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 brain disorder. The Mayo Clinic explains addiction as a disease “that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication” without regard for consequence. There is no universal answer that proves successful for everyone, as everyone has nuanced needs when it comes to the recovery process, and the efficacy of each type of treatment modality will depend entirely on each person’s distinct needs. Addiction does not develop overnight, nor should an individual expect his or her recovery from addiction to occur instantaneously.
Treatment Process
The typical treatment process for substance use disorder is comprised of three stages: the detox stage, formal treatment program, and aftercare. All three stages are equally important, as each is fundamental to the recovery process.
- Detox: detox is the process that cleanses one’s body of all foreign substances.
- Formal Treatment Program: addiction treatment programs are conducted in either an inpatient setting or an outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment programs require its participants to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of the program, which allows for an entirely immersive experience and affords its participants access to twenty-four-hour professional support. Outpatient treatment programs are structured in a way that enables a participant to continue to reside at home while simultaneously attending treatment. Any kind of substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program will provide its clients with a customized treatment plan that is comprised of one or more therapeutic approaches, and medication, when necessary. To further improve one’s overall health and wellbeing, treatment plans may also include refining one’s daily habits (e.g., practicing mindfulness techniques, exercising regularly, developing healthy sleeping habits, eating nutritiously, etc.).
- Aftercare: during the formal treatment program an individual will develop an aftercare plan with his or her clinical care team. This serves as a personalized resource that provides individuals with both detailed and broad guidance, often including suggestions for how to navigate challenges post treatment, strategies for relapse prevention, and more.
The recovery process is entirely personal, and it will be directly informed by one’s personality, mental health, and emotional needs. There are different options within each stage of the recovery process to allow leeway for modifications to ensure the nuanced needs of everyone are sufficiently and precisely accommodated.
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.
