Substance Abuse Treatment Options

When it comes time to seek out substance abuse treatment, an individual or family needs to weight all the options with the help of a professional. For some, one method is enough to give him or her a fresh start on life. Others use a combination of treatments to get themselves back on track. Whichever method is selected, a person must remain consistent and avoid the products that lead them to addiction in the past.

Medications

Detoxification is the first step in substance abuse treatment. By itself, this is not enough to help an individual "kick the habit." It still requires follow up methods. But during this process, the symptoms are often difficult on a person both physically and emotionally. His or her body is getting rid of something that it has come to depend on for an extended amount of time. It is important to try and reestablish normal brain function and medication can give the patient a boost in this area. These medicines can help control the cravings and in some cases, help prevent a relapse.

Outpatient Behavioral Treatments

Outpatient behavioral treatments assist a patient in changing his or her attitudes when it comes abusing different substances. The goal is to create healthy life skills that help an individual move on with his or her life and gain control of the addiction. When a patient participates in an outpatient substance abuse treatment scenario, he or she goes to a clinic at regular intervals to participate in different experiences. This includes things like individual, family, or group counseling. A person may also work towards motivational incentives. Positive reinforcement is used to encourage a person from leaving the addiction behind.

Residential Treatments

In severe situations, a person may go into a residential facility. Here, the day is completely structured with patients participating in a variety of different activities. There are several different types of facilities to choose from. Some keep a patient for several weeks while others will care for a patient for up to a year. An extensive support staff helps patients through the process. This is the most expensive option but can help when a person had an extensive history with addiction.

Some people choose to put themselves through substance abuse treatment. They recognize the problem and want to make a change in their lives. Other times, families and friends come together to set up an intervention, telling a person their concerns and trying to get him or her to consider a change.

There are times when substance abuse treatment is not an option; it is mandatory. When the legal system gets involved, a judge can sentence a person to these types of treatments. The goal is to prevent a person from returning to his or her previous lifestyle. While voluntarily submitting to help is preferable, it does not make a difference in the effectiveness of the method.