Addiction Treatment Options: How to Choose the Best Treatment

Drug addiction and substance abuse is a wide-ranging challenge across the United States. Millions of people use illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine recreationally. While alcohol consumption stays on the top of the list, causing severe health risks. It results in the substantial need for addiction centers and medical facilities.

Here are a few effective treatment options that can help drug addicts to start the healing process.

Medical Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step toward drug addiction and substance abuse recovery. In this treatment, the body expels toxic substances from its system under medical assistance and in a safe environment. It is best for those drug addicts who are ready to get treatment but not sure where to start. Patients cannot follow the instructions and procedures if they are not stable. Detox prepares the body and keeps the mind in sobriety to continue recovery. 

Furthermore, it is effective for those addicts who face severe drug withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and severe dehydration.

In some cases, detoxification can even prove lethal, for example, during drug withdrawal of alcohol, heroin, synthetic opiates, and benzodiazepines. That’s why undergoing drug detox treatment under medical care and guidance is always recommended. Canada has amazing rehab facilities all across as well as the USA. If you are in Canada, finding rehab in Ontario won’t be an issue since they have a few centers to help you and guide you through recovery. Detox is generally used along with a combination of other therapies.

Furthermore, it is effective for those addicts who face severe drug withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and severe dehydration.

In some cases, detoxification can even prove lethal, for example, during drug withdrawal of alcohol, heroin, synthetic opiates, and benzodiazepines. That’s why it is always recommended to undergo drug detox treatment under medical care and guidance. Detox is generally used along with a combination of other therapies.

Partial Hospitalization

Due to various personal and professional commitments, some patients cannot stay at a hospital or treatment center during recovery. In this scenario, it is best to select an alternative hospitalization program. Under this program, patients receive intensive and full-time therapy during specific hours. It is a non-residential program that provides diagnostic and treatment services to patients on less than a 24/7 basis. They can return to their homes after getting therapy, thus enhancing the chances of continuing treatment without facing delays. Generally, patients must be available for partial hospitalization service at least five days per week, usually during the daytime. However, alternative timings are also available depending on the schedule of a medical facility.

Long-Term Residential Treatment

A long-term residential program provides medical treatment 24 hours a day. This treatment trains the patients to face and overcome the social and psychological deficits that trigger drug addiction and substance abuse. Patients usually undergo a recovery process in non-hospital settings. They generally stay in medical facilities from 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of addiction and severity of their condition.

Long-term residential treatment at Native American Addiction Facility is usually most effective when based on a therapeutic community. It is well-suited for those drug addicts who experience self-destructive behavior, and in response, go to drugs. Patients prepare themselves for resocialization, employment training, and support services.

12-Step Program

The twelve-step treatment program is based on group therapy that recognizes the negative consequences of drugs, including social, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It works best for those drug addicts who believe in the healing power of the superior power and belong to religious background. Under this treatment, patients follow 12 steps to begin the recovery by relying on the superior power. It starts with acceptance, then surrenders to a higher power, seeking guidance through prayers and meditation. This eventually leads to regularly getting involved in group meetings. For instance, programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are popular for discussion and mutual support in group meetings.

Short-Term Residential Treatment

The short-Term residential program is a modified 12-step approach and provides intensive treatment during a short stay at a medical facility. This program was initially crafted for alcohol addiction but now has extensive use for other drugs. It involves 3-6 weeks of intensive residential treatment. Patients have to follow extended outpatient therapy and engage in self-help groups or community after the short-term residential treatment. It is essential to continue drug addiction treatment even after being discharged from a medical facility. However, patients have to engage in outpatient programs or avail of aftercare services to avoid the risks of relapse after short-term residential treatment.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment programs vary depending on the intensity of services. These programs are well-suited for those patients who have to manage their family and professional matters by staying connected with the world outside of the medical facility. They can remain on the job or deal with family responsibilities by getting outpatient treatment. Some outpatient programs are available to treat patients with medical and other mental health disorders along with drug addiction. However, these programs have comparatively lower costs than other residential or inpatient treatment plans.

Treatment with Medication

Medication can play a crucial role during the recovery process combined with other behavioral therapies. They effectively reduce cravings, improve mood, and minimize addictive tendencies. For instance, medicines like lofexidine can prove beneficial for reducing cravings and relieving withdrawal symptoms in patients. The FDA has also approved this medicine for the treatment of opioid addiction.

Final Thoughts 

Drug addicts require constant effort and determination to continue the treatment according to their addiction level to resume a normal and healthy life. It is essential to realize when and how to get involved in the recovery process for a successful drug addiction treatment. It is always best to seek help from a medical professional and get your family and friends’ support. In this way, the recovery process can become short and easier for patients who constantly struggle with drug abuse and addiction.

Helpful Resources
Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Free By The Sea
Telstone Behavioral Health
Chapters Recovery Center

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