Addiction is a serious issue that many in America suffer from. Everything from alcohol to prescription opioids can create an unhealthy addiction that leads to physical and social ramifications. But if you do suffer from addiction, substance abuse treatments are available. Treatment for substance abuse in America has come a long way in recent years, and treatment centers are better equipped than ever to deal with addiction. By focusing more on the underlying reasons behind substance abuse, treatment options can give you back control over your life.
Types of Substance Abuse Treatments
Not everyone is made the same, which means not everyone will suffer from addiction in the same way. Because of this, some substance abuse treatments will be more or less effective than others. Where someone might see great success with one, another person might continue to struggle. That’s why many treatment centers for substance abuse have a variety of treatment programs to help fit every need.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Before recent research into addiction, it was believed that the best way to overcome substance abuse was to remain at a rehab center for an extended duration. However, many individuals would find themselves relapsing once the program was over. To address this issue, treatment centers have adopted a new intensive outpatient program instead.
During this program, individuals will attend education sessions lasting three hours three to five times a week. By returning to their regular lives, individuals can identify specific triggers or potential roadblocks when it comes to maintaining sobriety. They can then focus their sessions on these issues to learn healthy coping mechanisms moving forward. By offering classes both during the day and early evening, treatment centers allow individuals to continue working, attending classes, and taking care of their families.
Partial Hospitalization Program
While going back to your home or sober living environment is beneficial overall, there are some individuals who continue to struggle with addiction even during a program. Staying at a rehab center for the entire duration of a program isn’t always effective or possible. But with partial hospitalization programs, individuals can get additional support and assistance while pursuing their sobriety goals.
During a partial hospitalization program, individuals will attend both day and evening sessions at their treatment center. They’ll remain at the center for the majority of the day, returning to their homes or sober living environments after both sessions are over. This additional time spent at the treatment center can help individuals who suffer from withdrawal symptoms or who don’t have a strong support system outside of treatment.
Chronic Relapse
Outpatient programs have been proven to reduce the odds of relapse in many individuals. However, some people still struggle with substance abuse after treatment. While one or two instances of relapse can be expected, those who continue to struggle with maintaining sobriety may find greater success in a chronic relapse program.
These programs run much like an intensive outpatient program, but they vary in content. While an intensive outpatient program will focus on understanding your addiction and finding the underlying causes behind it, a chronic relapse program will focus more on ways to avoid substance abuse. These programs run separately from others, allowing members to address their unique troubles and find ways to avoid relapse in the future.
What to Expect from Substance Abuse Treatments
The stigma surrounding substance abuse and treatment can often make seeking help frightening or stressful. But the more you know about how substance abuse treatments work, the more confident you can be in seeking them out.
A Focus on Education
The more you know about addiction, the better equipped you’ll be to overcome it. During your treatment, you’ll learn more about the underlying reasons behind addiction and what could be causing your addiction. Everything from a genetic predisposition to co-occurring mental health issues can lead to substance abuse. And when you know what’s driving your need for a substance, you can work on finding healthy ways to overcome those desires.
Compassionate Care
Most treatment centers these days see addiction for what it is: a disorder. It’s not a matter that willpower alone can overcome. You can expect understanding and compassionate care from your treatment team as you work on bettering your life and building a healthier future.
Support for Loved Ones
When we suffer through addiction, we often aren’t the only ones affected. Our friends and family can suffer with us. That’s why many addiction treatment centers offer support groups and educational programs for loved ones. These programs help friends and family members understand your addiction as well. They’ll learn ways to support you on your sobriety mission while also protecting and taking care of themselves in the process.
Alumni Programs
After you’ve finished treatment, it can be easy to feel lost or alone. After spending weeks with the same people and support group, losing that contact and community can be difficult. Thankfully, many treatment centers offer continuing care or alumni programs you can join after your program is complete. These allow you to remain in contact with others in the group as well as your treatment team. While not as time consuming or necessary as treatment sessions, staying in contact with your support system can help you maintain sobriety and continue living a healthier life.
Where to Get Substance Abuse Treatments
If you suffer from addiction, you don’t have to suffer alone. At The Bridges of San Diego, we’re here to help. Our substance abuse treatments are designed to help working adults achieve and maintain sobriety while still living their lives. With a focus on education and understanding, we strive to create a comfortable environment that can help you build a better future. Give us a call at 619-639-1458 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve sobriety.