Detoxification is the first step in a treatment plan. It is a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. The process seeks to minimize the physical harm caused by the abuse of substances. Detoxification is not considered treatment, but it is a helpful first step when followed by treatment at the correct location. Withdrawal from different substances can be life-threatening. Therefore, medical management is crucial during the detox phase. Inpatient detox offers a safe and controlled setting, constant supervision by medical professionals, and the administration of drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient detox programs are available and beneficial for individuals who have a strong network of support at home. Primary care should be taken during the detox process to assess changes in the severity of substance use and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems. The detox process should transition smoothly into continuing treatment for the substance problem.
Treatment options for substance abuse are very flexible and vary widely depending on the type of addiction and the extent to which an individual manifests addictive behavior. Treatment may be given in various settings, take many forms, and last for multiple lengths. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment is usually not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and regular monitoring. There are several evidence-based approaches to treating addiction. Treatment mainly depends upon the type of addiction and the individual. According to research, treatment should offer multiple services to meet the needs of the individual.
Detoxification
Patients with a high risk of severe withdrawal due to certain medical conditions, co-occurring disorders, or previous history of severe withdrawal should detox in an inpatient setting. Detoxing in an inpatient setting allows medical staff to monitor the patient 24/7 and can offer support in a more acute medical or psychiatric setting. People with a low risk of severe withdrawal and a robust support system at home may be suited for outpatient detox.
Detox prepares the patient for ongoing treatment. A supervised medical detox can reduce the discomfort of withdrawal and prevent life-threatening complications, such as seizures.
Detoxification (detox) is the first step in the treatment process for most people. Detox removes drugs and alcohol from the body. Medical professionals manage this process to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort. Depending on the patient’s needs, the severity of their addiction, and their risk for withdrawal, detox may be managed in inpatient or outpatient settings. Medical detox usually takes 3-7 days to complete.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
There are several types of inpatient treatment. Short-term stays are typically 30 days in length or shorter. Studies have shown little difference in effectiveness between short-term and long-term inpatient treatment. However, longer-term treatments provide more chances for the counselor to work with the individual on developing life skills that will prevent the reoccurrence of the addiction. This gives the individual a better chance of recovery and reintegration into society. Another variation in inpatient treatment is residential treatment in a therapeutic community, which provides the community with the primary treatment method. These communities are highly structured and can have varying success rates. Inpatient treatment is generally the most expensive form of substance abuse treatment, often costing more than $20,000. Many insurance plans cover inpatient treatment, so it is essential to explore your options.
Inpatient treatment provides an environment of care and support unavailable in other settings. Inpatient treatment removes individuals from the circumstances and people in their life that are contributing to their substance abuse. It helps them to focus entirely on getting well and overcoming their addiction. It can also be incredibly effective for individuals with co-occurring mental disorders, as they may require more intensive treatment. A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that, among people with an addiction with cognitive disorders, those in inpatient treatment were significantly more likely to stay in treatment than those in outpatient programs.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs can vary in intensity and time commitment. Different styles of outpatient services include individual drug counseling, group counseling, medical treatment, and psychiatric care. Outpatient care is a good option for someone with a robust support system at home with the determination to quit using drugs. A quality outpatient program can be more effective than inpatient treatment for an individual to achieve and maintain long-term abstinence. This is because the recovering addict will be living in the real world and will need to learn to problem solve, make the right decisions, and use newly learned techniques to avoid relapse. Outpatient care can also be a less expensive option than inpatient care.
Costs can range from free to thousands of dollars per session and can be covered by public or private insurance. This is a comprehensive type of care: there are outpatient programs for every kind of patient with every stage of addiction and recovery. Standard outpatient care is a basic program that generally does not last longer than three months. It will involve one or two weekly therapy sessions, often directed at patients with other commitments (i.e., school, work) and strong social support. Intensive outpatient programs can be very beneficial for the right patient. They usually require a significant time commitment, initially meeting for 9 hours a week or more. These programs are suitable for those with a higher risk of relapse and can be very beneficial to work in tandem with psychiatric care.
Finally, day treatment and hospital programs are the most intensive outpatient programs, often resembling inpatient programs in intensity and method. This form of treatment is most beneficial to a patient who has medical problems or psychiatric issues in addition to their drug problems. Source: Substance Abuse Level One by TIPS
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Depending on the type of addiction you are struggling with, some medications can aid in your recovery. If you are alcohol dependent, know that there are three FDA-approved medications available: disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. Disulfiram produces unpleasant effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, and copious vomiting following the consumption of alcohol, which can be effective for some people. However, most people addicted to alcohol are not aware of disulfiram, and when they do consume alcohol while taking it, they discontinue use.
Naltrexone has been shown to decrease heavy drinking and the number of drinking days, and a recent study suggests it may also decrease the urge to drink. Although naltrexone does not directly affect the consumption of alcohol, it does decrease the desire for alcohol. Acamprosate may be most effective for patients with more severe dependence, and like naltrexone, it appears to reduce the symptoms of protracted withdrawal. Step-by-step instructions on how to take these medications can be found at: “Combining Medications and Behavioral Interventions for Alcoholism.” Naltrexone is also available for individuals addicted to prescription or illegal opioids. Like chronic diseases, relapse is a characteristic of addiction, so it is a good idea for anyone partaking in medication also to seek maintenance therapy.
Maintenance therapy is long-term pharmacologic treatment, with either methadone or buprenorphine, and in some cases extended-release naltrexone, to prevent addiction from progressing, reduce the use of the addictive substance, and aid in the individual’s ability to function. Starting or switching to buprenorphine can be easy, or it can be difficult. Visit “buprenorphine” to learn about the process. Although these medications are highly effective in managing addiction to opioids, to the approved individual, they are difficult to come by due to restrictions caused by legislators and other physicians.
Support Groups
The support group is among the most important resources for patients leaving treatment. Support groups provide a venue where people trying to accomplish the same goal can meet to discuss their experiences, share information, and support one another in a friendly and positive environment. Some of the most well-known support groups conduct 12-step or similar programs in which members acknowledge that they are powerless over their addiction, take personal inventory, and ultimately attempt to help other members in the same way that they have been helped. The popularity of these programs lies in their communal nature; recovering people with an addiction who have isolated themselves during periods of substance abuse may find the prospect of interacting with others who have gone through similar experiences to be very comforting. Ultimately, support groups provide a valuable social outlet for those in recovery, as well as a potential source of new friendships with people who strive to be substance-free.
Counseling, therapy, and other forms of professional intervention play a crucial role in treating substance abuse, but total abstinence from drugs and alcohol is the primary goal. Conventional treatment approaches, including medication and behavioral therapy, have helped many patients to accomplish this. However, staying in treatment is not enough. Patients who leave structured treatment and therapy settings usually revert to their previous patterns of substance abuse. An argument can be made that these patients, in effect, need more help after treatment has concluded than they did while it was ongoing.