If your drug or alcohol use is completely controlling your life — or headed very quickly in that direction—you know it's time to get help. But out of all the treatment programs available, where do you even start? While your options may depend on what your insurance will cover or what the judge decides (if you're facing legal trouble from your addiction), here is what you'll want in an addiction recovery program for the best chance of success:
Inpatient Treatment with Outpatient Options
Even though outpatient treatment can seem like the more attractive option since it doesn't disrupt your life as much, there's no getting around it— inpatient treatment is almost always more effective. Inpatient, or residential, treatment means you stay at the facility and have the constant care of the staff. You are completely taken away from your old life and the people or circumstances that triggered you to relapse so much. Eventually, you do need to learn to stay sober within your normal life, but at the beginning of treatment, it's better to be away from triggers so you can build up some healthier habits again.
Many facilities offer outpatient treatment as you transition out of the residential care, which helps you have the professional support you need as you rebuild your life back in the world again, where you will likely face people or things that trigger you. And remember, while inpatient care is better, some treatment is still better than no treatment at all. So, if you can't have inpatient care for whatever reason, you should absolutely still participate in outpatient treatment.
Variety of Evidence-based Therapies
Addiction is a complex problem and there's no one-size-fits-all solution for it. Patients often deal with co-occurring mental illnesses, such as major depression or bipolar disorder. You'll need any mental or emotional problem you suffer from to be addressed if you want any hope of long-term recovery. You also want a therapy that works well for you since everyone is different, so look for a program that employs more than one therapy. Make sure the therapies used are backed by scientific evidence, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. You also will want a variety of individual and group therapy, as there are benefits to each. Some facilities will even let your family come and participate in family therapy with you.
In addition to talk therapy, other therapies can be effective as well. Some additional recovery programs utilize horse or animal therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and general recreation therapy in order to provide a well-rounded treatment. You might find that one of those makes it easier for you to talk about your trauma and release those emotions, so it's helpful to have those kinds of options in your program.
Diverse, Accredited Staff
Therapists, while crucial to your recovery, aren't the only people you need. An addiction recovery program should employ nurses and at least one medical doctor. Detoxification from drugs takes a toll on your body, and a doctor can give medications to help you, as well as monitor your physical health during your stay. You also want to stay in a facility with people that can help you change your lifestyle, such as dieticians and general counselors. Addiction has so many factors, so you need a diverse team to help you address them all. You will also want to make sure they are accredited and/or licensed with their various medical associations.
Addiction recovery is a hard road, but you can increase your chances of success by choosing a great recovery program. Talk to your insurance provider and contact some addiction treatment centers in your area for more information.
For more information on the right addiction treatment program for you, contact a professional near you.
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