According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over 23.5 million Americans age 12 and older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems in 2011. Of these, only 2.6 million or 11.2 percent of those who needed treatment received it. The numbers are staggering.
I have known a few people who manage to get clean and sober on their own. But the vast majority struggle with addiction for years, decades and even their entire lives if they don’t seek treatment. And many lose their lives because they would not or could not seek treatment.
Be it drugs or alcohol, addiction treatment does work. If you are seeking treatment, here are some options that will help guide your recovery.
Residential treatment involves living in a treatment facility while undergoing intensive treatment during the day. Residential treatment normally lasts from 30-90 days.
Intensive outpatient programs usually meet three days a week for two to four hours a day or more. The major focus is relapse prevention and individual, group, and family counseling. Outpatient programs are scheduled around work or school.
Counseling (individual, group, and family) works best in conjunction with other types of treatment or as follow-up support. Therapy can help you identify the root causes of your addiction, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills.
Sober living normally follows intensive treatment like residential treatment. You live with other recovering alcoholics and addicts in a substance free environment. Sober living facilities are useful if you have nowhere to go after treatment or you’re worried that returning home too soon will lead to relapse.
Brief interventions are only appropriate for those at risk for drug and alcohol abuse, not for those who have already developed a serious problem. Brief interventions usually consist of several visits to a healthcare professional to discuss the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse and strategies for cutting back.
Addiction treatment services are successful when followed up with the support of 12 Step programs such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). They offer daily support groups any time of the day, 24 hours a day.
Cary Quashen is a certified addiction specialist and the president and founder of Action Family Counseling Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs. For more information, contact him by calling 661-297-8691.