The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that addiction is characterized by complex and intense cravings along with compulsive behaviors to satisfy the substance cravings despite the negative consequences. Millions of people per year in the United States struggle with drug and alcohol abuse to the point of causing significant interpersonal distress as well as causing devastation to those closest to the user such as family and friends. Several types of drug and alcohol recovery programs exist and offer the substance addicted person an opportunity for gaining a sober life. The exact program needed depends upon the person in recovery and the goals he is trying to achieve. Sometimes recovery includes a combination of inpatient treatment, outpatient counseling and ongoing support meetings to maintain recovery efforts.
Detoxification
Alcohol and certain drugs create a physiological dependence in the user. This means that physical withdrawal symptoms occur upon cessation of substance use within a few hours. The International Center for Alcohol Policies explains that withdrawal symptoms from alcohol might include: sweating, tremors and nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, seizures may occur. Similar symptoms occur in withdrawal from drugs such as heroin or prescription pain medicine. The Office of National Drug Control Policy notes that detoxification is a first step toward the recovery process to medically manage physical symptoms, however, detox does not address the ongoing needs of recovery such as the psychological, social and behavior problems that accompany substance addiction. Medical hospitals can provide short-term medical detox and some recovery centers are equipped with a medical detox section.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient recovery provides on sight and monitored residential care. Inpatient recovery can last anywhere from 14 days to a month depending on the specific facility, cost and needs of the individual. During inpatient recovery the resident can expect to attend psycho-therapeutic groups to learn about the process of addiction and how to manage cravings and urges for the substance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that coping-skills training teaches effective problem solving, communication and conflict management to motivate the recovering person to change maladaptive behavior patterns leading to substance use. Individual counseling is often a component of inpatient treatment as well to help the recovering person further work on relationship skill building. The U.S. Drug Rehab Centers provides numerous options for inpatient treatment facilities grouped by cost, type of facility and exact location.
Outpatient Recovery
Outpatient recovery programs for drugs and alcohol provide individual and group counseling for ongoing treatment. Individuals often begin outpatient recovery after completing inpatient treatment, however, this depends on individual preference. Many facilities that offer inpatient treatment also provide ongoing outpatient programs. Components of outpatient recovery are an extension of the inpatient process. The International Center for Alcohol Policies details that treatment methods include brief intervention strategies and motivational enhancement to inspire the recovering person to continue sobriety.
Recovery Meetings
Ongoing recovery support is available through attending community meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are based on 12-steps of recovery through obtaining the support of peers with similar substance addiction experiences. The recovery support meetings are not intended as intensive outpatient treatment, rather, they offer insight development through the recovering person taking accountability by sharing his journey with drugs and alcohol.
Inmate Recovery Programs
The Office of National Drug Control Policy notes that treatment for inmates is significant due to the high percentage of crimes committed involving drugs or alcohol. Therapeutic Communities are the treatment modality utilized in the prison system for facilitating the recovery process. The program includes group counseling, peer support and individual counseling focused on obtaining sobriety and relapse prevention planning.
References
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Types of Treatment
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
- International Center for Alcohol Policies: Alcohol Dependence and Treatment
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Psychotherapeutic and Skills Training Approach to the Treatment of Drug Addiction
- Alcoholics Anonymous: Information on A.A.
