addiction rehab

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse issues, don’t lose hope. Even if one or two methods for ending addiction have been unsuccessful, there are many other viable options available. The key is to continue to work to attain and maintain sobriety. Thousands of people find effective addiction treatment programs and therapies every day. Some find success with traditional treatment modalities while other use complementary and alternative therapies to get and remain sober. The following is a list of some excellent addiction treatment methods.

Types of Addiction Treatment Programs

No matter the substance to which you are addicted or whether you have multi-drug addictions or co-occurring mental health conditions, support is available to help you regain and maintain sobriety. This is a comprehensive list of treatment types for you to consider. Consistently using one or more of them can free you from the clutches of drug addiction.

Detox

This is the first step in ending drug addiction. Detox is a structured series of steps over a set period of time during which patients are monitored and given medication if necessary to help them go through the process of drug withdrawal and getting the drugs out of their systems.

Contingency Management

This type of treatment for drug addiction uses incentives and rewards to encourage patients to remain sober and adhere to other positive behaviors. Rewards are withheld when the patient engages in undesirable behaviors.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

This type of addiction therapy works to help manage addiction by gaining an understanding of the way in which thoughts influence the patient’s emotions and behavior. CBT works to end addiction by changing the underlying thought patterns driving the undesirable behaviors.

Complementary And Alternative Medicine

This includes the use of acupuncture, animal-assisted therapy, biofeedback, exercise, massage, nutrition and yoga to help reduce cravings and manage stress to facilitate recovery and provide additional treatment benefits.

Animal-assisted therapy

This type of therapy involves exposing the patient to and involving them in the care of animals. Working with animals can help improve mental health, promote empathy, strengthen the patient’s connection to others and strengthen and empower patients to fight the pull of drugs. Animal-assisted therapy helps patients reduce feelings of depression and isolation and maintain long-term sobriety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This form of addiction treatment helps patients accept difficult thoughts, behaviors and emotions and focus on their strengths and validations. It helps patients find a balance related to acceptance of their past and taking the steps necessary to change their behavior using the concepts taught in the therapeutic environment.

Family Therapy

This is a group of therapeutic approaches which use the strengths of the patient’s family and their resources to help reduce the harm patient’s addiction has caused to their family and help the user to find the support they need to live without drugs.

Group Therapy

Guided by a trained professional, this treatment method provides beneficial support from a group of peers who share their experiences and offer feedback on staying sober by recognizing and managing triggers in their daily lives.

Harm Reduction Model

This focuses on using harm reduction techniques to reduce risky behavior like needle sharing, dangerous sexual practices and using excessive amounts of drugs. Slowly reducing drug consumption, promoting condom use, introducing users to needle exchange programs and teaching about alternatives to driving after substance use is the goal of this type of therapy.

Individual Therapy

This therapeutic process often begins by identifying the problems which led to substance abuse. It includes working with the user to identify their goals and teaching them the process to help them overcome their addiction and make consistent steps towards lasting recovery and sobriety.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment

This requires the user to live in a treatment facility where they can receive medical, professional and peer support in a therapeutic environment. Part of the reason inpatient treatment is the most effective method is because it removes the user from the environment where there are temptations, triggers and enablers that can derail even the most earnest attempt at rehabilitation.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

This treatment method entails receiving daily treatment at a rehab facility or clinic then returning home or to some other type of living arrangement during the hours when not receiving treatment.

Aftercare

A comprehensive plan collaboratively developed by the rehabilitation facility staff and the patient. It includes outpatient treatment, vocational oriented services, self-help meetings and a plan and tools for sober living. It also includes periodic reassessment, adjustments and private therapy as needed.

If you are living with an addiction to a substance such as alcohol, drugs or prescription pills, you may feel overwhelmed by the different types of treatment available. Making the right decision for your needs is challenging, especially if you are balancing a hectic schedule at work and home. Fortunately, there is an attainable solution. Outpatient addiction rehab near Boston is designed with working adults in mind. In an outpatient program, you can successfully participate in effective addiction treatment while maintaining your usual responsibilities. It is the most flexible treatment format available. However, not everyone succeeds in it. Read on to discover how outpatient treatment works and who could benefit from it the most.

What is Outpatient Rehabilitation?

Of the two most prominent types of rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient, the latter is the easiest to integrate into your current lifestyle. Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, requires clients to live within a facility for a set duration. It typically lasts around three months but can last longer depending on the level of care the client needs.

Outpatient addiction rehab on the other hand does not require you to live on-site. Instead, you simply attend the program according to a weekly or biweekly schedule after which you can return to your normal duties. Each session typically lasts a few hours and involves a variety of different techniques that tackle various aspects of addiction. The following are core components of outpatient treatment:

• Assessment
• Therapy
• Group activities
• Educational services and tools
• Drug screening
• Relapse prevention

Not everyone can benefit from outpatient rehabilitation. Individuals living with long-lasting or intense addictions may require inpatient treatment. In addition to this, individuals with a chaotic home atmosphere or who live with other addicts may not succeed in an outpatient format as it does not offer a complete change of environment.

How Does it Work?

The first stage in the outpatient process is to complete an assessment with an addiction specialist. He or she will work with you to determine the best treatment approach for your unique needs. This involves tailoring different therapies and tools to you. Once you complete your assessment, you can look forward to meeting with a specialist on a regular basis to discuss your progress, thoughts and concerns as well as getting started with therapy.

The most common type of therapy used in the treatment of addictions is individual counseling. It provides a safe space for you to discuss your feelings, struggles and develop coping skills in a private environment with a counselor. Group therapy is the next leading option integrated into rehabilitation. During it, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and complete social activities which are led by a counselor. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be available. This type of therapy can be used in a one-on-one or group basis. It focuses on identifying and altering harmful behavioral patterns that contribute to addiction and can help you develop healthier alternatives.

Aftercare

Once you complete an outpatient treatment plan, which typically lasts between 12 to 16 weeks, you can step down to the aftercare phase of recovery. Aftercare, also known as relapse prevention, is designed to ease clients out of treatment and back into independent living while maintaining sobriety. It typically consists of ongoing meetings with an addiction specialist but on a less frequent basis. For example, you may spend up to 30 hours a week participating in outpatient rehabilitation and go down to 10 hours a week during aftercare.

In addition to this, ongoing therapy is often integrated into aftercare services. Many people find that individual and group counseling is highly beneficial for long after they complete rehabilitation and an aftercare plan. In this sense, relapse prevention is truly a lifelong endeavor. Community based groups also play a critical role in the recovery process for many people. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are all popular options that can be found locally.

Outpatient rehabilitation is a good option for working adults who need flexibility from a treatment plan. It is an excellent way to apply what you have learned as well in your daily activities. Our counselors are available 24/7 to help you get started.