Substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a complex, chronic, relapsing brain disorder. The development of substance use disorder does not occur immediately, nor will recovering from addiction be achieved instantaneously. While there is an expansive breadth of treatment options available, the main components that make up the entire substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment process are similar across the board, and include:
- Detoxification (detox): Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign substances.
- Formal treatment: The two primary structures for substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs are divided between inpatient treatment programs and outpatient treatment programs:
- Inpatient treatment programs: offer a fully immersive experience, as they require an individual to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of the treatment program.
- Outpatient treatment programs: can be equally effective. An individual attending an outpatient program resides at home while attending a certain number of predetermined program hours, daily. Outpatient treatment can be a great option for individuals that have responsibilities that prohibit them from residing somewhere other than home.
High quality substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs provide its participants with tailored treatment plans. Depending on one’s needs, these treatment plans may include certain FDA-approved medications as well as a wide variety of therapeutic treatment modalities, some of which could include any combination of: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based therapy, expressive arts therapies, and more.
- Relapse prevention: Relapse is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), “as the recurrence of behavioral or other substantive indicators of active disease after a period of remission.” Clinical treatment studies estimate that more than two thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment, which is why cultivating a thorough relapse prevention plan is essential.
- Continuum of care that is unique to each person: Conforming to the specifications required as the individual’s relationship with drug addiction treatment expands.
- Aftercare/ follow-up options to aide in achieving and maintaining sobriety: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines aftercare as “the care, treatment, help, or supervision given to persons discharged from an institution.” Aftercare plays a fundamental role in addiction recovery as it is designed to provide individuals with ongoing, tailored support. Any individual that successfully completes a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program will leave with an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan is a co creation between the individual and his or her clinical care team that is developed during treatment. Depending on one’s needs, aftercare plans can be comprised of a range of suggestions, including a mix of extremely detailed recommendations to more broad ideas, such as:
- Suggestions related to reducing exposure to certain known triggers as well as strategies to minimize the effects associated with facing certain unavoidable triggers.
- Mock schedules for individuals to follow to help with consistency and structure.
- A list of healthy pastimes such as attending specific exercise classes, engaging in creative outlets (e.g., painting classes, ceramic lessons, etc.), and additional sober social activities.
- A blueprint for individuals to refer to when they have relapsed.
- Provide a list of addiction support group meeting options, and even offer suggestions regarding the number of recommended meetings an individual should attend weekly.
- Suggest transitioning into a sober living facility.
Aftercare plans are fluid documents that can grow and adjust with an individual as his or her needs shift throughout the recovery process. The most effective way to avoid temptation is to adhere to your aftercare plan.
There is no universal treatment method that proves successful for every person struggling with addiction. The path of recovery from substance use disorder is entirely personal, and it will be directly informed by one’s personality, mental health, and emotional needs.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
