Choosing the Right Drug Treatment Program

One of the most important factors found to prevent relapse for drug addicts to find the right drug treatment program after completion of the detoxification process. There are different types of treatments for varying needs. Typically, a recovering addict with a long history of drug use will need a more intense program; whereas someone who has spent less time battling drug addiction may be able to get away with outpatient treatment.

Regardless of the length or intensity of the program, the right drug treatment program includes continual support and long-term follow-up care. Both factors are crucial for full rehabilitation. The right program would uncover and address the root cause of the problems troubling the addict, which led to drug-use to begin with.

When seeking the right drug treatment program, addicts need to be aware of several key factors that help them see beyond the serene surroundings some establishments advertise about their locations to attract patients. What is truly important to finding the right treatment is listed below:

Important Things to Consider

The program's licensing and accreditation.

Addicts need to make sure that the drug treatment programs they are considering for rehabilitation are locally accredited by the state or other governing body. Legitimate programs are run by licensed, trained mental health and addiction specialists.

The aftercare services provided.

For an addict to successfully recover and avoid relapse, aftercare services need to be part of the plan. These services include continued counseling and support group contact to keep surround the addict with positive influencers. A comprehensive discharge plan needs to be in place to include such care for addicts to maintain sober lifestyles.

The effectiveness of treatment methods.

Since different types of treatment methods are available, it is important for addicts to consider the success rates of each. Addicts may also want to consider the treatment method most effective for their type and intensity of addiction. For instance, medication is not effective for alcohol addicts, but may be necessary to ease the pain for those addicted to painkillers such as Vicodin and oxycontin.

Depending on the severity of the addiction, people will benefit from different treatment programs, ranging from full-day, residential care to brief, outpatient interventions.

Levels Of Drug Treatment Programs Include:

Residential treatment.

Addicts seeking residential treatment need around-the-clock support and care while recovering from their additions. Generally, residential treatment programs last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Intense counseling is usually part of the package, as well as healthy-living education. Patients have to learn to change their lifestyles and substitute unhealthy habits for healthier ones.

Partial hospitalization.

For addicts requiring continual medical monitoring to battle their declining health, partial hospitalization is the right treatment plan to implement. People in partial hospitalization programs usually meet with professionals three to five days a week, at the hospital, for four to six hours each day. Intense nutritional and psychological counseling important at this level of recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program.

Some recovering addicts need intensive outpatient programs for their recovery. Although they are not staying at the establishment, they spend quite a bit of time meeting with experts. Addicts participating in outpatient programs usually meet three days a week for two to four hours each day. People are generally meeting during their off-work times, and are able to continue with their everyday schedules and lives.

Sober Living.

Addicts seeking refuge and support in sober living usually need it after their stay at a residential program. The sober living facility serves as a stepping stone between residential treatment and real life. Addicts live with others who are also on recovery journeys, in drug-free environments. These facilities are often helpful for those who may relapse if they return to their original environments.

Brief Intervention.

These programs are offered for those on the verge of crossing the line from abuse to addiction. Intervention programs consist of several visits with healthcare professionals to discuss the negative effects of drug abuse. Drug abusers generally seek strategies for cutting back at this level, and are focused on addiction prevention.

Before jumping right into a drug treatment program, recovering addicts need to talk to their general practitioner or counselor, and check with their health insurance companies to see about mental health coverage. It is important for addicts to find out what their out-of-pocket obligations are before committing to any drug treatment programs.