Addiction is a treatable disorder. Addiction treatment is not a cure but a way of managing the condition. Treating substance abuse is a comprehensive process with a progression towards recovery. It is usually tailored to the needs of each individual. Read on to learn more about the main components of substance abuse treatment.
Treatment Settings
Depending on the severity of the addiction and individual needs, there are a number of settings in which treatment can take place. They include:
Hospital Clinic
- For those with very severe addiction, hospital care may be required providing full medical supervision, particularly for those with acute alcohol, opioid, or benzodiazepine addiction. A full range of services is often provided including detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, inpatient treatment and counseling, partial hospitalization, outpatient care, dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring mental health conditions, and aftercare support.
Residential Treatment (Rehab)
- These are intensive live-in programs, typically for stays of 30-90 days or longer. They offer 24/7 therapy and medical care in a structured, substance-free environment. They provide detoxification with medical supervision, therapy and counseling programs, holistic activities such as mindfulness meditation, fitness and art therapy, nutrition programs, and aftercare planning and support.
Outpatient Programs
- There are two types: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). PHP is a step down from residential treatment as the individual lives at home in the evening but attends therapy and counseling programs 5-8 hours a day, 5-7 days a week, at a treatment facility.
- IOP is less intense than PHP, with the individual living at home and attending during the day for 2-4 hours a day, 3-5 days a week. IOP provides less medical oversight than PHP.
Sober Living Homes
- These provide a structured, substance-free environment for those transitioning into the community after treatment. They offer a supportive community with peer support and accountability. The homes have guidelines, participation in chores, and often require mandatory drug testing.
- Residents have a high degree of independence and can work or attend school or an IOP. No formal clinical treatment is provided, but residents are often required to attend support groups such as AA, NA or SMART Recovery.
Detoxification
For most people this is the first step. The main focus is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as the substances leave the body. Depending on the substance, this may take 3-10 days. Detox alone, without subsequent treatment, generally leads to resumption of drug or alcohol use.
It’s normal for an individual to experience various physical and emotional symptoms, including restlessness and sleeplessness, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Medical supervision is a key aspect of detox as some withdrawal symptoms can be very painful or have side effects that need to be managed safely. For these, medication may be required.
For opioid addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered a first-line approach, combining medications such as buprenorphine or methadone with therapies. For alcohol addiction, naltrexone, disulfiram, or acamprosate may be used [1].
Addictions Therapies
There is a range of therapies used for treating addictions. Here are some of the main ones that are evidence-based.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal-oriented, time limited, structured therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals learn how their thoughts influence emotions and actions, and teaches practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Individuals learn to reframe distorted thinking patterns, develop coping strategies, and adopt healthier behaviors to deal with their addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It combines acceptance with change strategies and teaches four types of skills: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is now used for substance abuse, depression, and self-harm. It is centered around balancing self-acceptance with the need for change to develop emotional stability and healthier behaviors.
Contingency Management (CM)
CM is a behavioral therapy. It uses positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety and healthy behaviors. Participants receive awards (e.g. vouchers or prizes) for meeting goals such as drug-free urine tests or attending therapy. CM motivates individuals to stay committed to recovery. It is especially effective for substance use disorders. The structured, reward-based approach helps to reduce relapse and promote long-term behavior change.
Family Therapy
There are many approaches to family therapy. It is an important part of the recovery process as addiction has a significant impact on family relationships and dynamics. Family support is also a critical part of successful recovery. The focus is on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and nurturing a supportive home environment.
In therapy, the family members learn about addiction, set healthy boundaries, and create strategies to support their loved one’s recovery. Family therapy plays a big role in reducing the risk of relapse and promoting healing for the individual and their family.
Experiential Therapy
Especially for those individuals who struggle with talk therapy or have unresolved emotional issues, experiential therapy provides an alternative. It involves hands-on activities such as role-playing, art, music or outdoor adventures that help individuals explore and process emotions tied to addiction or trauma. They can access deeper feelings, gain insight, and develop coping skills in a non-verbal, creative way. In doing so, they can develop more self-awareness, emotional expression, and healing.
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning
These are central aspects of substance abuse treatment, with the focus on helping the individual to reduce the risk of relapse and maintain long-term sobriety or reduced substance use. Therapists work with individuals to identify triggers for substance use, develop coping strategies, and manage cravings. Personalized support systems are developed which may include ongoing therapy, support groups such as AA, NA or SMART Recovery, sober living arrangements, and regular check-ins.
With this comprehensive approach, individuals are best equipped and supported to prevent or manage relapse and re-establish their lives without dependency on using substances.
Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment in Anaheim
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one on the recovery from addiction and mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives.
We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and licensed counselors provide individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2020. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Treatment and Recovery.
