A beginner’s guide to substance abuse recovery

A beginner’s guide to substance abuse recovery

-By Melanie French RN, MBA

A person's physical, emotional, and mental health may be severely affected by the complicated and difficult issue of substance abuse. Their relationships, careers, and financial security may all be impacted. For those who are battling with substance abuse, there are many degrees of care accessible. This article is intended to educate anyone who may be new to the recovery journey, so they may make the best decision for their needs.

Detox – The first step!

A crucial initial stage in the treatment of substance dependence is detoxification, or detox. The process of detox may be difficult and unpleasant, therefore it's crucial to have medical care throughout this stage of treatment. Typically, detox is provided at a detox facility, a type of treatment facility that offers round-the-clock medical care and supervision. Medical experts with the necessary training work at detox facilities and can keep an eye on and treat patients' withdrawal symptoms.

Depending on the substance used, the length of the addiction, and the person's general health, the detoxification process can last anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. People may go through both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms during this period, including trembling, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and despair. Patients will consult with case managers during the detox process to decide on their next steps in recovery.  Individuals should move to "after care" to continue their recovery process after finishing detox.

After detox there are many options available. Below is a summary of each.

Outpatient Treatment

The least intense type of treatment for substance abuse is outpatient therapy. It entails staying at home and taking care of everyday tasks while traveling to a treatment facility for therapy sessions and support groups. Individuals with mild to severe addiction problems who have a solid support structure at home and are dedicated to changing their behavior can choose outpatient therapy.

Family counseling, individual and group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction are all possible components of outpatient treatment programs. These programs are adaptable and may be made to accommodate different schedules and needs. Depending on how severe the addiction is, the program's duration may vary, although it normally lasts a few weeks to several months.

Those with drug use disorders may benefit from outpatient treatment, particularly if they receive a mix of individual and group therapy, according to a study that was published in the Journal of drug Abuse Treatment. According to the study, receiving outpatient care was linked to better mental health outcomes, decreased drug and alcohol use, and improved social functioning. Outpatient treatment's effectiveness rate varies, however some studies have shown that it can range from 20% to 70%. ¹

 

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

A more regulated and rigorous level of care than standard outpatient therapy is called intensive outpatient therapy (IOP). It calls for a substantial time commitment, generally needing a minimum of 9 hours per week of individual and group counseling sessions. IOP is most appropriate for patients who need greater attention than outpatient treatment but do not need round-the-clock physician supervision.

IOP programs may include MAT, relapse prevention education, family counseling, and individual and group therapy. Depending on each individual's needs, the program might last anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks.

IOP can be helpful in treating substance use problems, according to a study that was published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases. According to the study, IOP was linked to significantly lower drug usage, better mental health results, and higher levels of social functioning. IOP has a variable success rate, however some studies have noted success rates between 30% and 70%. ²

Partial Hospitalization Program

Individuals who need more intense care than is provided by outpatient or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) but do not require round-the-clock medical monitoring should enroll in partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). PHPs offer organized therapy during the daytime, often 5-7 days per week, for a number of hours. People either spend the night at sober living facilities or go home at night.

PHPs offer a variety of treatments, such as group and individual counseling, psychiatric treatment, medication administration, and leisure therapy. The program's duration may change, but it typically lasts 4-6 weeks.

PHPs can be helpful in treating drug use disorders, especially for those with co-occurring mental health issues, according to a research published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. According to the study, PHPs were linked to significantly lower drug usage, better mental health results, and higher levels of social functioning. Though PHP success rates vary, several studies have shown that they can range from 40% to 80%.³

Inpatient Treatment

Individuals with serious substance addiction difficulties receive round-the-clock medical and emotional assistance through inpatient therapy, commonly referred to as residential treatment. The greatest candidates for inpatient therapy are those who require a high degree of care, especially those who have co-occurring illnesses like despair or anxiety.

Depending on the needs of each patient, inpatient treatment programs may run anywhere from 30 to 90 days or longer. Detoxification, medication management, family counseling, and individual and group therapy are all potential treatment options. Inpatient therapy is fairly regimented and includes a range of exercises and treatments to aid in the development of coping mechanisms and long-term healing.

 

Inpatient therapy can be successful in treating substance use disorders, according to a research that was published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. According to the study, inpatient therapy was linked to appreciable drops in drug use, enhanced mental health results, and improved social functioning. Although studies have shown success rates ranging from 50% to 70%⁴, the success rate for inpatient therapy varies.

Sober Living

For those in recovery, sober living facilities offer a supportive living environment. They are made for those who require a supportive atmosphere to continue their rehabilitation after receiving more intense care, including inpatient therapy. Peer support, a drug-free living environment, and access to neighborhood services like 12-step meetings and treatment are all provided by sober living houses.

Sober living may be a good choice for those in recovery, according to research. According to a research that appeared in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, those who took part in sober living programs had much greater rates of abstinence and were less likely to relapse than those who did not. ⁵  The study also discovered that individuals who lived in sober living homes for at least six months had a greater chance of abstinence than those who did not engage in a sober living program or stayed for less than six months.

In conclusion, substance abuse is a complex problem that requires a range of interventions and support. The different levels of care in substance abuse provide a continuum of care that can be tailored to meet individual needs and provide the necessary support to achieve long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, seek professional help to determine the most appropriate level of care.

If you or someone you love is seeking help with addiction, Scottsdale Detox can provide comfort and safety during the detox process. Please call us if you have any questions at (480) 646-7660.

 

Sources:

1. Morgenstern, J., Blanchard, K. A., Morgan, T. J., Labouvie, E., & Hayaki, J. (2001). Testing the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment for substance abuse in a community setting: Within treatment and posttreatment findings. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69(6), 1007–1017. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.69.6.1007
2. Dennis, M. L., Scott, C. K., & Funk, R. (2003). An experimental evaluation of recovery management checkups (RMC) for people with chronic substance use disorders. Evaluation and Program Planning, 26(3), 339–352. doi: 10.1016/S0149-7189(03)00039-0
3. Fiorentine, R., & Hillhouse, M. P. (2000). Drug treatment effectiveness and client–counselor empathy: Exploring the effects of gender and retention in treatment. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 26(2), 191–204. doi: 10.1081/ADA-100100019
4. Dennis, M. L., Scott, C. K., & Funk, R. (2003). An experimental evaluation of recovery management checkups (RMC) for people with chronic substance use disorders. Evaluation and Program Planning, 26(3), 339–352. doi: 10.1016/S0149-7189(03)00039-0
5. Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Bond, J., & Galloway, G. (2010). What did we learn from our study on sober living houses and where do we go from here? Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(4), 425-433. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2010.10400702