Substance abuse treatment can help patients successfully reach their goal of attaining long-lasting sobriety from drug or alcohol addiction. Substance abuse affects nearly 23 million individuals across the nation. These individuals need help in accessing treatment programs so that they can work toward reaching sustained and long-term sobriety.

Addiction is a disease that is progressive and chronic. Just as other illnesses and diseases require medication, treatment, therapy, and counseling in order to overcome, so does addiction. Not every single drug on the market is habit-forming or at risk of dependency, but a large number of them are. If individuals who are born with the addictive gene are on medications such as pain management pills, they are at a high risk of becoming addicted to these substances. One of the strongest prescription medications in the market that are over-prescribed and a huge contributor to the drug epidemic are Opioids.

Dual Diagnosis and Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse and addiction are very closely related to mental health and mental illness. If an individual is not mentally healthy due to an undiagnosed psychological issue, they may be at risk for drug or alcohol addiction. When an individual suffers from both a mental health issue in conjunction with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, this requires dual diagnosis treatment. By treating and stabilizing both the patient's mental health as well as their addiction, they will be better able to think clearly and carry on in their sobriety.

Patients will work with psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as counselors and therapists, during their time in dual diagnosis and substance abuse treatment. They will go through intense treatment modalities which are designed specifically for their condition.

The Different Treatment Therapies

There are many different types of treatment for different kinds of drug and alcohol addictions. Some patients may require the traditional 12-steps to recovery style of treatment while others may require group therapy and individual counseling. Some addictions are more severe in nature than others while others are more treatable and manageable.

Group counseling: This form of treatment involves patients receiving therapy in a group-like setting with approximately 15 other patients. There is usually one head counselor who conducts the class. During this time, patients can open up about their addictions and their struggles so that they can learn from one another. Individual Counseling: This type of counseling involves one-one-one therapy where patients will work with a therapist or counselor who will help them overcome their addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of treatment looks at the patients past in order to help them move on from any sort of past trauma. Is it a type of psychotherapy and works with patients to alter their emotions and thoughts regarding addiction. Equine Therapy: Support animals have proven to help to comfort patients during their time in addiction treatment.

Relapse Prevention During Substance Abuse Treatment

It's important that patients partake in relapse prevention programs and aftercare programs during their time in recovery. Many treatment plans at rehabilitation centers feature several hours per week of these types of beneficial programs. Here, patients can learn how to deal with triggers and influences to use when they are back in everyday society. The pressure to use again may come about in social settings and individuals have to know how to refrain from abusing substances. It's also advised that patients forfeit their former social circle or friends that used to abuse substances as they may influence them to use again in the future. You must be strong willed and know how to say 'no' and walk away when the pressure to use arises. Fighting the temptation and urge to use will keep you mentally and physically strong so that you can continue to refrain from abusing harmful substances.

Main Types of Addiction Treatment

There are two main types of substance abuse treatment for those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction:

Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment is an intense form of treatment where the patient lives at the rehab center for the length of their treatment program. Depending on their addiction and the severity of it, addiction treatment may last 28 days long or it may last 90 days. After meeting with a specialist who will conduct an assessment, a program type and length will be decided. Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient Treatment involves the patient attending treatment throughout the day and residing at home overnight. This process will go on for anywhere between one month and three months long. During their eight hours of day treatment, patients will go through different therapies and counseling in order to help them overcome their addiction.

Some patients may require medical detox before starting their inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Medical detoxification is a process where the body is given prescribed and controlled detox drugs in order to rid the body of any toxic substances that they are present. This procedure can last up to eight days in length and can be the most difficult part of the treatment process. This is because the body is being stabilized back to its normal state; something that it has not experienced in quite some time. Patients typically reside in their bedrooms at the designated treatment center during this time as the withdrawal symptoms can be quite intense. Once this process is complete, patients may start their addiction treatment programming.

Since addiction is classified as a medical condition, it is advised that patients do not go 'cold turkey' as this could put the body and mind into a state of utter shock. This, in turn, can have adverse effects such as delirium tremens and seizures, especially in those who suffer from an alcohol addiction.

Many people who have a drug or alcohol problem, believe that they could quit at any time if they truly wanted to. The matter of the fact is, when it comes down to actually trying to quit drugs or drinking, they cannot do it. This is when addiction treatment is needed. People often confuse their drug or alcohol abuse as simply a bad habit that can be overcome quickly if they had the mental strength to do so. The truth is, once addiction has crept into your life and is affecting your everyday life, it has become a major problem that needs professional help.

Signs of addiction:

Calling in sick to work to get high or drunk Forgetting about your household responsibilities Spending all of your money on drugs or alcohol Neglecting your appearance and health Getting angry when plans revolving drinking or drug use are canceled Waking up and craving drugs or alcohol

These are all possible signs that you are headed down a very dangerous path and one that could very well lead to full-on addiction if you do not seek help now. If you are a close friend or family member of someone you feel may have an addiction issue, it might be time to stage an intervention.

Intake at a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility

Intake at a treatment facility involves numerous steps and procedures. First, the patient will undergo an assessment as well as an evaluation by an addiction counselor or therapist. This is designed to learn more about the patient prior to prescribing them a treatment plan. If the patient needs detox, this will also be determined in the intake process. Patients belongings will be thoroughly searched in order to ensure that any forbidden contraband is taken away. After this, patients will be shown their rooms, either private or shared, which is where they will spend their nights after their days of treatment.

The patient's vitals will also be checked, making sure that their blood pressure is not too high or too low. In some cases, patients will be prescribed medications in order to help with their recovery. These medications will be highly regulated and patients are warned not to abuse them or they run the risk of certain privileges taken away.

After several days in treatment, patients will begin to be allowed to enjoy the recreational activities that may be offered at the center. Some of these may include going to the gym or playing a board game in the recreation room. A big part of recovery is ensuring that the brain is kept busy even after the day's treatment has been completed. It also adds an element of enjoyment for patients. There may also be various classes held throughout the week such as yoga and meditation which are designed to help ease the mind and relax the body.

Patients must adhere to the schedule and itinerary that is designed for them. This will ensure a smooth and seamless treatment process.

Getting Help

If you or someone close to you is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, it may be time to consider attending substance abuse treatment. You can recover from addiction, but it takes commitment and dedication to obtain the desired results. If you choose not to get the appropriate treatment, you run the risk of your addiction getting even worse. You must seek help now.