Far too many people know the hold addictions can have over us. In fact, 1 in 10 people in America suffers from substance abuse problems. If we were looking at the broad scope of addictions such as food, sex, gambling, pornography, etc., the number might be closer to 10 in 10. However, drug and alcohol addictions are among the most dangerous and damaging to the addict and their friends and family. Over time, several types of therapy and addiction treatment programs have been established to aid those who have fallen victim to addiction.
Keep reading to learn about 8 types of substance abuse therapy and treatment programs.
1. Group Therapy
Group therapy is one of the most common and affordable types of treatment programs. It has many benefits not all programs offer.
For example, group therapy allows the patient to be surrounded by people who are going through the same struggle. This helps them feel more comfortable to share, rather than looked down upon.
Additionally, group therapy provides a good learning and social environment. Being able to talk to people about their problems in a safe place is a healthy way to vent and unburden.
People also have the opportunity in group therapy to learn from what others have been through. Their stories may prove beneficial and insightful for others in the group.
2. 12-Step Program
Well known because of Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12-step program deals with coming to terms with your situation, accepting the damage you’ve caused in your life and in the lives of your loved ones, and making amends.
Beginning with radical acceptance of powerlessness caused by addiction and ending with a spiritual awakening, the 12-step program heals the patient from within, setting the stage for a bright path forward.
The 12-step program is best when paired with other treatment programs.
3. Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy requires the patient to operate in an extreme state of consciousness and self-awareness.
They must pay attention to recognize the thoughts that trigger the emotions and behaviors leading to urges and indulgences. Through careful introspection and self-realization, the patient begins to control their thought processes and ultimately, their behaviors.
Over time, they are able to avoid triggering thoughts and emotions that lead to using or relapsing. This can be one of the most successful treatment programs, as it requires the patient to be self-accountable.
4. Animal-Assisted Therapy
The benefits of owning pets have long been recognized by scientists, psychologist, therapists, and doctors.
Animal-assisted therapy plays off of these benefits as a supplement to more in-depth and substantial treatments. Having an animal to be responsible for, care, love, and be loved by helps patients remain in the light, rather than the darkness.
Pets help with feelings of powerlessness, isolation, and depression. And that’s only brushing the surface.
5. Intervention
An intervention is an addiction treatment program that should not be entered into lightly.
Interventions are for family members or friends that refuse to acknowledge their problem or their need for help. If their addiction is causing personal, professional, or financial problems, an intervention is probably necessary.
However, interventions need to be well-planned in regards to who will be present, what will be said, and what treatment options everyone is willing to support. Be prepared, though, as many interventions are not well-received by the addict.
Interventions can make someone feel attacked, overwhelmed, angry, confrontational, and even violent. Make sure you consider who the intervention is for to determine whether or not it’s a good idea.
6. Rehabilitation Treatment Programs
There are several rehabilitation treatment programs. Depending on the severity of their addiction, some patients may need full-time treatment, while others may require daily, weekly, or monthly visits.
Residential Center
Residential treatment centers are reserved for those who need complete regulation of their time, environment, triggers, and access to their substance of choice.
Residential treatment centers are wildly successful treatment programs. While the length of stay depends on the patient, the rules are basically the same.
The patient stays at the center while detoxing and being treated in a multitude of ways including counseling and medically/medicinally when necessary. Here, they are free from temptations, bad influences, and access to their addictions.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial hospitalization programs are generally five or six days a week treatment programs that are in between residential programs and basic outpatient programs.
Each day of therapy provides a structured program, generally for half of the day. This treatment allows the patient to continue working part-time and return home to their families.
This is another popular addiction treatment program boasting high success rates. It keeps the patient accountable and allows them the freedom to continue their life, almost normally.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive outpatient programs require the patient to meet for treatment a few times a week for three or more hours at a time.
This is a relatively unintrusive form of therapy that most patients will likely graduate to.
7. Counseling
Counseling is one of the most common types of addiction treatment programs. Counseling sessions give the patient a safe place to talk and receive advice.
Counselors help addicts by walking them through the reason behind their addictions as well as the ramifications of it. With consistent counseling, patients let go of their addictions and begin to live a normal life.
8. Detoxification
Going through detoxification can be physically and mentally traumatic for patients, depending on the severity of their addiction. It can resemble a very intense anxiety attack or worse.
Detoxification is not a treatment in and of itself, however, it’s a necessary step on the road to recovery. Detoxing can be done in residential treatment centers or as part of outpatient treatment programs.
Addiction Treatment Programs in Savannah, Georgia
Make no mistake, addiction is a disease. While it’s easy to point the finger at the addict, most people don’t know how susceptible we as humans are to addiction. In fact, most people don’t even realize when they, themselves are an addict.
People suffering from addictions need help, not judgment or blame. While addicts can cause pain to their friends and families, what’s most important is getting them through this time in their life.
Making amends can come later.
If you or a loved one is searching for addiction treatment programs, Recovery Treatment Substance Abuse in Savannah, Georgia will help you find a program that’s right for you. We are invested in you and your happiness and recovery.
We can help you find drug and alcohol rehab, aid in interventions and detoxing, and so much more.
We are here to help you, you just need to reach out.
