Many people use drugs recreationally or participate in social drinking at parties, happy hours, and other communal events.
However, occasional use can quickly turn into drug addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD) because substances have a major impact on our minds and bodies.
This is a medically diagnosed disorder, which is characterized by the inability to refrain from drug abuse, even if there have been serious physical and mental health issues.
A substance use disorder will most likely require continued long-form treatment to achieve recovery.
But if you’re not sure whether your drug or alcohol use is serious or not, it may be hard to decide if an addiction treatment program is necessary.
Below we’ll explore the signs of addiction, and when rehabilitation may be right for you or a loved one.
What Does An Addiction Look Like?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2018 an estimated 164.8 million people used a substance in the United States.
Drug abuse is risky and can easily turn into an addiction. There’s no one single reason that addiction arises because every person is different.
Some common causes of addiction are:
- family history of substance abuse
- co-occurring disorders
- emotional stress
- peer pressure
Alcohol use, opioid use, and cocaine abuse may provide pleasurable short-term effects, but their lasting effects on the brain, body, and mind can be dangerous.
Addiction can look different depending on your overall health history, the severity of abuse, the type of drug abuse, and other factors.
The warning signs of a substance use disorder can be:
- deterioration of grooming, hygiene, and overall appearance
- sudden weight loss or gain
- extreme restlessness or trouble staying awake
- relationships falling apart
- exhibiting secretive behavior or isolation
- frequent legal trouble related to substances or actions while intoxicated
- slackening work performance
- only enjoying drug use or activities where drug use is acceptable
- using at inappropriate times
- harsh withdrawal symptoms, and using to avoid them
- bouts of paranoia, depression, anxiety, and mood swings
- lack of motivation
If you, a family member, or a close friend can relate to one or more of these signs, it may be the right time to check into a rehab program.
What Are Some Addiction Recovery Options?
There are several types of drug treatment that can fit any type of lifestyle.
Treatment options for substance abuse include the following:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Detoxification
- Aftercare services
- Dual diagnosis treatment
If you’re ready for an extended reset, inpatient residential care might be the right choice. Or, if you’d like to remain at home during your treatment, outpatient care may be the best fit.
Let’s explore each of these options so you can better decide if rehab is right for you.
Inpatient Rehab
This is the most intensive form of treatment. Patients will live on-site and receive around-the-clock care while participating in a number of recovery-based activities.
Inpatient care may include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- physical health classes on nutrition, wellness, and physical exercise
- group therapy
- field trips to enjoy sober activities and 12-step group meetings
A stay at an inpatient rehab center can last anywhere from three to six months, and each patient will usually have an individualized treatment plan for their specific needs.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient options offer those with a less severe substance use disorder, or those who have just completed an inpatient program, the chance to recover with a little more flexibility.
This is because outpatient rehab centers don’t require clients to live on-site. Depending on which outpatient program you choose, your level of commitment may change.
Here are several outpatient care options you can choose from:
- Standard outpatient programs: Patients attend one to three hours of counseling and group therapy weekly.
- Intensive outpatient programs: Patients attend four to six hours of therapy, counseling, and other workshops weekly.
- Partial hospitalization programs: Patients will attend a number of sessions, ranging from therapy to medical visits, for upwards of eight hours a day.
Medical Detox Centers
The withdrawal process can be life-threatening, and safely detoxing is best done in the hands of healthcare providers.
Detox centers will administer medication-assisted treatment, nutrients, and the care that the body needs in order to safely rid the body of drugs.
The chance of relapse is lowered because patients are in a controlled environment. Stays typically last three to seven days, or however long it takes for physical symptoms to subside.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many with an SUD also have other mental health disorders. When this occurs, dual diagnosis treatment is recommended.
Common mental health disorders co-occurring with addiction are:
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- borderline personality disorder
- anxiety disorders
- depression
- bipolar disorder
Dual diagnosis treatment specializes in addressing both the addiction and the other mental health disorder. Treatment techniques include evidence-based treatment and individual therapy.
Aftercare Services
Aftercare services include a number of care options that can help someone who has completed an inpatient or outpatient program continue their recovery.
Aftercare options include:
- Sober living homes: Clients live in a substance-free home with other sober people where they follow a curfew, attend house meetings, and find employment.
- 12-step support groups: Members of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous meet together and share stories of strength, recovery, and hope, and learn how to live a lasting sober life.
Treatment For Substance Abuse In Massachusetts
There are many Massachusetts drug and alcohol outpatient programs that can help you or a loved one find recovery.
Reach out to a specialist at Northeast Addictions Recovery Center to learn how we can set up an addiction treatment plan specified for your recovery.
Read More:
- How To Help Someone Struggling With Addiction
- 10 Common Topics In Group Therapy
- Can I Bring My Cell Phone To Rehab?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
Sources:
Indian Health Service — Warning Signs Of Substance And Alcohol Use Disorder
National Institute On Drug Abuse — Types of Treatment Programs
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration — Key Substance Use And Mental Health Indicators In The United States
