Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
Health

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

Millions of Americans struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism. However, those ready to make a change and control over their lives often commit to a rehabilitation program that works towards helping you move past harmful addictions.

The first step towards any recovery is acknowledging that there is a problem, and approaching a mental health professional or a doctor to seek help. Alcohol rehab centers operate on the assumption that displaying a willingness to change and keeping up with the rigors of any rehabilitation program will help you achieve your goal over a period of time. Most drug and alcohol treatment programs follow these steps to recovery:

  1. Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step in the treatment program and medicines may be incorporated to help diminish cravings. This may be an unpleasant time as the body works towards flushing out the addictive substance and physiological effects or the withdrawal symptoms may occur. These also aim to address the social and behavioral issues that come with addiction over the long term.

  1. Long-term residential treatment

This model employs the use of long-term care in a non-hospital setting and makes use of the concept of Therapeutic Community (TC) to help patients confront their addition. These programs usually involve around the clock care and monitoring by trained staff as part of the recovery process. The treatment is structured with one on one therapy, group counselling, and more.

  1. Short-term residential treatment

These programs are designed for substance abuse patients to stay in a rehab for between three to six months. They include structured therapy and programs, similar to long term residential treatment and most are consistent with the principles of the 12-step program. You are encouraged to continue therapy and support groups after the inpatient period runs its course, such as regular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.

  1. Outpatient treatment programs

These programs are designed to be less all encompassing for those patients who are gainfully employed and have a strong support system at home to help them through their recovery. The intensity and duration of programs vary, but typically they take place on evenings and weekends, and involve drug education, support meetings and counseling sessions.

  1. Individualized drug counseling

Individual counseling focuses on cutting down substance abuse and consumption according to the patient’s unique needs and requirements. The counselor makes use of the 12-step program to deliver results and focuses on behavioral goals to drive change, as well as offering social support as a means to recovery.

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