There are many different types of addiction treatment services out there, including counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Learn about your options here.

In the year 2020, more than 40 million Americans were battling a substance use disorder (SUD). A substance use disorder is the clinical diagnosis for substance addiction. It indicates that a user’s health, wellbeing, and life have been adversely affected by recurrent drug or alcohol use. To those struggling with this disorder, however – and to their loved ones especially – addiction can feel like so much more.

When a loved one is battling drug addiction, it is a powerful burden. Whether you are a parent, family member, or friend, you may feel overcome by fear, worry, stress, anger, and sadness all at once and what feels like all the time. On top of this, you may feel confused on what to do next. You may be unsure where to begin in finding the right type of addiction treatment services for your loved one.

Substance addiction is a complex disease, but know that it can be treated successfully and many people do recover. As you endeavor to find the right treatment program for your loved one, it is important to keep one factor top of mind: Addiction treatment must be individualized to meet each person’s unique needs. This means that addiction treatment services are not one-size-fits-all, and what works for each person will differ depending on their circumstances and history of substance use.

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available to those facing a substance use disorder. You can work with a clinician or treatment professional to determine the best course of action for your loved one right now. The right services for your loved one will depend on their substance of choice, the severity of their SUD, their personal mental health needs, as well as factors like age and gender. 

While addiction treatment services will differ person to person, and approaches to treatment can vary from program to program, there are some common, evidence-based services that have proven successful. Below are five of the most common addiction treatment services that have helped clients on their path towards recovery. 

1. Detoxification

In addiction treatment, detoxification is the process in which the body clears itself of drugs and alcohol. It is completed in a professional treatment setting, sometimes referred to as medically-managed detox, to ensure individuals are safely (and more comfortably) weaned off of drugs. Quitting drugs suddenly can pose dangers, which is why professional detoxification is an important step for those facing a substance use disorder. The detoxification process helps eliminate the toxins from the body, minimizes withdrawal symptoms and side effects, and helps set a person up for a successful recovery. For this reason, detox is typically the first step in rehabilitation from substance addiction.

2. Individualized Counseling

Individualized counseling involves one-on-one sessions with a licensed counselor or therapist. The goal of these sessions is to significantly reduce – and eventually stop – substance abuse. However, this is a process. During therapy, clients and counselors may discuss short-term and long-term goals for recovery. Counselors may help clients develop coping strategies to help abstain from drug and alcohol use, as well as manage and work through difficult emotions and situations. An addiction counselor will also be focused on helping an individual get to the root of their substance use and actively manage any co-occurring mental health disorders. Due to the individualized nature of these sessions, the actual dialogue and approaches to counseling can vary. Typically, however, counseling does not solely address the substance abuse – it also addresses the other factors that are affected by it: employment or academic problems, disrupted or toxic relationships, legal troubles, financial struggles, and more. If needed, a counselor may refer clients to supplemental treatment and resources.

3. Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies are evidence-based treatment methods that are designed to help patients modify their drug-using behaviors. Behavioral therapies are also used to increase clients’ life skills, and are typically enacted alongside other forms of addiction treatment. There are several types of behavioral therapies used to treat addiction. Common forms include: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals recognize, avoid, and cope with relapse triggers. In other words, it teaches individuals how to identify and handle the difficult feelings and situations that make them want to drink or use drugs.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Motivational Enhancement Therapy is designed to engage clients more actively in the treatment process, strengthen their motivation to change their lifestyle, and build a plan for their recovery.
• Multidimensional Family Therapy: Family Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based approach that has been found to be highly effective for adolescents and young adults struggling with an SUD. This addiction therapy method is designed to improve overall family functioning and relationships, and involve family members in the treatment process.
• Contingency Management: Contingency Management Therapy is designed to reinforce positive behaviors by giving clients tangible rewards. For example, sobriety is a positive behavior that would be reinforced. This type of treatment has been found effective to prevent relapse, particularly in young people.

4. 12-Step Facilitation

The 12-Step Facilitation model is an addiction treatment method that brings together a group of individuals in recovery. According to one Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) survey, 12-Step Facilitation is used by an estimated 74% of treatment centers.

12-Step programs involve group meetings in which individuals can discuss their challenges, progress, and experiences in recovery. They can provide mutual support as they work through the process and help one another maintain abstinence. 12-Step meetings are typically structured around the “12-Step model,” which begins with accepting one’s substance use disorder. Once acceptance is achieved, one can work through the various steps towards a lasting recovery. You can learn more about the 12 Step program here. 

5. Medication-Assisted Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medication is often a key component of rehabilitation from addiction. Certain medications, administered in a professional treatment setting, can help ease difficult withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring mental health disorders. It is recommended that medication is used in combination with other addiction treatment services, such as behavioral therapy, in order to effectively treat addiction.

If your loved one is struggling with substance addiction, know that there is help available. As overwhelmed as you may feel with the treatment options right now, there is a clear path ahead. By speaking with your clinician, counselor, primary care provider, or an addiction treatment specialist, you can get a grasp on what your loved one needs now. Ask a professional about the addiction treatment services above, and which will be most effective in helping your loved one to a safe and successful recovery. If you have questions, or if you’d like to learn about Turnbridge’s addition treatment programs, please do not hesitate to reach out. Call 877-581-1793 today.