Drug & Alcohol Abuse?
The are various levels of care and treatment methods that can be used to overcome addiction. What’s best for one person’s situation may not be good for another, which is why it is important to speak to a treatment advisor when seeking help for substance abuse. Whether you seek the assistance of an interventionist or reach out for help on your own it is good to know what you can expect from the treatment process and what is available.
Detox Programs
Often times the first step in the treatment process is detoxification. This is when a person is medically supervised during the withdrawal process and slowly tapered off drugs and alcohol. Each substance has their own protocols when it comes to detox, but generally, you can expect to be kept as comfortable as possible so you can stop using safely. There are two types of detox programs that most people will seek help through, inpatient and outpatient. Depending on the substances being abused, an outpatient detox program may be suggested if the user is deemed at a low risk for complications or dangers from withdrawal. Although outpatient detox programs do work, the likeliness of relapse in increased due to access to their drug of choice. This is why many times, it will be suggested that you attend an inpatient detox facility. An inpatient detox program, such as the one we offer here at Pax House, provides a safe, stable environment where the client can be monitored 24/7 by medical staff. The length of stay in the detox setting can vary depending on the drug of choice, amount used, and length of use, although on average it can last from 7-10 days. Inpatient detox also provides a foundation for inpatient treatment once the process is complete.
Intensive Outpatient/Outpatient Programs
After inpatient is completed, it will be suggested as an aftercare plan for most clients to participate in an outpatient program. There are two different types of outpatient can be offered, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient. With an intensive outpatient program, clients attend groups and therapy anywhere from 3 to 5 times a week and participate in weekly individual therapy. This is the most commonly suggested level of care after rehab and helps to strengthen clients chances of long-term recovery. In the regular outpatient level of care, the number of days a client attends is lowered based on the recommendations of the clinical staff. By this point, most clients are productive members of society again and continue to work on their own personal program of recovery.
Sober Living Homes
A sober living home, also known as a halfway house or transitional living home, is a residence where clients pay a weekly rent to live in a safe, sober environment after completing inpatient treatment. Because it is suggested to avoid places where you used to abuse drugs and alcohol, going back home can often be a dangerous place for a newly recovering addict. A sober home, like those at Pax House, provides structure and routine, which is important in avoiding relapse in early recovery. Many sober homes have rules, curfews and provide drug testing to ensure that all residences are participating in recovery. Currently, health insurance does not cover sober living, but that does not mean it is not a vital part of the treatment process. For many recovering addicts, sober homes provide a place where they can get back on their feet and avoid old people, places, and things.
