answer all your questions and tell you what you need to know about what it takes to ensure the drug rehab program is successful. Then, follow their advice.