In most communities, a public or private agency regularly compiles a directory of specialized drug and alcohol treatment centers. This information is useful to primary care clinicians who may want their patients to enroll in a program.
Increasingly, treatment programs are including relapse prevention as part of their services. This involves preparing patients to recognize high-risk situations and emotional “triggers,” as well as developing a repertoire of substitute responses to craving.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers around-the-clock care in a live-in facility. This type of program can be a good option for people who need more intensive treatment than outpatient programs offer and need to be away from their home environment. It can also be helpful for people who have a high level of mental health issues that may interfere with their ability to function effectively in the outside world.
Most residential treatment programs use a therapeutic community model that involves individualized psychiatric care and group therapy. They also offer education on how to cope with cravings, as well as relapse prevention tools such as support groups and the use of maintenance medications. Find out more at substance abuse treatment center.
Adolescents whose substance abuse can be a contributing factor to educational, emotional, and social problems often benefit from residential treatment. In addition, adolescents whose substance abuse has severely damaged their family relationships often find healing through a residential program. Likewise, women who have a history of abusive or codependent relationships can benefit from residential treatment.
Outpatient Treatment
For those who cannot commit to an inpatient program because of a work schedule, childcare, or family responsibilities, outpatient treatment may be the right option. Outpatient rehab does not include onsite living arrangements, so patients can live at home and commute to treatment sessions on a set schedule. Some outpatient treatment centers also offer or can link patients to supportive housing services.
Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab can involve various types of therapy techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, group and individual counseling, relapse prevention, contingency management, and psychoeducation. Relapse prevention focuses on identifying dangerous “triggers” that can lead to a return to substance use and teaching coping strategies to prevent relapse.
Least intensive outpatient programs involve fewer than 9 hours of scheduled treatment each week and may include counseling, skill training, and psychoeducation without medication. They are designed for people who have adequate support systems, stable living arrangements, and the motivation to participate in this least intensive level of care.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
A dual diagnosis treatment program can help patients with both a mental health issue and a substance abuse problem. Psychiatric symptoms and drug or alcohol use often correlate with each other, so treating both conditions concurrently results in faster recovery and longer-lasting results.
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are used in dual diagnosis treatment programs. These therapies teach patients how to minimize problematic thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthy coping skills. Medications are also frequently used in these programs. These medications may help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety and agitation, or prevent hallucinations.
Inpatient addiction treatment centers offer a safe, secure environment where individuals can begin their recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. These programs typically provide detox, clinical guidance and around-the-clock supervision. They also provide access to support groups for patients to connect with others and learn new coping skills. These groups can also be a source of encouragement and inspiration.
Support Groups
Support groups are a vital component of most addiction recovery treatment programs. Whether upon discharge from a residential program or during outpatient care, the regular meeting of an alcohol or drug abuse support group helps people maintain their sobriety and learn healthier coping skills.
Different types of group therapy include coping skills development, psychoeducation and psychotherapy. These can be delivered by trained therapists, peer facilitators or volunteers. Skills development groups usually focus on specific coping strategies such as stress or anger management. Psychoeducational groups teach clients about the behavior, medical and psychological effects of substance use disorders. This information is intended to expand awareness and motivate people to enter the recovery process (Galanter et al. 1998).
Cognitive-behavioral groups help people with substance abuse problems change maladaptive behaviors by changing thinking patterns, beliefs and perceptions. Treatment manuals often provide a structured framework and goal orientation for these groups (Matano et al. 1997). Some groups are culturally specific and help curtail substance abuse by utilizing indigenous healing practices.