Addiction treatment is the process of improving physical, psychological and social well-being for people who suffer from addiction. It includes a range of different therapies and medications.

Self-help support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, provide comfort and guidance from other people who are working toward recovery. These groups can also help boost motivation and decrease feelings of isolation.

Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment. It involves getting rid of drugs and alcohol from your body. It can be done in an outpatient or an inpatient detox program. Inpatient detox programs are more intensive and offer around-the-clock care. They also provide medical monitoring and a more comfortable environment.

Medications are sometimes used during the detox process to manage withdrawal symptoms. Detox alone does not treat drug addiction, however, so it is usually followed by drug rehabilitation.

A review of the latest developments in detox and treatment/rehabilitation services suggests that there is a need to develop more effective linkages between these and other services. This TIP provides guidance on the administrative, legal, and ethical issues involved in providing detoxification within systems of care.

Inpatient Rehab

Addiction treatment includes a variety of therapeutic interventions and behavioral therapies. Ideally, your drug addiction treatment program will include both individual and group therapy. You should also receive case management services to address social, legal, and health care issues that may impact your recovery.

Inpatient rehab is a residential program that provides a supportive, structured environment to help you overcome substance abuse and dependence. It offers a break from daily stresses and negative influences that promote drug use, and helps you learn vital life skills that can aid in your recovery.

Some people need to detox from a number of drugs before starting a residential program. This can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms, and is best done under medical supervision in an inpatient facility.

Outpatient Rehab

Most drug treatment programs focus on a combination of psychological and medical intervention. A program should be licensed and accredited by outside agencies that monitor compliance with established evidence-based practices. It should also have access to FDA approved medications for addiction and other psychiatric disorders.

Residential treatment programs are designed to help individuals learn how to live in a drug-free environment. They typically offer a range of services from detoxification to individual and group counseling sessions. They may use cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps participants recognize unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.

The best treatment programs are individualized to meet the specific needs of each client. They are staffed with qualified professionals and are focused on delivering the highest quality of care.

Self-Help Support Groups

Many drug abusers are able to quit using drugs by seeking treatment at a support group. These groups are typically run by a trained professional who helps members share their stories and experiences. Some are based on the twelve step program used by Alcoholics Anonymous, others focus on specific addictions or issues such as family problems or mental health disorders. Participants in these groups remain anonymous by only giving their first names during meetings.

Some people are able to stop using drugs by taking medicine that manages symptoms and reduces cravings. Doctors may recommend medicines like buprenorphine or methadone for people who are dependent on opioids such as heroin. These medicines don’t cure addiction, but they can help prevent relapse and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Family Involvement

A person suffering from addiction may benefit from a family-based approach. It helps them to develop new communication skills and learn how to interact in a healthy manner. It also teaches them to set reasonable boundaries and how to take care of their own needs.

Addiction can affect families and cause resentment, negative coping mechanisms and codependency. These behaviors can tear a family apart and make it difficult for them to heal. Family-based treatment services can help to mend these broken relationships.

Depending on the facility, some may offer family counseling sessions. These can be conducted in individual or group therapy and cover topics like identifying and addressing mental health issues, relationship problems and codependency. They can also teach the family about intervention techniques and help them plan an effective strategy for confronting their loved one.