Whether you someone close to you is an addict or you are suffering from that disease yourself, there are some questions that you may find yourself asking often. One of these questions is: what is the best treatment for substance abuse? If the answer to this question was simple or easy, drug and alcohol addiction would not plague modern society as badly as they do now. Fortunately, there are extremely valuable resources out there that addicts can access in order to ensure that they receive the best substance abuse treatment possible.
Even if an addict is only living in the early stages of substance abuse, inpatient treatment, group therapy, and sober living can still be lifesaving tools for them. It is important to remember that addiction is a complicated disease. It has many different causes and components and it effects people differently depending on different experiences and factors in their lives. The best treatment for substance abuse is never trying to quit alone or without support. Professionals are trained in the field for a reason and the work they do is life saving.
A Multi Step Plan
The best way to treat substance abuse is with a multi step plan, that addresses every facet of the addiction. Addiction has many triggers and causes, including heredity, trauma, and abuse. The first step of treating substance abuse is to completely detox the addict from all drugs and alcohol. This often needs to be done with supervision in a medical setting. Before the addict has safely gotten through the physical withdrawals, they cannot do the other work required to stay clean and sober. After proper detox, they can start doing the other work required from them in treatment.
When dealing with an addict in the early stages of treatment it is especially important to remember that the best treatment for substance abuse is a plan that includes multiple carefully thought out steps. The best treatment will not be rushed, especially during the crucial first stages of detox and check in. A family member or friend cannot be expected to know the best course of action at this point in time. A medical professional should decide what the best action plan is for helping the addict to detox. Sometimes this requires medication, weaning, or hospital time.
A Network of SUpport
Once the physical addiction has been initially addressed and treated, it is time to move on to the other aspects of the disease. In inpatient treatment facilities, outpatient treatment facilities, and sober living homes, addicts find access to the resources and support that they need. The professionals who work in these facilities are best suited to treat addicts in a variety of settings. These settings might include group therapy, trauma counseling, individualized psychotherapy, art counseling, yoga groups, or meditation practice. These professionals become a valuable part of the addict’s support network both during their treatment and after it as well.
The best treatment for substance abuse very rarely occurs on the individualized level exclusively. Addiction is often rooted in deep loneliness and it can be a terribly isolating disease as well. This is why it is important to foster a sense of togetherness in any treatment setting. It is important for people in recovery to realize that they are not alone. It is also important for them to be able to re-acclimate socially so that they can have healthy friendships, relationships, family interactions, and work interactions in sobriety. Sober living homes are often utilized by addicts. In these homes, valuable social skills are regained and valuable sober friendships are made as well.
Establishing Lifelong Resources
It is important to remember that the best treatment for substance abuse is treatment that continues on a lifelong basis. Follow up care, continued therapy, and ongoing sobriety are all essential for recovered addicts after they have completed treatment. In any case, a thorough course of action is the best course of action. If you are asking yourself questions about substance abuse treatment, it may be a sign that you or someone you know needs real help. Do not hesitate to seek out substance abuse treatment resources early and often. If you do not know where to start, our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 954-523-1167 for help.