Addiction treatment involves moving along a continuum of care. Individuals will move up this continuum based on how well they respond to treatment and what types of therapies are necessary for them.
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Inpatient
Medical professionals typically recommend inpatient drug rehab as the optimal course of action for individuals struggling with addiction. Treatment typically lasts one month or longer and participants live at a dedicated addiction recovery facility during this period – providing an environment free from distraction from stressful home lives or daily routines, so addicts can focus on recovery without access to drugs and alcohol which could trigger cravings or lead to relapse. While inpatient rehab tends to be more costly than outpatient options, its worth considering for those struggling with severe addiction or have fractured relationships within their family units.
Inpatient addiction treatment begins with detox, a medically assisted process of withdrawal from addictive substances. Because withdrawal symptoms may be dangerous and even life-threatening, physicians monitor vital signs as patients withdraw from drugs and alcohol. Addiction specialists can also offer medications and medical expertise to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
After detox, inpatient drug rehab continues with individual and group therapy sessions for relapse prevention, psychoeducation, skill-training exercises, 12-Step meetings and visitations/support group participation. Most programs also permit family/friend visitation as part of treatment as well as visitations rights with the program itself.
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment programs allow individuals a level of independence while still receiving care that resembles inpatient treatments, including group and individual therapy, substance abuse education programs and support groups. According to this link – outpatient addiction treatment also features accountability measures like regular check-ins with regular drug testing to make sure individuals remain committed to their recovery goals.
Inpatient rehab facilities provide a structured and supportive environment to help individuals overcome triggers and distractions that contributed to their drug or alcohol abuse. With around-the-clock support and supervision available to them, individuals can focus on their recovery journey without being distracted from it by triggers and distractions that led them down this path. Furthermore, detox facilities may offer safe spaces where individuals may take medications to ease withdrawal symptoms in a comfortable setting.
Continuing Care Groups are similar to support groups, but usually take place over an hour or two each week and can be organized by participants themselves. Their purpose is to help individuals remain sober by discussing challenges and achievements within recovery – often gender specific groups as well.
Long-Term Residential
Many addiction treatment programs provide long-term residential care options. These treatment approaches for drug addiction offer safe and supportive environments where you can focus solely on overcoming your addiction in an atmosphere of safety and support; lasting anywhere from six months to a year. That depends on the facility and services offered, this type of program may be especially suitable for individuals struggling with severe addictions who cannot recover through outpatient programs alone or without additional help.
Residential drug and alcohol treatment programs typically consist of a medically-supervised detox, individual and group therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, 12-step or other recovery support groups and an emphasis on relapse prevention – such as learning how to recognize triggers and create plans to manage high-risk situations – which are all essential elements for effective recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. This aspect is essential to successful recovery.
Consideration of a long-term residential addiction treatment program is paramount for creating sustainable behavioral changes in your life. You will have ample opportunity to learn new behaviors, establish routines and form healthy habits to support sobriety after returning home, thus decreasing chances of relapse.
Support Groups
Support groups not only offer individuals an opportunity to interact with people experiencing similar circumstances, but can also teach coping strategies and the significance of abstinence. Furthermore, group members can act as an extended support network when any ongoing concerns about substance abuse or day-to-day living arise.
Psychoeducational groups provide structured and group-specific information about substance abuse and related behaviors and consequences. Facilitated by an experienced counselor or social worker, discussions generally include physical, psychological, emotional impacts of substance use as well as steps that can be taken to enter recovery programs.
Cognitive-behavioral groups are built around the theory that behavior is learned and use cognitive therapy techniques to modify behaviors and thoughts by altering clients’ underlying beliefs and perceptions (seen here: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment). Cognitive-behavioral therapy groups are frequently utilized in early recovery settings as a means to adjust maladaptive behaviors related to alcohol or substance dependence.
Interpersonal process group psychotherapy uses a psychodynamic approach to address the complex issues related to substance use disorder. Unlike other forms of group therapy, such as those led by trained therapists, interpersonal process groups instead provide a safe space in which members can discuss feelings, problems and conflicts as well as share strategies or experiences related to medical conditions or traumatic events.