Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

When Substance Abuse Treatment is Needed

It may have begun as just some weekend fun, but over time that recreational drug use somehow got out of control.  Fact is, you didn’t see it coming.  But that is how addiction takes hold, in little increments that begin to snowball until, out of nowhere it seems, you end up with a full-fledged problem with drugs or alcohol.

This becomes crystal clear as the consequences begin to mount right alongside the increasing drug or alcohol use.  As your priorities shift to focus almost solely on your next drink, fix, or pill, all sorts of fallout begin piling up.  Work or academic performance suffers, family relationships are strained, you have increasing financial problems, responsibilities are avoided, or maybe you got a DUI.  These are your wake-up calls, though, the signs that you need to get some help.  Don’t ignore them.

First Step….Entering a Residential Detox

Unless your substance use disorder is mild or very new, most likely your first step of the recovery journey will be detox and withdrawal.  A residential detox is the process where the body rids itself of the toxins and residues associated with the substance.  It is important to begin with detox so that you can enter the active treatment phase of recovery with a clear head, as therapy demands your ability to concentrate and focus for it to be effective.

After stopping the drug or alcohol use your body will not be happy.  The brain chemistry and nervous system has been adjusting to the influx of the substance, so when you stop using the substance there will be withdrawal symptoms.  Withdrawal is highly unpleasant and is best accomplished in a medical environment where you can have the support and monitoring you need.  Detox professionals will administer medications that will help mitigate many of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, as well as off the emotional support you need to stay the course.

Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment vs Outpatient

Although there are outpatient treatment programs available for mild substance use disorders, an inpatient substance abuse treatment program will provide a much higher standard of care.  The inpatient programs offer a respite from the stresses of daily life or from a home environment that is not supportive of recovery.  In inpatient care you will have 24-hour support within a structured setting that allows you to reestablish healthy routines.

Treatment will involve many different therapies.  The primary treatment for addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy that has been proven to be very effective in treating addictive thought and behavior patterns.  CBT teaches you how to identify your substance seeking responses to certain disordered thoughts and beliefs that trigger the behavior.  CBT therapists show you new healthy responses that will replace the dysfunctional ones.

In addition, there is group therapy, family therapy, addiction counseling and education, relapse prevention techniques, yoga, art therapy, mindfulness exercises, and recreational activities.

Finally…. Continuing Care and Aftercare

After you have completed the residential inpatient program you should continue to receive weekly reinforcement and support in early recovery.  This is called aftercare or continuing care and it involves ongoing outpatient services such as weekly therapy sessions.  Outpatient treatment can involve both individual therapy or group therapy, as well as life skills classes.  Sober living for a few months is an excellent choice for solidifying recovery after completing the program.  Ongoing peer recovery meetings, such as A.A., N.A., or non 12-step programs like SMART Recovery offer opportunities for social support and fellowship.

Receiving Help from Experience Treatment Specialists

The Treatment Specialist will connect you with a treatment center who has a highly respected team of addiction specialists devoted to guiding people, at no charge, toward the treatment they need for a substance use disorder.  The specialists offer a free assessment and insurance check. The insurance check will help you utilize your insurance benefits to reduce the cost of inpatient treatment for substance abuse. The treatment program is located in California near Los Angeles in a private and confidential residential location. For help today, please contact The Treatment Specialist at (866) 644-7911.