Drug and alcohol addiction can turn a person's life upside down. In addition to serious physical harm, substance abuse can also have psychological repercussions. Fortunately, there are a number of addiction treatment options available.
There are two primary goals of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. The first is to eliminate physical dependence on the substance. The second is to equip the patient with the skills needed to return to a normal life.
It's important to understand there are many factors that dictate what treatment method is better for a person suffering from addiction. What works for one person may not be the best approach for another.
If you or a loved one has developed an addiction, you need to know your options. To help you out, we're going over some common addiction treatment plans.
Detox Programs
For most addicts, the first stage of recovery involves the detoxification process. During this step, the toxic substance is removed from the body.
In addition to ridding the body of drugs or alcohol, detox offers the patient a way to overcome the physical withdrawals that occur once substance abuse stops. This can be a very uncomfortable and even dangerous process that's best done at a rehab facility.
The length of a person's addiction along with the type of substance will determine the detox method. However, regardless of a patient's situation, it's always better for them to remain in the facility while detox takes place.
Severe addicts suffering from debilitating withdrawals will need a medically-assisted detox program. This involves the use of medication to help reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms while the drug is leaving the body.
A patient can also opt for a detox program that's clinically managed but doesn't involve the use of prescription drugs. Instead, a substance abuse professional will provide support in order to navigate the patient through the detoxification process.
Inpatient Programs
One of the most common types of addiction treatment approaches is an inpatient program. This involves the patient checking in to a rehab facility and staying for an extended period of time.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that most people who get into and stay involved in treatment are likely to stop abusing drugs. Inpatient treatment has a high rate of success because patients are in a controlled environment and provided with 24-hour care by doctors and substance abuse professionals.
Patients can choose the amount of time they wish to remain in the facility. Those with serious addictions can receive inpatient treatment for months before they return to their life.
These programs utilize a combination of one-on-one counseling and group therapy. Patients are provided with a social environment where they can form relationships while also receiving guidance from doctors and counselors.
Inpatient treatment provides recovering addicts with the skills they need to cope with life after addiction. These skills work to reduce the chance of relapse once the patient has returned to their life.
Outpatient Programs
Another popular addiction treatment option is an outpatient program. These involve the patient completing detox, returning to their normal life, and going to a rehab facility on a regular basis to continue their treatment.
These programs are better for individuals who have responsibilities they can't put on hold, such as a job or family obligations. They also tend to be less expensive than inpatient programs.
There are many levels of outpatient treatment. Some require the patient to check in on a daily basis and participate in substance abuse therapy and group counseling. Other programs are less intensive and only seek to educate the patient and provide ongoing treatment resources.
The primary disadvantage of outpatient programs is that patients don't receive supervised care. They're also vulnerable to stress, cravings, and emotional hardships, all which can lead to relapse.
Individuals considering an outpatient program should have a strong support system outside the facility. This way they have loved ones to turn to when they feel the pressures of life after addiction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Many addicts form a dependency on drugs or alcohol through a series of learned behaviors. These could be related to their lifestyle, social involvement, or environment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to pinpoint these behaviors and reverse them.
During CBT, patients work with a therapist to determine exactly why they began using drugs or alcohol in the first place. Then, they examine what behavioral patterns in their life resulted in abuse and dependency.
The ultimate goal of CBT is to help the patient identify and anticipate behaviors and situations that could lead to a relapse. Then, therapists work with patients to help them develop effective methods for coping with cravings.
Patients are taught to recognize the consequences associated with substance abuse and how these repercussions will affect their future. They also learn what specific scenarios put them at a greater risk of exposure to drugs or alcohol. CBT often helps patients understand what changes must take place in their lives in order to eliminate all possibility of relapse.
Addiction Support Groups
Recovery is an ongoing process. Even after a patient completes formal addiction treatment, it's important they continue working towards sobriety.
According to Verywell Mind, over 90% of people recovering from substance abuse will relapse at least once. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this.
Recovering addicts need to participate in addiction support groups on a regular basis. These groups provide an environment where they can learn more about recovery and communicate with individuals going through the same process.
Support groups help make people accountable for their own sobriety. They also give recovering addicts a support system to reach out to when cravings get difficult to manage.
Overcome Addiction for Renewed Hope
Drug and alcohol addiction has the ability to consume every aspect of a person's life. It can also lead to physical illness, injury, and psychological damage.
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, it's important you seek professional help immediately. Finding a treatment program that's right for you will put you on the road to recovery so you can start living the life you were meant to.
Resources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/warning-signs-of-an-alcohol-or-drug-relapse-67895