Drug addiction is a complex illness with many dimensions. Risk for addiction consists of stage of development, biology, social environment and age. In order to treat addiction, recovery programs focus on the complex physical and psychological issues associated with the disease. Drug abuse is treatable, and recovery programs can help individuals deal with withdrawal symptoms and lead a healthier life. These programs focus on helping individuals achieve drug-free lives through multiple treatments, changes in lifestyles and long-term commitments.
Detox Facilities
Detox facilities are normally the first step in treating addiction. A detox facility aims at helping individuals through withdrawal and removing the toxins accumulated in the body from drug use in a safe way . Detox facilities provide medical supervision and medical staff experienced in drug detox. Types of withdrawal symptoms a person may experience in detox are sleeplessness, irritability, cravings, depression and seizures, among others. Depending on the substance and seriousness of the addiction, the length of stay in a detox facility can vary.
12-Step Programs
The 12-step philosophy uses a manual approach to treating addiction and consists of assisting individuals in accepting and surrendering addiction. The tradition of 12-step programs follows a dozen guiding principles for recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that these programs follow an individual and group counseling format implemented through 12 to 15 sessions over a 12-week period. Long-term recovering addicts or medical professionals lead 12-step programs and assist individuals in treating addictive behaviors.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers offer around-the-clock care for individuals facing drug addiction. Depending on the type of drug addiction, inpatient facilities provide psychotherapy, counseling, medication-assisted treatment and long- or short-term residential housing. Inpatient rehabilitation programs provide structured environments with care from licensed medical staff. In combination with medical and behavioral therapies, inpatient rehabilitation facilities assist drug abusers both physically and psychologically.
Outpatient rehabilitation is a recovery program in which individuals do not live at the rehabilitation facility, unlike inpatient recovery. Individuals go to a facility for counseling and group meetings and visit with specialists who have knowledge about drug addiction. This type of recovery program offers multifaceted experiences and provides day, evening and weekend sessions.
Sober House
Sober houses provide drug-free structured living situations for people in recovery from addiction. Sober houses are residential programs in which people in similar situations can support one another's sobriety--they do not provide medical treatment. Residents of sober living houses participate voluntarily and reinforce recovery through peer-support. Sober houses aim to transition former drug abusers into living healthy lifestyles.
