If you’ve been struggling with a substance abuse problem, you might be wondering if treatment is the answer. And while there are many different routes that can lead to recovery, one of the most important questions is finding a treatment center that can meet your unique needs and goals. Well, wonder no more! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about alcohol and drug treatment programs — so carry on reading for all your answers!
What are some of the most common treatment options?
In general, there are three primary ways to receive substance abuse treatment: residential treatment, outpatient treatment and medications. Each of these options offers benefits, as well as challenges.
Residential Treatment:
Residential treatment involves living at a facility for substance abusers that provides a daily routine of therapy and education. While in residential care, you will live among fellow addicts and be encouraged to become actively involved with the program throughout the day. For many recovering addicts, living in a structured environment with no outside distractions helps to minimize temptations, allowing them time to focus on their recovery. Religious or spiritual treatments also fall into this category and may offer additional guidance during your recovery process.
Outpatient Treatment:
If you do not want to move into a residential setting, outpatient treatment may be a viable option. This type of treatment provides individualized therapy in the privacy of your home. Though harder to administer than traditional inpatient care, outpatient treatment can be beneficial in the following situations:
-Your substance abuse problem is less severe than others, and you need more time to recover.
-You have been admitted to the hospital for substance abuse related issues and wish to continue your medication without leaving the hospital.
-You are homeless and cannot stay at a residential program for any period of time.
Medications:
Some drug disorders can be treated with medications that target your specific addiction. Medications may be used in conjunction with behavioral therapies or in place of other treatments. When drugs interact with receptors in the brain, they can produce chemical reactions that change the chemical balance and lead to cravings for that substance. By targeting these receptors, medications can minimize these reactions, reducing the likelihood of relapsing to harmful patterns of substance abuse.
The primary goal of most alcohol and drug treatment programs is abstinence — no use or abuse of drugs or alcohol. Although many people successfully return home from treatment and never relapse, there are some individuals who struggle with their abstinence long-term. If you have struggled with substance abuse in the past, there is a possibility that you may struggle with your recovery. These are five signs of relapse that indicate that substance abuse treatment may not be enough to help you on your journey to sobriety:
1. Relapse Your Obsession Matters
When an addict relapses, it is perhaps the most crucial moment in their recovery. While it can be challenging to overcome addiction alone, many people find comfort in the idea of quitting altogether — especially if they have been attending meetings and taking part in 12-step recovery programs since they were first addicted. These people find hope in the idea of a lifetime clean and sober, and relapse can break this hope down. If you are struggling with addiction, relapse should be your most important addiction treatment topic.
If you have relapsed, the first thing to do is find a support group. While 12-step recovery groups may not always be right for everyone, they are some of the best resources available to those who have relapsed. These programs offer a sense of community and understanding that is hard to find anywhere else — as well as educational material which teaches behavioral patterns that help people avoid drugs and alcohol in the future.
When out of rehab, it is easy to fall into old habits — especially when you are surrounded by your old environment and friends. If you feel that you have already begun to slip back into your old ways, it is important to seek help immediately. While you may not feel comfortable going to a support group and admitting that you have relapsed, remember that there are people who know what it feels like and can help guide you through the recovery process.
2. Relapse Causes Fear
When in rehab — whether for alcohol or drugs — there are many people who remain sober for years. Even those struggling with severe drug problems can manage to stay away from temptation for at least a few months, if not years. This is not always the case, however. While some relapses only last a few days, others can last for decades. Whether you are struggling to stay sober for just one day or many years, relapse is always a cause of fear and anxiety.
When relapse happens after years of sobriety, it can be especially painful. It takes years to build up courage and hope that you can remain sober — and then one day, it all goes away in the blink of an eye. For this reason, relapse often leads to feeling severely depressed — as if your dreams have been shattered beyond repair. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the negative emotions that occur after a long-term relapse, therapy might be right for you. A qualified counselor can help you discover why you feel such a strong desire to use again, and use that desire to reaffirm your commitment to sobriety.
3. Relapse Sends You Back To Rehab
Relapse often sends people back to drug treatment programs, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. While it can be frustrating to have to go back into rehab, many people find that upon returning, they have an even greater desire for sobriety than before — knowing that if they do not stay away from drugs and alcohol this time, they will lose their freedom for the second time. Because of this, it is important that you see your return visit as a good thing.
4. Relapse Makes You Question Everything
When relapsing, you may find yourself questioning every decision that you made while in rehab. Maybe you questioned your ability to recover the first time, and now are doubting that you can do it again. This is a tough struggle to face, but remember that not everyone struggles with relapse — especially if they have support from a support group and therapist. Even though recovery can be challenging in the beginning, by breaking down the psychological barriers that cause substance abuse disorders in the first place, some people are able to achieve long-term recovery without ever experiencing relapse again.
5. Relapse Is An Injury
While relapsing is certainly not a good thing, it is impossible to understand how a relapse can be an injury without first experiencing your own. You may find yourself wondering why you relapsed after all of your hard work in rehab. Do you question whether the 12-step program was right for you? Was there something you could have done differently to keep yourself sober, or was it something that your body simply couldn't handle? These are all questions that people commonly ask themselves when they relapse after years of sobriety — and they are questions which cannot be answered by anyone but you.
The only thing that you can do to fight relapse is to avoid it in the first place. If you know that there are certain triggers for your substance abuse, avoid them at all costs. While it is important to remember that relapsing does not define who you are, it is also important that you recognize how dangerous this situation is — and do everything in your power to prevent a relapse from ever occurring again.
Are you struggling with addiction? Are you interested in drug treatment for teens , or a rehab facility ? If so, please contact us today at 1-888-744-0789 Who Answers? . We can provide information on the treatment process, helping you make the right decision. And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.
