The first step in any drug or alcohol recovery journey is admitting the problem. Recovering from a substance abuse, sadly, is not a singular path, which means different treatment programs and rehabilitation centers will meet the needs of different patients. Luckily, there are numerous alcohol and drug programs available to help treat addiction.
Keep in mind that the first stage of any treatment program starts with detoxification, of which in-patient programs are often the safest bet because they offer medically-supervised withdrawal by an experienced healthcare team. However, once the body is detoxified of the addictive substance, the social, behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues associated with addiction remain, and most patients will enter a addiction treatment program in order to sustain their recovery. Here are the most common types of treatment programs available:
1. Group therapy
In a group counseling situation, patients often benefit from the social support offered by the overall group discussion. Group addiction treatment groups advocate living drug-free in a community-friendly environment. For this reason, many groups offer new addicts sponsorship through a veteran addict who makes his or herself available, as well as planned group activities as a social outlet that supports and reinforces the positive outcomes of living a sober lifestyle.
2. One-on-one addiction counseling
One on one or individual therapy is meant to equip patients with the tools necessary for recovery. Addiction counsellors tend to focus on the root of drug or alcohol use, as well as teach cognitive behavioral techniques that offer structure and coping tools in all areas of the addict’s life—including social, family, work, etc.—to help them abstain from substance use. They are also trained to offer referrals, as needed, to other medical, employment, and psychological professionals and services.
3. Short-term residential programs
Short-term residential treatment programs treat substance abuse over a short term period. Based on a classic 12-step program , patients stay for periods between 3-weeks to 6-weeks. However, once patients leave the residential setting, most agree to participate in an aftercare, outpatient program (i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous) to help encourage a sober lifestyle and prevent relapse.
4. Court appointed addiction programs
Many times, substance abusers are sentenced to rehabilitation as part of a crime, which can occur in after, during, or as an alternative to incarceration. Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse finds that abusers who enter drug or alcohol rehab for legal reasons often remain in treatment longer, and continue their treatment after their criminal time is served.
5. Long-term residential treatment programs
In-patient rehab offers patients around-the-clock care in a residential treatment center. Patients generally stay for 6- to 12-month durations. The treatment program for in-patient care offers plenty of structure while allowing patients to challenge addictive behaviors, self-esteem, history of abuse, toxic relationships, and destructive behaviors at the root of their substance abuse. During their stay, addicts will participate in counselling (group and individual) as well as therapies (i.e., art, music, meditation, etc.) to help them learn the tools to live a successful sober lifestyle once they leave.
6. Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment
Outpatient treatment programs offer accelerated day or weekend treatments for substance abusers. Outpatient programs typically offer similar counselling, group therapy, and addiction services to in-patient residential programs at an intensive level. These programs are ideal for patients with plenty of social support who may be employed and unable to attend even short or long term treatment programs.
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