There’s no secret that the addiction problem in the United States is out of control. Between the decline in mental health, the socioeconomic situation, and the availability of powerful drugs for cheap, it’s not hard to figure out why addiction has increased. However, with the increase of addiction comes the compulsory need for treatment. Addiction recovery resources and treatment modalities have become more effective and widely available. If you or someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, below are the essential steps of recovery.
Stop Denying
The first unavoidable step when it comes to addiction recovery is to stop denying that there is a problem. When someone is in the throes of addiction, they may say and think that they can stop whenever they want. It’s only when they have tried to stop and can’t that they will realize they need professional help. Denial is very powerful, especially when the person is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Before any treatment is done, however, the person needs to stop denying that they have a problem and admit that they can’t stop using substances on their own. Only then will they be able to seek proper treatment.
Go Through Detox
Once the person has stopped denying that they have a problem, they will stop using and go through the process of detox. Withdrawal symptoms vary based on what type of addiction the person has and how long they’ve been addicted to that drug, but most of the time it is a better idea to seek detox supervision and medical care. Some withdrawal symptoms are annoying, and others are painful and dangerous. When the person is addicted to alcohol, opioids, or opiates, supervised detox is integral to the process of recovery. Whether you are looking for a detox program near Palm Springs or in the Southside of Chicago, there is a treatment center for you.
Start Long-term Treatment
After detox is through, the actual long-term hard work begins. This is when the person starts treatment in a meaningful way. There are many different treatment modalities that can help patients in their path of recovery. The first and most common is inpatient treatment. This is when a patient goes into a rehab center for about 30 days. Of course, the person will go through detox but then they will begin counseling with a professional, group meetings, and the 12-step program. Inpatient can be clinical, residential, or luxury treatment.
Outpatient rehab provides nearly the same treatment, but the person doesn’t stay in a facility overnight. This treatment modality is better for people who are high functioning. When a person needs to take care of their family or go to work but still needs treatment for addiction, outpatient is the way they can keep their life going and receive the care that they need.
Receive Dual Diagnosis
So often the care that is needed is dual diagnosis treatment. When someone has a dual diagnosis, they are struggling with both the substance abuse and dependence as well as a co-occurring and underlying mental health issue. People often begin using drugs and alcohol heavily to cope and self-medicate. Whether it’s PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or something else, self-medication is a common way addictions form. To prevent relapse and support long-term recovery, dual diagnosis is necessary.
Begin Aftercare
When the inpatient or outpatient work is done, recovery continues. For most people, recovery never ends. It’s all a part of the process. Aftercare is essential to a successful recovery and long-term sobriety. Whether the person chooses to live in a sober living home away from temptation or they need extensive therapy to heal from their trauma, aftercare is a way to strengthen the overall recovery. Group meetings and becoming a sponsor are also important. Aftercare is the essential final step to treatment.
While these are the essential five treatments for addiction, they are multifaceted and dynamic. Everyone is different and has their own needs. Depending on the addiction and duration of it, the treatment should be modified. The person’s history with mental health and trauma should be considered. When you or someone you love is struggling with substances, the five steps above are a great way to approach treatment.