How To Find An Effective Rehabilitation Program
How do I know what would be an effective treatment program for me?
Addictions are personal in nature, as are the treatment programs considered to be effective. A treatment program that works for one individual might not be the right choice for someone else. Drug treatment options include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
- Medical detox
- Sober Living
- 12-step meetings
Drug and alcohol addiction is all-encompassing, affecting every aspect of the person’s life It has a negative impact on that person’s functioning in family and professional and social lives.
Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “this disorder leads to intense cravings for the addictive substance, these cravings are so strong that they are experienced as being uncontrollable. Seeking and taking the addictive substance becomes a compulsion when addiction is experienced. Addiction affects the brain, including areas responsible for learning, motivation, and impulse control. Fortunately, various types of rehabilitation programs are available to support the recovery process so individuals struggling with addiction can go on to lead balanced, healthy lives.”
drugs treated at effective rehab programsThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) reports that in 2014, 22.5 million people in the US needed treatment for a drug or alcohol use problem. Only 2.6 million people received treatment at a facility specializing in addiction rehabilitation, and only 4.1 million people received any treatment at all.
It is critical for those who want to be substance-free that they find an effective rehabilitation program that can support them to long-term recovery. There are many treatment facilities in the US, it is vital that they choose a program that specializes in addiction treatment and one offers specialized services.
What Makes an Effective Program?
Because of the all-encompassing characteristics of addiction, NIDA suggests that “a treatment program include several components that address all areas of life. Effective rehabilitation programs will not only focus on the individual’s drug use, but also on interpersonal relationships, employment training, and other important areas of functioning.”
A recent study published by the Taylor and Francis Group determined that treatment programs assisted by medical support, outpatient drug-free programs, inpatient therapeutic communities were highly effective in treating addiction. Addiction treatment was demonstrated to be promising in its effectiveness and showed much higher success rates than detox alone. The journal Addiction reports that even short-term treatment approaches to alcohol abuse recovery show positive outcomes.
What Types of Rehabilitation Programs are there?
Most rehabilitation programs begin with detoxification. The NIDA identifies this stage as the process by which the body purges drugs, and it is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological. Rehabilitation programs are designed to manage these side effects through medical detox and support the affected individual through the transition. Remember that further treatment is always necessary after detox to create change and prevent a relapse. SAMHSA lists the primary types of treatment programs:
- Individual and group counseling
- Inpatient or residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- 12-step programs and support groups
Residential Treatment
Residential Treatment is available as both long-term and short-term treatment. Residential treatment facilities provide 24-hour care in an inpatient treatment setting. The common model for this type of rehab program is the “therapeutic community,” according to NIDA. an effective rehab in connecticutNIDA explains “Addiction and recovery are considered in relation to their environment. Social and psychological deficits are identified and repaired, and personal accountability is emphasized. These structured programs encourage confrontation of issues, including negative self-concepts, self-beliefs, and patterns of behavior that have maintained the addiction. Damaging behaviors are replaced with constructive patterns that encourage health and wellbeing. Academic support, employment training and other services may be offered on- site as well. Long-term programs typically last six to twelve months, while short-term programs provide more intensive treatment for a briefer period. Due to the reduced time spent in the residential environment, it is important that the person remain in outpatient treatment after leaving the center.”
NIDA reports that outpatient treatment and self-help groups help to reduce the risk of relapse following a short-term stay in a residential program. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a report indicating that while both long-term and short-term rehabilitation programs showed success in establishing and maintaining recovery from addiction.
Many rehabilitation programs use medication in addition to other modes of treatment to assist in the recovery process, particularly during detoxification. SAMHSA reports that the medications used in rehab work in a variety of ways. Some reduce cravings; some prevent the positive sensations expected from substance, and some produce negative reactions when the drug or alcohol is used. This form of treatment has been very effective for opioid addiction recovery. In addition, some medications have also been used in recovery from alcohol and other substance addictions. other substance addictions.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient Treatment can vary greatly and include programs that range from drug education to intensive day treatment, such as residential programs. A person’s level of functioning and social support factor greatly into what level of treatment is appropriate for that individual. NIDA reports that outpatient programs may involve individual counseling, group counseling, and treatment of other disorders or health problems.
Partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment, includes frequent treatment sessions multiple times a week, generally with fewer Outpatient Drug Rehab Group sessions as treatment progresses. According to SAMHSA, people often move into regular outpatient treatment, involving fewer hours per week, after completing partial hospitalization.
Individual counseling can be a major help in rehabilitation by not only addressing the addiction, but also confronting any other problematic areas of life such as relationships, employment, or illegal activity. This type of counseling develops coping strategies that support abstinence. SAMHSA lists Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Contingency Management, and Motivational Enhancement Therapy as effective approaches to individual therapy for addiction.
Group counseling is widely used in addiction treatment, often as part of a 12-Step program. According to NIDA, group therapy works well in combination with individual therapy. The Taylor and Francis Group indicates that “when attended at least once a week, participation in 12-Step programs significantly increases the chances of maintaining sobriety. Participating in these programs following more intense treatment, such as inpatient care, was shown to be an effective mode of abstinence maintenance.”
An effective rehabilitation program should tailor treatment to each individual. This means that each person’s treatment plan will vary, depending on the person’s background, personal circumstances, and progress in recovery.
Finding an Effective Rehab Program
If you need help finding an effective rehabilitation program, we can help. Our professional staff is equipped to facilitate assessment, treatment planning, insurance verification, and clinical recommendations for rehab. Call us at 1-203-293-1723 today.