Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment Service

 

A drug or substance Addiction Treatment Services can sometimes lead to a behavioral disorder when that person is incapable of coping with the issue and feels a need to keep using it. In addition, some individuals who are addicted to drugs feel like they have no control over their behaviors and need help to stop for the sake of themselves, family members, as well as others in their life. When a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or other mental health issues, you may be wondering where to start. You might find yourself seeking out different types of treatment methods to get back on your feet.

Although all treatments will work differently for each person, some commonly used treatments for SUD include outpatient counseling/therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, medication, residential treatment centers, intensive case management and many more. Of course, before making decisions about which treatment method to take, it is important to know what type of problem your loved one has and what kind of support they need in order to recover. Here’s how we break down the pros and cons of each treatment plan.

Outpatient Counseling/Therapy

This is an essential part of recovery from any substance use disorder — not just those related to alcohol. An outpatient program will often involve a licensed therapist, a counselor, a social worker, a nutritionist, healthcare providers and so on, in Addiction Treatment Services to ongoing medication prescriptions. Offices and mobile facilities are also available at times, especially if you and your loved ones are having trouble finding a place to stay. These services usually last for several months.

When choosing an OTC program, remember to consider whether you want all-inclusive, short-term counseling for up to 6 weeks or long-term Addiction Treatment Services, such as 12-15 sessions for up to 3 years. In my opinion, everyone depends on their unique needs and life situations. If you’re unable to commit to weekly 30-minute appointments, then an intensive OTC program might be better for you. Most programs include in-home care, transportation, meals and counseling. Another aspect to look into is if you want to continue after your first dose of medication, while some centers offer extended maintenance services. Also, choose a treatment center that provides personalized attention from a certified clinician.

Psychotherapy, either talk therapy or medications, works best when paired with the right Addiction Treatment Services program. It is also imperative that you’ve learned how to cope with stressors, learn healthy habits and develop a supportive network of family and friends. To be successful, you need to surround yourself with people who understand you and your struggles and make sure they are willing to listen and help you achieve your goals. This allows you to focus on living a fulfilling and meaningful life despite being surrounded by triggers that could cause relapse into old habits, including substances and trauma.

Medications

Medication treatment Services depend on the specific medication used and how severe the symptoms are. For example, some medicines may provide quick relief from withdrawal symptoms rather than helping to build a healthier relationship with the addict. However, not all meds are equally effective. Medication can sometimes mask the signs and symptoms of SUD, depending on the dosage selected. Other factors to consider are your personal circumstances, lifestyle choices, and what medications would help in similar settings in the future with no side effects. As such, it can be challenging to determine exactly what type of med is ideal for you.

Some additional considerations include your own beliefs about addiction and its causes, and if you have access to treatment resources and are open to exploring alternative therapies. Because the way in which drugs affect our brains is complex, certain chemicals or therapies may have unwanted risks. Before you decide to try a new medication, do plenty of research and find someone you trust who has experience with the particular medication and its side effects. 

Research should also be done on the type of medicine you are considering. Although there are numerous options, pick a combination of safe choices. Some side effects to watch out for include nausea, insomnia, tremors, headaches and stomachaches, as well as interactions with other medications. Be aware of potential side effects and read the label. And most importantly, never skip doses. Treating alcohol withdrawal often involves taking multiple pills as soon as the next day. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as the body gets rid of excess caffeine through detoxification. But if you take a lot of time off from your responsibilities, it could leave your mind and body depleted. So, it could be a good idea to consult with your doctor and come up with a schedule for when you need to go back on your prescription. 

Learn everything you can about possible side effects and interactions with drugs such as opioids, stimulants, sedatives, anxiolytics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, anti anxiety medication, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines (benzodiazepine, diazepam, etc.), barbiturates, antipsychotic medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, adrenergic blockers, and anticonvulsant medication.

Psychodrama Therapy

Psychodrama training is another way to treat addiction. Psychodrama involves creating simulated scenarios that give victims a sense of control over the situation that leads them to developing bad habits in certain areas of their lives. What makes psychodrama therapy so unique is that participants do not see their own actions as contributing to their addiction but instead assume responsibility for these unhealthy behaviors through acting out real-life events happening to them. Patients typically undergo intense psychological training, which is the process of learning techniques to manipulate the audience by manipulating its emotions, thoughts, feelings and behavior. Participants see themselves as addicts (not necessarily in terms of substances) themselves because they perceive their actions as having been driven primarily by outside forces. People can change their behaviors without getting too deep into addiction and become a great success story for therapists. After therapy, patients return to real life situations to complete their skills by changing others around them.

If you're interested in working with a professional trained in Addiction Treatment Services, check out these tips for setting up a therapy session. While there are lots of ways to combat substance abuse, it may not be necessary for you to attend every single one of the available programs in order to remain sober. Remember, a skilled counselor can guide you throughout your journey while offering helpful feedback, providing emotional support and even assisting with physical recovery. Finding a compassionate provider who understands why you want to get help will make your search a little easier.