What Addiction Treatments are Available?
- 12.09.2009
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Are you ready to quit your addiction and get help? When it comes to getting treatment, there are many different methods that are available for you. Treatment can range from one-on-one counseling sessions to 12-step programs to inpatient addiction services. Addiction treatment is not a one size fits all approach. One of the most important things about getting treatment is finding the one that works best for you. So you’re ready to quit, ready to start treatment, but you feel completely lost on your treatment options? Don’t worry! Keep reading…
Addiction Treatment: The Greatest Motivator Is the Desire to Quit
Addiction Treatment: The Greatest Motivator Is the Desire to Quit
Studies found that people with a positive attitude towards quitting and getting better had the greatest success overcoming their addictions. “The most important component is the person being committed to changing,” says Alexandre B. Laudet, PhD, director of the Center for the Study of Addictions and Recovery at the National Development and Research Institutes in New York City.
Laudet says that the average lifespan for a person with an alcohol or drug addiction is 20 years from the time that person begins treatment. Most people attempt addiction treatment six or more times, numbers which underscore the importance of commitment on the patient's part.
“When you think of how resourceful addicts are to find drugs, find the money to use drugs, evade the police, and so on, if they were putting 10 percent of that resolve into getting better, they could change the world,” says Laudet. According to Laudet, the ideal length of treatment would be 90 days, with about five years of follow-up support, usually in the form of a 12-step group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Addiction Treatment: Counseling
Counseling is a great place to start treatment. It can help you recognize the problems you have faced because of your addiction.
Addiction Treatment: Medication for Drug Abuse
Some drugs may cause chemical dependencies that can make it very difficult to quit. Medications can help reduce those cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms so you can relearn healthy behaviors.
Addiction Treatment: Outpatient
If one-on-one counseling isn’t successful, then you may be referred to an outpatient program that offers both group and individual counseling.
Laudet says Eighty-two percent of addiction treatment occurs as outpatient treatment. Unfortunately, Laudet says, an estimated 21 million drug or alcohol addicts in the United States are not seeking any care, and about 60 percent of people in outpatient treatment drop out before completion.
Outpatient addiction treatment involves visiting a clinic or office regularly for individual counseling and group meetings. Depending on the program, other types of supportive services include medication, parenting classes, and job skills training, among others.
Addiction Treatment: Inpatient
Inpatient Addiction Treatment is thought to be one of the most appropriate approaches for people with severe addictions. Most health insurance programs in the United States require you to fail outpatient addiction treatment at least once and sometimes several times before it will cover the costs of inpatient treatments. And, of course, not all people with addictions have health insurance. Patients with health insurance can enter inpatient treatment for up to a year in a residential facility that features a supportive atmosphere.
Addiction Treatment: Aftercare
Ongoing support is necessary for people to stay in recovery and not return to using, says Laudet. His research shows that treatment programs that provide help transitioning into 12-step groups offer the longest-lasting recovery statistics. Starting the 12-step program while in treatment, as well as being connected with a suitable support group or another member of the 12-step group, will make it more likely that a recovering addict will be able to abstain from using.
It may be a difficult journey ahead, but you don’t have to feel hopeless because there are a lot of choices out there to help you succeed. Just remember to never give up on achieving your goals just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish them. “The time will pass anyway. A year from now, you may wish you had started today" - Robert Schuller
Laudet says that the average lifespan for a person with an alcohol or drug addiction is 20 years from the time that person begins treatment. Most people attempt addiction treatment six or more times, numbers which underscore the importance of commitment on the patient's part.
“When you think of how resourceful addicts are to find drugs, find the money to use drugs, evade the police, and so on, if they were putting 10 percent of that resolve into getting better, they could change the world,” says Laudet. According to Laudet, the ideal length of treatment would be 90 days, with about five years of follow-up support, usually in the form of a 12-step group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Addiction Treatment: Counseling
Counseling is a great place to start treatment. It can help you recognize the problems you have faced because of your addiction.
Addiction Treatment: Medication for Drug Abuse
Some drugs may cause chemical dependencies that can make it very difficult to quit. Medications can help reduce those cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms so you can relearn healthy behaviors.
Addiction Treatment: Outpatient
If one-on-one counseling isn’t successful, then you may be referred to an outpatient program that offers both group and individual counseling.
Laudet says Eighty-two percent of addiction treatment occurs as outpatient treatment. Unfortunately, Laudet says, an estimated 21 million drug or alcohol addicts in the United States are not seeking any care, and about 60 percent of people in outpatient treatment drop out before completion.
Outpatient addiction treatment involves visiting a clinic or office regularly for individual counseling and group meetings. Depending on the program, other types of supportive services include medication, parenting classes, and job skills training, among others.
Addiction Treatment: Inpatient
Inpatient Addiction Treatment is thought to be one of the most appropriate approaches for people with severe addictions. Most health insurance programs in the United States require you to fail outpatient addiction treatment at least once and sometimes several times before it will cover the costs of inpatient treatments. And, of course, not all people with addictions have health insurance. Patients with health insurance can enter inpatient treatment for up to a year in a residential facility that features a supportive atmosphere.
Addiction Treatment: Aftercare
Ongoing support is necessary for people to stay in recovery and not return to using, says Laudet. His research shows that treatment programs that provide help transitioning into 12-step groups offer the longest-lasting recovery statistics. Starting the 12-step program while in treatment, as well as being connected with a suitable support group or another member of the 12-step group, will make it more likely that a recovering addict will be able to abstain from using.
It may be a difficult journey ahead, but you don’t have to feel hopeless because there are a lot of choices out there to help you succeed. Just remember to never give up on achieving your goals just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish them. “The time will pass anyway. A year from now, you may wish you had started today" - Robert Schuller
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