Sunday, February 27, 2005
Varities of Drug Treatment
Substance abuse is defined as a dependency upon and/or addiction to any mind-altering substance, chemical, or drug. 'Mind-altering' substances can range from marijuana to medications prescribed by a physician to heroin to so called herbal remedies and designer or club drugs such as ecstasy to inhalants such as nitrous oxide, paint and glue.With that said, any form of treatment for substance abuse begins with detoxification, or cleansing the body of the substances or chemicals. Detoxification or 'detox' can be achieved in a medical setting when addiction is severe enough, or it can be achieved through abstinence.
Once abstinence is achieved and maintained, the disease of addiction or dependency itself can be addressed on a variety of levels depending upon a substance abuser's physical and mental conditions. While some people may be able to begin a recovery process by attending 12-Step meetings, others may require a more structured environment where the underlying issues and motivators of their addiction can be addressed and dealt with under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in treating substance abuse. This structured environment can most often be found in the form of outpatient treatment where the individual continues to work and live at home while attending classes in the evening.
Outpatient treatment usually spans several months and involves educational lectures, group therapy and one-on-one counseling with a therapist. Attending outpatient treatment helps the individual understand the disease concept of substance abuse or addiction and how it has affected his or her life. Most outpatient programs also help instill a greater awareness of oneself, an understanding of the factors contributing to and motivating one's drug use, teach effective interpersonal communication skills, relapse prevention, and offer an introduction to 12-Step programs.
Another treatment option is residential or inpatient treatment which takes place in a relaxed hospital or dormitory-like setting. Patients or clients usually room together and live in the facility for at least 30-days and sometimes as long as several months depending upon their individual needs. Program curriculums vary depending upon the individual facility, however most are based on what is referred to as the 'social model' of treatment. Patients attend lectures, 12-Step meetings, and group and individual therapy throughout the day. Since treatment is in a medical setting, patients' physical, nutritional, and psychiatric conditions can also be monitored.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that people find in residential or inpatient treatment is the mutual and group support they receive from each other. The experience also provides them with an opportunity to begin rebuilding there lives in a protected environment without the distractions of career and peers and outside influences which may have contributed either directly or indirectly to their conditions.
Yet another highly effective treatment option is referred to as 'Sober Living' or 'Transitional Living.' Not to be confused with half-way houses, a sober living home or facility is a safe and secure environment where residents live for extended periods of time while adjusting or transitioning back into their day-to-day lives. Most residents continue working in their chose professions or use the time to explore new careers while attending some form of outpatient treatment in the evenings. More often than not, residents transition into a sober living home upon completion of inpatient or residential treatment. This process has been proven to increase the chances of an individual being able to achieve a strong foundation in recovery and have a better opportunity of enjoying long-term recovery.
Outpatient treatment resources:
Once abstinence is achieved and maintained, the disease of addiction or dependency itself can be addressed on a variety of levels depending upon a substance abuser's physical and mental conditions. While some people may be able to begin a recovery process by attending 12-Step meetings, others may require a more structured environment where the underlying issues and motivators of their addiction can be addressed and dealt with under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in treating substance abuse. This structured environment can most often be found in the form of outpatient treatment where the individual continues to work and live at home while attending classes in the evening.
Outpatient treatment usually spans several months and involves educational lectures, group therapy and one-on-one counseling with a therapist. Attending outpatient treatment helps the individual understand the disease concept of substance abuse or addiction and how it has affected his or her life. Most outpatient programs also help instill a greater awareness of oneself, an understanding of the factors contributing to and motivating one's drug use, teach effective interpersonal communication skills, relapse prevention, and offer an introduction to 12-Step programs.
Another treatment option is residential or inpatient treatment which takes place in a relaxed hospital or dormitory-like setting. Patients or clients usually room together and live in the facility for at least 30-days and sometimes as long as several months depending upon their individual needs. Program curriculums vary depending upon the individual facility, however most are based on what is referred to as the 'social model' of treatment. Patients attend lectures, 12-Step meetings, and group and individual therapy throughout the day. Since treatment is in a medical setting, patients' physical, nutritional, and psychiatric conditions can also be monitored.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that people find in residential or inpatient treatment is the mutual and group support they receive from each other. The experience also provides them with an opportunity to begin rebuilding there lives in a protected environment without the distractions of career and peers and outside influences which may have contributed either directly or indirectly to their conditions.
Yet another highly effective treatment option is referred to as 'Sober Living' or 'Transitional Living.' Not to be confused with half-way houses, a sober living home or facility is a safe and secure environment where residents live for extended periods of time while adjusting or transitioning back into their day-to-day lives. Most residents continue working in their chose professions or use the time to explore new careers while attending some form of outpatient treatment in the evenings. More often than not, residents transition into a sober living home upon completion of inpatient or residential treatment. This process has been proven to increase the chances of an individual being able to achieve a strong foundation in recovery and have a better opportunity of enjoying long-term recovery.
Outpatient treatment resources:
Residential Drug Treatment:
Adolescent Treatment
For more information about Drug Treatment Centers, visit SoberRecovery.com
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