Once you’ve identified that you may need treatment, you’ll need to begin your journey to finding the right type of treatment for you. We’ve created this addiction treatment guide to help you on that journey. In this guide, we outline the different treatment types that are available to you. While this guide is by no means all-inclusive of all the possible types of treatments, it is a comprehensive view of the most commonly applied treatment methods. Our intent is to provide you with this overview to help guide you on your path to recovery.
Each treatment method presented below in this addiction treatment guide will be listed with it’s most commonly used name, along with a short description of what that treatment method is like. These methods have been classified into “general types” or “modalities”. Those are alternate words used to describe that they’re grouped into addiction treatment classifications. You should note that many treatment methods exist, and not all of them fit perfectly into a specific classification.
Drug addiction is treatable. Most of the treatment methods are going to start with detoxification. This is also referred to as “medically managed withdrawal”. Usually, this is the first stage of treatment in any method. During the de-toxification, your body will begin to rid itself of the drugs. This is just the first step. Detoxification is a necessary step, but subsequent treatment methods will be needed to address the reasons for the drug abuse.
Inpatient Rehab
This type of treatment is for people with more severe or chronic addiction. The inpatient rehab option will usually include a staff for supervision and assistance during the detox process at an addiction treatment center. Patients are required to stay at the location for the entire program while undergoing addiction treatment services. After detox, these centers will have a host of programs that patients can transfer into. These programs typically specialize in specific addictions in order to provide a more effective treatment program.
During your time at the facility, you may experience medical treatment. Some drugs have serious side-effects on the body during the detoxification process. For this reason, a medical professional may assist you during this process to help maintain your health as your body transitions away from the drugs.
Most facilities are going to include continual supervision, meeting groups, medication management if necessary, ongoing progress reviews, and recreational therapy (such as working out, meditation, yoga, etc). There will be activities to help you make the most of your time and begin to work on your body after recovering from the effects of the detoxification process.
Outpatient Rehab
This type of treatment is more suitable for someone with mild addiction. What is outpatient addiction treatment rehab? It’s what it sounds like. Instead of the former inpatient option, outpatient addiction rehab allows the patient to stay at home. Since the patient isn’t supervised, this type of rehab tends to be less successful and tends to take longer to be effective. However, there are also some advantages.
For example, one advantage is that it can allow you to keep a more normal daily routine. By staying at home, you can continue your normal routines with relatively less intrusion to your day to day life (though you will need to make some significant changes). You’ll have more access to your social circle for support, and in some cases, it can be more affordable.
In outpatient rehab, there are drug and alcohol treatment sessions that can be scheduled with you throughout the week. These programs come in different formats, but generally, they focus on counseling, education, and an accountability (support) network to help you stay on track.
Continuing care is a type of outpatient rehab that you may be familiar with. Alcohol Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous just to name a couple, are both forms of continuing care. In these programs, you meet regularly in a support group and begin to build a foundation to support you to stay firmly committed to sobriety. These groups are usually led by a licensed therapist and meet weekly.
Group-Based Therapy
This method, group-based therapy, may sound like Alcohol Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, but it’s a bit different. In group-based therapy, you’ll work with a therapist in a group of several individuals who are being treated for the same issue. In this setting, patients gain the benefit from the support from within the group.
These groups are usually held in a private setting. Groups often run in hospitals, clinics, community centers, or a private office. While in the group, the participants can interact with each other as well as the therapist to find common ground and solutions. The therapist will help structure each session, guiding the participants to a healthier mindset on their addiction patterns.
Groups may consist of 3-10 members but can include more. The meetings are usually held one or two times a week for one to two hours each. Generally, participants can join at any time. The sessions often begin with a short introduction to everyone, then proceed into a structured format led by the therapist.
Conclusion
It’s best to consult with a professional in the field to help you determine which treatment method is best for you. You can use this guide to start that conversation and begin to ask questions that will guide you to your path to recovery. Remember, drug addiction is treatable. These services exist to help you find the path to building a foundation to your recovery.