In the post-pandemic modern world, there are a lot of moving parts. There are problems that have existed forever and new challenges. Addiction is somewhere in between. Substance abuse and physical dependence have existed for as long as alcohol has, which predates modern history, but the levels of addiction have reached and the drugs available today are a whole new issue. Still, while there are all kinds of addictive issues, there are also new treatments to respond to them. Below are the five essential types of treatments that can help people struggling with addiction.
Detox Treatment
Depending on the drug and addiction to it, the person will go through withdrawals when they stop using. These withdrawals can be mild, but they can also be uncomfortable and severe. Either way, it’s a good idea to be supervised while you or your loved one goes through this process. Even if the physical withdrawals aren’t that bad, the cravings could tempt the person to use again if they aren’t being supervised. Furthermore, if the person is addicted to something like opioids or alcohol, medical attention and medication could be required. Detox is the first step of the recovery process, but it isn’t over after the withdrawals have ended.
Inpatient Rehab
Detox is a part of inpatient rehab treatments, which are typically about 30 days. This is likely the type of addiction rehab you are most familiar with. It’s what you see in the movies. Inpatient treatment differs quite a bit from what you are used to seeing in pop culture. Same things, however, do apply. For example, after detox the patient begins individual counseling with addiction professionals. They will also start attending group meetings and begin the 12-step program. This is typically where the person will find a sponsor and start therapeutic treatments like dual diagnosis.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is a lot like inpatient, but the main difference is that the person doesn’t sleep overnight at a facility. This is designed for people who are highly functioning. When someone needs addiction treatment but also needs to work and take care of their family, outpatient treatment can suffice. Whether the person does this after going to detox treatment or not depends on the person and the addiction. However, the rest of the treatment is the same—individual counseling, group meetings, and the 12-step program.
Dual Diagnosis Therapeutic Treatment
One of the most vital addiction treatment modalities today is dual diagnosis. When someone has a dual diagnosis, it means that they are struggling with both addiction and mental health issues. While addiction itself is a mental health issue, dual diagnosis refers to the underlying condition that is being self-medicated with drugs and alcohol. The addiction is almost a symptom of the underlying mental health disorder.
It can be anything. A lot of people self-medicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with alcohol or drugs. Bipolar disorder too. Depression and anxiety are mitigated momentarily. However, all these disorders need proper treatment. Dual diagnosis aims to treat the substance abuse, dependence, and the underlying mental health issues that led the person here.
Residential Treatment
Residential addiction treatment is another type of addiction treatment that comes in many forms. You can do inpatient rehab in a residential setting where you go through detox, counseling, and group meetings in a home with other patients. Furthermore, residential treatment can be long-term and become sober living.
Sober living homes are long-term options to live in a sober and recovery-centered environment. This is a voluntary form of aftercare treatment that a lot of people choose to do to strengthen their recovery. Finally, luxury rehab—which comes with more privacy, amenities, and some of the best addiction specialists—takes place in a residential setting.
The five forms of addiction treatment aren’t the only rehab options, but they are some of the most common and useful. When it comes to addiction, everyone is different. They all need different things. They have different underlying disorders. Whether you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, there are plenty of ways to get help. Start with detox and go from there. Getting off the dependence is the first step, but long term recovery and sobriety comes from putting in the work to heal and treat dual diagnoses.
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