Various alcohol and drug addiction programs are available, from medically assisted detoxification to outpatient care. You may have questions about which type of program is best for you and your needs.
Outpatient Treatment
An outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment program can be short-term or long-term. The latter involves regular check-ins in a controlled setting, with 24-hour medical care and emotional support. This kind of treatment is more intensive and may take several months to recover completely. The length of treatment depends on the program, the facility, insurance coverage, and the length of care. According to Impact Recovery Center Atlanta, outpatient rehab is ideal for people who have stable homes and are willing to devote time and energy to recovery. An outpatient alcohol and drug rehab program includes group and individual therapy, mental health counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. However, some people require more extensive treatment or want to be monitored around the clock. An outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment program will take less time than an inpatient program. This will allow the recovering person to continue to work, go to school, and take care of their families while undergoing treatment. However, this program may not be ideal for those with severe problems or who must return home to care for their children.
Medically Assisted Detoxification
If you are pregnant and suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, you must undergo a medically assisted detoxification program. While the process can be uncomfortable, you must ensure the safety of both you and your unborn child. If you don’t, substance abuse withdrawal symptoms can seriously affect both the mother and the baby. A medically assisted detox will allow you to take the prescribed medications to overcome withdrawal symptoms. The doctors will monitor your dosage and the side effects of these medications and ensure your safety. In addition, medical detox offers you a 24-hour support system to keep you sober during the process.
The process of detoxification begins with a physical and psychological evaluation. The process will last five to seven days, depending on your needs and how long you have been abusing substances. Once the detoxification process is complete, you’ll feel much healthier than before you began your addiction.
Social Skills Training
Social skills are vital for social interaction, and many alcoholics and addicts do not develop them as children. Without these skills, people become frustrated and irritable and may begin using drugs and alcohol to help them feel more comfortable in social situations. These substances can help individuals to feel better in social situations, but they can also make a person addicted to them. Addiction treatment programs emphasizing social skills training can help patients recover from addiction by teaching them new social skills. This therapy teaches clients how to deal with difficult emotions, build healthy relationships, and function at work. People do not naturally develop social skills – adults teach them. But developing these skills will help a person lead a full life and positively impact others. Social skills training teaches recovering addicts how to manage their emotions better and turn down drug or alcohol offers. The fear of relapsing is one of the greatest challenges during recovery, so learning how to say no to drugs or alcohol effectively will help the addict avoid relapsing.
