There are few things that have been more detrimental to our society than drug addiction. No longer do people think only the lower class, criminals, and uneducated can become addicted to substances. With the spread of prescription drugs and new, more powerful ones becoming available, it is clear that anyone can get addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Whether you are very successful or down on your luck, it’s entirely possible to become dependent upon something. Of course, genetics predispose people to addiction but anyone can find themselves needing addiction treatment. Do you or someone you love need help with drug addiction? Below is your guide to addiction treatments and who really needs them.
Inpatient vs Outpatient
One of the first and most integral distinctions to be made when it comes to addiction treatment is whether it is outpatient or inpatient. Inpatient addiction treatment is what you typically see in the movies. In inpatient treatment, you stay at the facility for a month. You start with going through the detox withdrawal symptoms and work through individual counseling and 12-step group meetings. You get immersed in treatment and keep yourself away from temptations. This differs from outpatient, which doesn’t require you to stay overnight.
Outpatient treatment is when you go into a clinic or addiction treatment center to get the care you need but you go home at night. Outpatient is better for the patients who are high functioning. A lot of people need to be away from temptations, but if you can stay sober at night when you go home you can fulfill your responsibilities and be with your family. Outpatient treatment is for people who can’t afford to drop their life to go into rehab but still want to treat the underlying problems that have led to addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis refers to when someone is struggling with drug addiction and a co-occurring mental health issue. This is quite common. So often people begin using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. They use substances to forget. When a person comes in for addiction treatment, they could be struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
The goal of dual diagnosis is to treat not just the addiction but the underlying mental health issues. The goal is to treat the person comprehensively. You might not think that you are struggling with an underlying mental health issue, but you should be sure that the facility you choose offers dual diagnosis. When you are treated as a whole person and not just an addiction, you will have a lot better chance at recovering.
Detox Supervision
When you go into inpatient treatment, you will probably be going through withdrawals. Some detox symptoms are worse than others. Some people don’t have any withdrawals from certain drugs while others require professional supervision. You should have an idea beforehand whether or not you need detox professionals to care for you throughout the process. If you are physically dependent upon alcohol or opioids, for example, you should be supervised. It depends on your genetics, what you’re addicted to, and how long you’ve been addicted to it. Detox is a specific part of the recovery process that is more medical. Of course, afterwards the long-term work begins.
Luxury Rehab
Believe it or not, there are luxury rehab facilities where people pay the top dollar for the best services and amenities. These luxury rehabs usually have a pool, a private chef, group outings, and guided activities. They hire the best addiction specialists and counselors. Furthermore, a certain kind of privacy is offered by luxury rehab. These facilities are typically excluded, providing peace of mind and serenity during this introspective time. When you have the money and want to get away from it all and have access to the best addiction treatment, you shouldn’t dismiss luxury rehab. It could be just what you need.
Residential Treatment
Luxury rehab can be in a clinical setting or a residential setting. Residential rehab is when you go to stay at inpatient treatment in a home. Some people prefer this because it’s less conspicuous and more comfortable. You live in a house with other people who are going through addiction recovery. With them, you have a meeting every night. You can still have an individual counselor and a sponsor outside of the home, but residential treatment creates a positive living environment that some people choose to stay in after the initial 30-day treatment.
Aftercare
When someone lives in a residential setting with other people who are recovering long-term it’s referred to as “sober living.” Sober living homes are a form of aftercare. Aftercare is the period when the initial addiction treatment is over, but the recovery continues. It is probably the most important part of creating long-term addiction recovery. Aftercare comes in many forms, but continuing to go to meetings, working with a sponsor, seeing a therapist, and building a healthy, happy life is all a part of staying sober and recovering.
Whether you have been physically dependent on drugs and alcohol for years or are coming off a recent opioid addiction, there are all kinds of treatments, facilities, and professionals who can help you get off the substances safely, work with you on why you began using in the first place, and help you create a fulfilling life that makes you happy. Long-term sobriety requires effort to make your life worth living without drugs and alcohol.
In fact, sobriety tends to be happier. When you are taking drugs and drinking to be happy, you won’t be able to achieve it. Every day you borrow from tomorrow’s happiness. You can be happy without substances too. Everyone needs something different in their lives to stay sober and create a rewarding life. Relapse is a part of the process, but staying on track will help you define your life in a new way. When it comes to addiction and recovery, there are more resources to help people now than ever. If you or a loved one needs treatment, start with this guide to find the right facility.