MySubstanceAbuseHelp.com - Types of Substance Abuse Help
There are many different types of substance abuse help programs out there and deciding which one is right for you can be difficult. Before you start dialing numbers in your phone book, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of drug addiction treatment that are out there. This will help you decide which method of battling drug addiction and alcoholism is best for you. There are two major types of substance abuse help available: in patient and out patient treatment. In Patient treatment is exactly what it sounds like. A person with a substance abuse problem checks into a rehabilitation facility and lives there for a while. Some in patient substance abuse programs are only a few weeks long. Other substance abuse rehabilitation programs can last as long as six months. Deciding on the program length depends largely upon the individual trying to recover. Some people only need a few weeks. Others need to sequester themselves for longer periods of time to help build up their resolve to stay sober.
In Patient substance abuse treatment programs offer drug addicts constant supervision and support. Often the patient will be given a roommate and will participate in group therapy sessions as well as individual counseling appointments. Some substance abuse help facilities also require their patients to attend classes and lectures that help them learn about their addiction and the affect it has on their bodies. Some drug rehab centers put their patients to work, assigning chores and creating a self sufficient society.
Out Patient facilities range from a casual structure in which the drug addict is free to come and go as he or she pleases as often or as little as is needed. Other out patient facilities require patients to stick to a strict therapy and exam schedule that can involve things like regular drug testing and medication as well as counseling.
One of the more common out patient substance abuse help programs is the "methadone clinic." Patients who use a methadone clinic to help them beat their drug addictions attend regular meetings and are given medication that helps curb their drug cravings and reduce the physical withdrawal symptoms a drug addict experiences when he or she stops taking the drug of his or her choice. Another source of substance abuse help is the "meeting." The most recognized meeting is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are meetings for people with other addictions as well. These programs work by pairing up someone trying to get sober with someone who has won their battle with addiction. The addict attends as many or as few meetings as he needs when it is convenient for him to attend. Many people find that out patient substance abuse prevention and treatment is more than adequate as they work to get sober. Others realize that they need the stricter atmosphere of an in-patient facility. Be honest with yourself. Do you need a stricter environment or will a structured setting do more harm than good?
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