From the outside, addiction seems like a simple case of cause and effect in that people use because they want to. The reality is, addiction is the result of a complex series of events, stimuli, and physical processes. The reasons for getting addicted to substances is often complex and getting clean from their use can also be just as complex. Rehab is not a one-size-fits-all process and you have a voice in determining your own road to recovery. Following are tips to help you pick the right addiction treatment program that fits your needs and provides the support that’s right for you.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
The two most common types of addiction treatment are inpatient and outpatient programs. They both are similar in that they require you to attend meetings and keep appointments. Where they differ is in the level of intensity: an inpatient program is more intensive than an outpatient program. You and the intake staff determine which type of program is best for you at the current time.
An inpatient program has you staying as a resident in the facility where you are under constant supervision by staff. You are not allowed to leave the facility while your treatment program is active and you won’t be able to maintain employment during this time. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home, maintain employment, and keep up with your household duties. However, you have to be able to demonstrate a level of responsibility to stay in the program.
Specialty Addiction Treatment Programs
Addiction treatment centers offer treatment programs that are focused on recovery from specific substances. Most centers have programs for drugs and alcohol. In the event that you use multiple substances, you want a facility that can help you create a treatment plan to help you recover from using each substance. Programs that work for one kind of substance may not be effective for other substances. It’s true that you can lessen dependency on other substances after recovering the use of your main substance of choice, but you still need support along the way.
Treatment Modality
Not everyone thrives in a structured environment and not everyone does well in an unstructured environment. Your recovery from substance abuse is highly dependent on your personality and self-discipline. You need to choose a facility with a program that fits your needs and ability to handle the pace. Deciding it’s time to enter rehab is just the first step towards getting clean. Success depends on entering a program that won’t overwhelm you or make you feel like nothing’s working.
An intense treatment program that has you staying in a facility for a predetermined amount of time and removes you from your daily living environment. This is beneficial if you’re able to tolerate being away from your home or family and you’re comfortable with sticking to a structured lifestyle. These types of programs have a “going cold turkey” element to them in that you won’t have access to stimulants and may be placed on a substance to wean you from your drug of choice.
High-intensity outpatient programs allow you to live at home and maintain employment, but they require strict adherence to the treatment program. You also have to agree to stay away from substance use in order to maintain residency in the program.
Low-intensity programs tend to be more casual or use holisitc therapies that have a “building from within” approach. It’s sometimes viewed as a soft approach to treatment because participants engage in meditation, yoga, and other experiential treatment programs. These treatments are combined with traditional methodologies to create a comprehensive therapy program that heals the body and mind at the same time.
You have to decide what makes sense for you in terms of treatment. Do you need a strong and intense program? Or do you need a calmer and low-key approach to finding what led you to addiction and how you leave it behind? Treatment is different for everyone and it’s best to get an evaluation from an experienced professional. Entering into the right addiction treatment program ultimately increases your chances of success.
