Unfortunately, many of us know someone who is struggling with drug addiction. It’s an awful trap to watch someone fall into and can be scary for the individual, as well friends and family involved. (Image Credit: Emilian Danaila/Pixabay)
Sometimes we don’t know how to help a loved one who clearly needs help overcoming their addiction. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. We’re here to help answer some of your questions about recovery.
Recovery isn’t always easy. In fact, most of the time, it’s hard. Knowing a little bit more about drug addiction, treatment, and how you can help is a great step forward. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some common questions regarding drug addiction treatment.
What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like?
Drug addiction recovery is a long road, and treatment for this illness comes in many forms. Generally, drug addiction treatment will combine supervision and detox with counseling. The counseling or therapy is there in order to give them the tools they need to live successfully without the substance.
Additionally, there are two classifications of treatment: inpatient and outpatient.
- Inpatient treatment occurs at a supervised facility. This is what people traditionally view as “rehab”. Addicts will be cared for by medical professionals and generally be surrounded by other addicts going through the same process. Inpatient treatment is specifically marked by the fact that patients stay overnight for multiple days at a treatment center.
- On the other hand, outpatient treatment is where an individual spends time at their home and commutes to an office for treatment. It is often used later in the process of recovery and can focus on the psychological or physical aspects of the recovery process. Recurring outpatient treatment is often very helpful to create a support network for those who have experienced some addiction in the past.
Is Treatment the Same Regardless of the Drug?
Yes and no. Treatments like talk therapy are helpful regardless of what your loved one’s addiction is, but other treatments can be more targeted to a personal struggle. When it comes to helping your friend or family member, it’s very important to clearly communicate with the doctor or addiction specialist about what will work best.
Treatment may vary even for people who have an addiction to the same drug. Treatment plans should always be personalized to the individual undergoing drug addiction treatment. This is especially important if someone has a co-occurring mental disorder. For example, addicts in The Grand Canyon State with serious issues often enroll in Arizona inpatient drug rehab centers that provide a more intensive treatment program. This ensures that the person’s individual needs are met.
Why Do People Fight Addiction Treatment?
This is probably the toughest question to answer, because there isn’t an exact answer. Sadly, it’s always on our minds when a loved one has fallen victim to substance abuse. The truth is, drugs are powerful and addictive. This is why many users fight treatment. They may not see how their life has changed or simply may not want to.
Drug addiction is harmful, and your loved one knows that, but drugs are clouding their thinking right now. All in all, you want to show them love by helping them get better. Get them into treatment and they’ll thank you in the long run even, if they fight you along the way.
You Are Not Alone
Drug treatment recovery can seem overwhelming, but you are not alone. There is a wide network of trained professionals who can help you and your loved one. Drug addiction can be scary to watch and you’re doing the right thing by reaching out for help.
Do your research and find the right treatment plan for your situation. Be comfortable asking questions about what you don’t understand, and be open to the advice of professionals.