Drug addiction isn’t something that addicts and their families can handle alone. No matter your determination and intentions, you won’t have the skills, understanding, and training to deal with the problem effectively. Drug addiction treatment centers are the only way to get loved ones the help they need. The trained therapists can deal with the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients and get them on course for a healthier, drug-free life. So, how does it all work? What are the different stages of addiction rehab, and what do they treat people for?
Treating Different Types Of Drug Addiction
The term drug addict tends to conjure up very specific images of people at their lowest points. Chances are you thought of someone in poor physical health and awful living conditions with a needle in their vein. Heroin addiction is just one of many forms that can ruin lives. Many others can go on right under our noses until it’s too late.
The use of illicit drugs and illegal substances is a massive problem, with countless young adults hooked on everything from marijuana to cocaine. Drug addiction treatment can help them deal with the consequences and get back on the road to cleaner living. However, there are also just as many people dealing with addictions to prescribed medication. In some cases, this will lead to a misuse of painkillers and a reliance on opioids. In others, students may buy other people’s ADHD medication to aid their studies. Add in all those addicted to inhalants and there are even more people in need of support.
The point is that drug addiction is complicated and takes many forms. The more we appreciate this and the potential for anyone to spiral into dependence, the more likely we are to spot the signs and get them help from the best drug addiction rehab in MA.
The 5 Crucial Stages In Drug Addiction Rehab
As with the stereotypical views on drug addiction, there may be some misconceptions when it comes to addiction treatment. For example, there’s the idea that going cold turkey for detox and sitting in on group therapy sessions is the only option. The journey from recognizing a problem to getting into a stage of recovery is long and not always linear. Ideally, everyone will pass through the following easily and never need to return. Yet, setbacks to happen.
1) Addiction interventions
The first step towards getting addicts the help they need isn’t getting them into rehab. The first step is getting them to admit they need to go. That’s not always easy, but it’s always better to have them enter treatment voluntarily than to section them. A family-led intervention, when handled well, can help loved ones see the reality of their situation. This isn’t an excuse to make them feel guilty or ashamed or to unleash negative emotions. It’s a chance to gently hold up a mirror and discuss concerns. Assisted interventions can ease that transition. If they admit they have a problem and are ready to seek help, they can go straight to the facility and get started.
2) Medical detox
Once patients enter a rehab facility, they must go through appropriate medical care. We can’t take people straight from their homes into CBT therapy without dealing with immediate problems. Therefore, this stage is critical for anyone dealing with the physical impact of drug addiction and a decline in their physical health. Patients need to get their addiction under control with comprehensive care. Gradual steps to sobriety and the ongoing management of withdrawal symptoms can make the journey much easier for patients. Once they’re more stable and in a better place physically, they can move on.
3) Inpatient treatment
Much of the care administered to patients dealing with addiction issues will come through inpatient programs. This means they will stay at the treatment facility to take advantage of round-the-clock care. They can feel safe and supported away from damaging people and environments. At the same time, they get access to intensive therapy sessions to help them overcome their issues. CBT therapy is common, but so are holistic and recreational pursuits. There will be options for individual and group care. This diversity makes it easier to create an individualized process that works.
4) Outpatient treatment
With time, patients will be able to transition to an outpatient program. Many of the types of therapy on offer will remain the same. They can still have one-on-one sessions talking to therapists and enjoy group activities with the friends they made at the facility. The difference is that they get to go back home and only come into the building for those sessions. The number of sessions may also decrease, but everything depends on the individual cases. This approach is vital because it gives patients more control and freedom in the outside world without losing their support system. It can also allow for helpful family sessions to discuss challenges.
5) Aftercare
Finally, there is all the help on offer to patients who have completed their outpatient program. Everyone will come to a point where group therapy and regular talking sessions aren’t necessary. They’re ready to get back to normal life and handle their addiction in real-world settings. This moment is both liberating and scary. So, the best addiction treatment facilities will also provide aftercare to aid in that transition. The goal here is to help patients understand their relapse risks and treatment management, as well as their aims for life away from the center.
Ongoing Drug Addiction Support That Makes A Difference
This range of treatment services for drug addiction rehab shows that there’s one overarching aim for therapists. They want anyone dealing with addiction to feel supported at all points and know that help is always out there. They will do all they can to create strong, personalized plans for physical and mental health care. They will support families along the way. Most importantly, they’re only a phone call away if patients struggle with their care or experience a relapse. Anyone can get the help they deserve at any time.