Addiction treatment programs provide medical, psychological, and emotional care to help a person overcome their dependence on alcohol or drugs. These programs vary from short-term residential treatment to ongoing outpatient support groups. Some addiction treatments address underlying mental health symptoms, and others help people understand and manage their triggers to use. In addition, some programs offer educational seminars and family therapy to promote a healthy recovery for the whole family.
A good drug addiction treatment program will identify any co-occurring psychiatric disorders that may contribute to a person’s addictive behavior. Many addicts suffer from undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions that can have a negative impact on their ability to achieve and maintain recovery. The program should also include intensive treatment for any other behavioral disorders that may be contributing to the addictive behavior such as anger management or stress management.
Most drug addiction treatment programs include some form of counseling and therapy, which is usually on a one-on-one basis with a trained professional. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps a person recognize and change the negative ways of thinking that can be associated with using drugs or alcohol. Other forms of counseling and therapy may include equine-assisted psychotherapy, which combines the benefits of horse riding with the proven therapeutic effects of counseling.
Medications may be prescribed as part of a drug addiction treatment program to help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. These medications will be determined by the doctor based on the substance that is being used and the severity of the addiction. Most people who have an addiction to alcohol or drugs do not require medication to remain drug free, but it can be helpful for those with severe problems.
If a person is attending long-term residential treatment, they will live at the rehab facility full time and receive 24-hour care. This is in contrast to outpatient rehabilitation, where a person attends treatment sessions during the day and goes home at night. It is important to find addiction treatment programs that’s best suited for each patient. During inpatient rehab, a person will meet other people in the same situation as themselves, which can boost motivation and self-esteem. They will also learn how to develop a supportive network of peers in recovery.
After a healthy lunch, the rehab center will usually have an afternoon session of therapy or counseling. This can be an individual session with a counselor, or it can be group therapy for those who are experiencing similar issues in their recovery journey. During these sessions, the counselor will teach the client how to safely manage their emotions without feeling the need to turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.
Some rehab facilities have programs that are tailored for certain populations such as first responders, veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, and healthcare professionals. These specialized programs are designed to provide a safe environment in which the people who attend can be empowered to recover in their own way, and they can find a sense of community that is important in addiction recovery.