These days, there are many treatment options for those struggling with addiction. Each individual will have their own goals when seeking substance use and addiction treatment. There are many different experiences, and what worked for some people may not work for others.
All in all, each person’s treatment needs and goals are different, and both mental illnesses and addictions are rooted in a complex and variable combination of biology, psychology, and life experiences.
This article explores the most current treatment options available for addiction.
Causes & Risk Factors for Addiction
A variety of factors can cause substance use disorders. Among them are:
- A family history of substance abuse, for example.
- Getting addicted to substances at a young age.
- The easy availability of drugs or alcohol, especially for young people.
- Diagnosis of mental illness.
- Parental monitoring is low.
- Family conflict is prevalent.
- Neglect or abuse in the past.
- Conflict or violence within the family.
These are only a few examples – there could be various causes and risk factors for addiction.
Why Pursue Treatment
By using therapy, counseling, rehab, and other treatment modalities, the core reason for addiction can be discussed, and coping mechanisms and healing can begin. Addiction impacts everyone differently, so that the recovery process can differ from person to person. Several types of rehab and treatment programs are available to suit each individual’s needs.
What is the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s stance on addiction treatment?
The National Institute of Drug Abuse is in support and advocates for treatment when it comes to addiction. They fund a broad range of research to improve access to high-quality, evidence-based treatment tailored for specific groups, such as adolescents, people in prison, and people with other mental health problems.
Through NIDA-supported research, effective interventions have been developed for treating substance use disorders and overdose, like medications (for example, those for opioid use disorder or tobacco dependence), behavioral interventions, and digital therapeutics.
Addiction Treatment: First Steps
Recovery begins with acknowledging that substance abuse is disrupting the quality of a person’s life. School, work, social, recreational, or other important areas of functioning can be impaired.
Treatment options are available once an individual notices and understands the negative impact of a substance on their lives.
Addicts need treatment if they want to recover. Treatment may last for the rest of a person’s life for most people. It may be difficult for them to remain abstinent for the rest of their lives. Patients with addictive disorders often have their treatment plans altered to meet their needs.
Several factors affect addiction treatment options, including the type of addictive disorder, how long and severe the addiction is, and how it affects the individual. Physical complications may also be treated or referred to a doctor if they have developed, such as liver disease in alcoholic or respiratory issues in a smoker.
People who struggle with addiction can choose from several treatment options. No single treatment works for all people suffering from addictive disorders.
The most common interventions include inpatient and outpatient programs, psychological counseling, self-help groups, and medication.
Detoxification
As part of treatment, detoxification is usually the first step. Clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal symptoms are involved in this process.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 80 percent of treatment clinics use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
It is common for people who are addicted to more than one substance to need medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
A new electronic device called the NSS-2 Bridge was introduced in 2017 to reduce opiate withdrawal. Known as a withdrawal relief device, the device emits electrical pulses that trigger specific nerves to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Types
Treatment programs can be customized depending on an individual’s needs and circumstances. For treatment programs to be effective, participants must actively participate throughout the process.
Inpatient Rehab
A residential treatment program, also known as inpatient treatment, offers structured programs that address all aspects of an individual’s addiction. Patients receive round-the-clock medical care and therapeutic support during inpatient treatment. Individuals with long-term substance use disorders and those with co-occurring mental illness or behavioral disorders may benefit from inpatient treatment programs.
Outpatient Rehab
Another form of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment is outpatient treatment. Treatments and therapies offered in these programs are often the same as those offered in inpatient programs. During recovery, patients can live at home with outpatient treatment. Depending on their condition, the patient may be able to work and take care of their family while attending weekly treatment sessions.
Because outpatient programs do not isolate patients from the real world, patients are more vulnerable to encountering triggers that can result in relapse behaviors, especially in the early stages of recovery. Due to this, outpatient rehabs are well suited to individuals with mild forms of substance abuse disorders. The combination of outpatient treatment and sober living homes is an excellent “step-down” approach after inpatient treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The client attends treatment for four to eight hours daily (or more) while living at home. In most cases, addiction treatment programs of this type are used when a child needs intensive, structured treatment. Co-occurring mental illnesses can benefit from day treatment.
Residential (rehab)
Typically, these programs last one month to a year in a residential setting. During the program, residents typically go through different phases. You may not be able to contact your loved one during certain phases. Obtain information about the program’s policies and procedures and additional services such as education and vocational training.
Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
Medication is provided in a specialized outpatient setting, together with counseling and other treatment services for people who have a physical dependence on certain substances, primarily heroin and opioids.
Takeaway
If you are struggling with addiction, the good news is that there are many avenues you can take for treatment.
At LGBTQ and ALL, we have an extensive list of qualified mental health providers that specialize in addiction. Check it out here.
Alternatively, if you are a therapist or health specialist that treats addiction, you can sign up for our directory to best reach your patients. To learn more, go to our business page and learn how you can grow your practice.
