Types Of Addiction Treatment Programs

Posted on: 17 September 2021

Addiction is hard on an individual and their friends and family. Luckily, there are several types of addiction treatments programs that can help you or a loved one get sober. This article will break down some of the different types of addiction treatments to help you determine which one is best for your needs.

Detoxification

Detox is the first step in overcoming addiction. Detox is the process of cleansing the body entirely of the addictive substance. This process typically takes about a week depending on the substances that a patient is addicted to. Withdrawal can be extremely hard on the body and the mind. Because of that, detox is overseen with 24-hour medical care.  A doctor can also prescribe medications that will help with the painful, and sometimes life-threatening, physiological side effects.

It is important to understand, however, that detox does address the root of someone's addiction, and therefore, detox alone usually does not stop an addiction.

Residential Treatment Programs

Residential treatment programs are great for those who need a distraction-free environment. Patients have no disruptions from daily life and have access to 24-hour medical and emotional support.

Sort-Term Residential Treatment

Short-term residential treatment is typically a few weeks long. It can be done at a hospital or a treatment facility. Short-term treatment programs often utilize systems like a 12-step program. Patients will have mandated therapy and following their discharge they will be encouraged to use support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These types of outpatient support groups, along with residential treatment, can help someone stay sober.

Long-Term Residential Treatment

Long-term residential treatment programs can last as long as several months. These programs are intensive, comprehensive, and structured. They take the time to get to the root of someone's addiction and then use behavior-changing therapies to help them overcome their addiction. Individual and group therapy are utilized. They often use what's called a "therapeutic community" approach where everyone at the facility will work together to help each other. There is a strong emphasis on resocialization, and sometimes they even offer employment training.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

With outpatient treatment, after the initial inpatient detox, all therapy will be done in an outpatient setting where patients come to the hospital or clinic for a few hours each day. It is most often used for those with mild addiction. This option is cheaper than residential options and is more flexible for people who have full-time jobs or a family to take care of. The patient will attend both individual and group therapy. These programs are usually several months long. One of the benefits is that patients still have access to their social circles for support.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the different addiction treatment programs you can weigh your options and determine what is best for you or your loved one. Consider speaking with a psychologist who can give you a professional opinion. For more information, contact a treatment program provider, like John Volken Academy Ranch.

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