Addiction Treatment: Find the Best Treatment for You

Addiction to alcohol or drugs is devastating. Not only does the individual with the substance or alcohol use disorder have a difficult and often painful life, so too do the loved ones of that person. What may start out as ‘having fun’, or ‘experimenting’ or ‘relieving stress’, can too often turn into substance abuse, and later full-blown addiction to alcohol or drugs—in many cases both. For many, professional treatment is needed to begin the road to recovery and experience long-lasting recovery. Finding the type of treatment option that is best-suited to each person’s individual and unique needs is crucial to long-term recovery. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that substance abuse costs our nation more than $740 billion each year. From costs in the criminal justice system and lost productivity at work to healthcare costs, addiction not only impacts the nation but also each individual with addiction and their loved ones. Many times bills go unpaid, jobs are lost, and important appointments not kept due to addiction. If you think you or someone you love may have an alcohol or substance use disorder (AUD or SUD) it’s important that you know there is hope and help. No matter how desperate your situation looks today, you are not alone and many others have recovered from alcohol or drug abuse issues.

Why Addiction Treatment Helps

Understanding a bit about addiction is important in order to understand why addiction treatment is helpful to so many. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive need to use alcohol or another substance. The disease of addiction is complex often with underlying issues. Some people mistakenly think that if a person with a substance use issue wanted to stop they simply would. However, anyone who has (or had) an addiction knows this couldn’t be further from the truth. Willpower alone simply won’t suffice when it comes to beating addiction.

Not only does the body often develop a physical dependence on the substance or substances, but some drugs also change the brain and how it functions. This makes it even more difficult for someone to stop. But thanks to science and research, more is known about the impact substances have on the brain and what types of treatments are best to overcome addiction. And have no doubt, thousands of people who once felt hopeless and lost in their addiction to alcohol or drugs have taken the first step and now live vibrant, happy lives in long-term recovery. You can too. 

Seeking treatment for alcohol or drugs somewhere with experience and professionals who can help you safely detox, heal, learn, and recover is essential for the best chance at long-lasting recovery. 

Is It Time for Addiction Treatment? 

If you are asking yourself this question about yourself or a loved one then most likely the answer is yes. Admitting that you may have a dependence on alcohol or another substance (or even behavior) can stir up fear. But it’s okay. Taking an honest and brave look at yourself and habits around substances such as alcohol, prescription pills, cocaine, marijuana, or any other substance is the first step towards a life of happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from addiction.

What exactly defines addiction? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes substance use disorder as having three subcategories; mild, moderate, and severe. Based on the criteria below, if an individual has two or three of these criteria they are considered ‘mild’ if they have four or five it is a ‘moderate’ diagnosis, and six criteria or more during a 12 month period is considered to be a ‘severe’ substance use disorder. 

• Consume in larger amounts of the substance or for longer periods of time than planned.
• Attempts to cut down on using the substance are unsuccessful or there exists an ongoing desire to cut down but it doesn’t happen. 
• Extended periods of time are spent in obtaining the substance, using it, or recovering from it.
• Ongoing cravings for the substance occur.
• Failure to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school due to the use of the substance. 
• Use of the substance continues despite negative social or interpersonal consequences. 
• Social, occupational, or recreational activities once important are given up to use the substance. 
• Continuing to use the substance in physically dangerous situations.
• Substance use continues despite increasing physical or psychological issues being caused or worsened by continued use.
• Tolerance develops; needing more of the substance to get the desired results or when using the same amount of the substance having less effect than before. 
• Withdrawal occurring; experiencing withdrawal symptoms specific to that substance or continuing to use the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

No matter how many or how few of these criteria you or a loved one has, recovery is possible. Thousands of people who have been in your situation have taken the first step to recover and found it not only possible to live in recovery but also discovered a life beyond their best dreams. You can too. 

Futures Recovery Healthcare knows that the same treatment isn’t what’s best for everyone. Using a multi-faceted, holistic, and evidence-based approach to treatment, Futures helps support many people in their recovery journey each day. 

Types of Treatment for Addiction

Addiction and recovery come in different ways for different people. However, there are some basic types of addiction treatment programs. Depending on your specific needs and unique situation, one type of treatment may be better than another for you.

