The Broad Spectrum of Treating Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Drug addiction and alcoholism is a complex disease. It is characterized by intense, uncontrollable, craving, and obsessive drug-seeking even in the face of disturbing consequences. Worst of all, no one is immune to it. Traditionally, the path to addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs, but over time, the individual’s ability to choose becomes compromised.

When someone is addicted to drugs and alcohol, it is not as simple as quitting and abstaining from using or drinking. Recovery and healing is something that is achieved with treatment on a physical, mental, and psychological level. Because drug abuse and addiction have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of an individual’s life, treatment is not simple. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction is a chronic disease and because of this most patients require long-term or repeated episodes of care. There is a broad spectrum for effective treatments for drug and alcohol abuse depending on the behavior of the patient.

Medication and behavioral therapy (especially when combined) are important fundamentals of an overall therapeutic process. The process often begins with detoxification followed by treatment and relapse prevention. A continuum of care that includes: a customized treatment regimen addressing all aspects of an individual’s life including medical and mental health services and follow up options – can be crucial to a person’s success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free life.

Behavioral treatments help patients engage in the treatment process, modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse, and increase healthy life skills.

The two most common types of alcohol and drug addiction treatments are Residential and Outpatient Treatment Centers.

Residential treatment facilities are those that board the individual for the complete length of their rehab (typically 6-12 months). Residential treatment programs can be especially effective for those with more severe problems. They have highly structured programs geared towards patients that may have relatively long histories of drug addiction, involvement in criminal activities, and seriously impaired social functioning.

Outpatient Treatment Centers are those that have the individual attending during the day or evening and then return home. Outpatient gives the individual more flexibility in terms of school, work, and family responsibilities. There are a wide variety of programs for patients who visit a clinic at regular intervals.  Most of the programs involve individual or group drug counseling. Some programs also offer forms of behavioral treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, multidimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing, and motivational incentives.

One of the fastest-growing treatment centers in the world is Holistic Treatment Centers. This type of rehab has the individual enriching their mind, body, and spirit through yoga, meditation, and other traditional Eastern practices. There are also Luxury Treatment Centers which are places built for the comfort of the individual. At a luxury treatment center, it is not uncommon to eat a gourmet cuisine prepared by an in-house chef or have accommodations similar to that of a five-star hotel.

There are also Teen and Adolescent Treatment Centers. A teenager with an addiction to drugs and alcohol has their entire future at stake. In order to help get their lives back on track, these facilities place a great emphasis on family therapy, as well as the issues that impact the life of a young person most. It is not uncommon to find educational options at a teen recovery center. These programs ensure that the individual keep pace with their peers in terms of school.

Recently, there has been a rise in Women’s Treatment Centers. These gender-specific programs address core issues related to their addiction such as self-image problems, co-dependent relationships, and other associated pressures. There also exists treatment within the criminal justice program. Treatments in these settings can succeed in preventing an offender’s return to criminal behavior, particularly when treatment continues as the person transitions back into the community.

It is important to note that studies show that treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. Combining therapy for a client means using a comprehensive approach and working with each person on an individual basis, which will, in turn, pave the way for recovery and sobriety to occur.

Feinberg Consulting provides Addiction & Mental Health Services to individuals and families struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health concern. If you or a loved one is struggling to find a solution – Call us today to discuss recovery options at 877.538.5425.