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The Best Substance Abuse Treatment

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2005 survey, approximately 112,085,000 Americans over the age of 12 have tried an illicit drug at least once. Of those, many will go on to become addicted to the substance. These numbers do not include the millions who are also addicted to legal substances such as alcohol. Substance abuse issues ruin lives. However, treatment is available to help break the addictive cycle.

  1. Personalized Plan

    • The best substance abuse treatment starts with a personalized plan. No addict is the same when it comes to the best treatment style. Each plan needs to be individually customized to give the addict the best chance at success. Seek to have an intake interview with a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Through this interview, the counselor can help develop a plan that encompasses everything necessary without wasting money or resources. This plan is guided by the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria which determines what types of treatment are the best for each particular addict.

    Detox

    • One of the most common first steps to substance abuse treatment is detox. Though not used in all drug treatment plans, many substances need a specified time for detoxing any remaining effects out of the body. Detox can vary in severity and difficulty depending on the type of substance, and how long the substance has been used (tolerance level). Some addicts only need a safe place to sleep any withdrawal symptoms off, while others may need 24-hour medical supervision in a hospital facility due to possible severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures.

    Outpatient

    • After detox, have the substance abuser placed in one of two main treatment facilities. These can be either outpatient or residential. Outpatient treatment is reserved for those who can be successful in becoming sober while still living in the outside world. Outpatients visit a treatment facility on a regular basis for individual counseling, behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy and other treatment programs to help the individual live and become sober. Those who start in residential treatment may, over time, work their way into outpatient treatment as well.

    Residential

    • Residential treatment is reserved for those with severe enough substance abuse problems that being left in the outside world will be too much of an obstacle to become sober. In this case, have the patient moved onto a treatment campus where she will reside on average between one and three months. Some programs may last longer depending on the individual. Residential treatment employs the same treatment methods and therapies as outpatient treatment programs.

    Support Groups

    • Substance abuse treatment continues for many recovering addicts even after outpatient or residential treatment programs. This is often done through the use of support groups. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), sober living facilities and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), as well as many other individual support groups through the nation are key to the continued support and treatment of substance abuse. These groups provide hands-on support and continued encouragement to remain sober in the face of temptation and use triggers. Ensure that the recovering user seeks support through the appropriate group.

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