Detox 

Medically-supervised detox is often the first step in the treatment program. This is the time period when the body rids itself of the substance used. Often during this time individuals may experience withdrawal and the uncomfortable and even life-threatening associated symptoms of withdrawal. For this reason, detoxing in a medically-supervised treatment facility is a vital first step in recovery. There are medications that can be given to help ease the acute withdrawal symptoms of detoxing. Medications are helpful not only to combat uncomfortable symptoms but also help to prevent relapse. Attempting to detox without medical and professional help is not only dangerous but also contributes to relapse. Many who try to detox on their own find the withdrawal period too difficult and begin to use alcohol or drugs again to ease their discomfort. 

Residential Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment offers an individual the opportunity to focus solely on their healing and recovery. With round the clock care in a structured environment, many of the stressors of daily life are removed. This enables an individual to work solely on their addiction issues, underlying problems, as well as any co-occurring issues such as depression or anxiety-related issues. 

Futures Recovery Healthcare offers residential treatment programs that begin with a thorough physical and psychological assessment. This enables a comprehensive treatment program to be created addressing all the specific needs of each client. 

Components of treatment programs at Futures include evidence-based individual therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, group therapy, physical therapy, wellness and nutrition, measurement-based treatments, telehealth, and more. 

Amenities found in Futures’ three residential programs, the Core program, the executive Orenda program, and the Experiential Activity-based program, provide for the needs of all clients in treatment. From self-care options and a pool to private, suite-style accommodations and nutritionally sound meals, your well being, both physical and mental, along with the individualized treatment programs are the top priority at Futures. 

Outpatient  and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment is another common type of addiction treatment. As the name suggests, treatment is rendered on an outpatient basis. The individual may attend the treatment facility during the day for several hours just once a week or in the case of intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOP) they go for treatment three to five days a week of the week for several hours. When they are not in treatment individuals can live at home or in sober living houses and can attend school or work. Futures offers both outpatient and IOP options. 

Support Groups

Recovery from addiction is challenging with many obstacles to overcome. Lifelong, long-lasting recovery is a journey and a commitment for life. It’s essential to establish and maintain communities of support both in and out of treatment. There are those individuals who do not take advantage of either residential or outpatient treatment. Some of these individuals do experience long-term recovery with the help or support groups in the communities. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be found in towns across the world and offer support and resources for anyone who wants to recover from alcohol or drug abuse. 

After an individual who does choose treatment finishes their course of treatment, it’s critical that they have a support system beyond the treatment facility. Rehabs that offer alumni groups are key to long-lasting recovery. Futures has a strong alumni group that engages in monthly meetings and outings. Another unique benefit at Futures is the Days of Ascent program. The Days of Ascent event pairs alumni from Futures with current clients. This enables the alumni to share their experience and hope with the person new to recovery. It also helps the current client to begin to establish connections with like-minded individuals also in recovery when they leave treatment. 

These are the most common few types of treatment for substance use disorders. Within each of these types of treatment, there are various programs and supports. Finding the best treatment option for you is critical to establishing a strong foundation in recovery. 

Co-occurring Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Specialized Treatment Programs

It’s important to consider any additional and specialized therapies you or a loved one may need. For some people, they will need a treatment center that has the experience, success, and a focus on treating co-occurring disorders. According to NIDA, 7.7 million adults in the United States have both a substance abuse issue and a co-occurring mental health issue. If you suspect you or your loved one may have a co-occurring mental health issue, seeking treatment at a facility able to treat both conditions simultaneously is vital. 

Eating disorders, trauma, and chronic pain are some of the other issues that occur with substance abuse. A treatment center with compassionate, caring staff who are specifically trained and experienced in working with individuals with these issues is a key component in recovery. 

Individuals may also have addictions to not only substances but also gambling, sex/relationship, internet, video games, and more. Each person who is living with addiction has unique needs for their treatment and recovery programs. The admissions team at Futures are experts at assessing if an individual seeking treatment is a good fit. The admissions representatives will suggest alternative treatment options as well with the best interest of each person at the forefront. 

Futures specializes in treating adult professionals or mature younger adults. Research shows that treatments that are age-specific focused yield better outcomes. Programs are tailored to familial, spousal, parental, and career stressors most common to this age group. When participants in group therapy are in a similar age range these important evidence-based treatment approaches at Futures are more productive than those with a large age range mixed. 

Living with an addiction or someone with an addiction to alcohol or another substance is tough. Taking the first step and getting help can also be hard. You are not alone, there is help and hope—just a phone call away. Futures is here to help anyone who wants to recover. Contact us confidentially online or call at 866-351-7588.