Stopping substance abuse is not merely about saying “no” and increasing willpower. Breaking physical and psychological dependence is a journey that must be taken one moment at a time. However, the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Drug treatment centers can help you understand your disease and gain the tools for fighting it.
According to SAMHSA, there are more than 14,000 drug treatment centers in the US. So, it can take a lot of research and careful thought to find a place that offers you the support and care you need. (source)
One very important thing to keep in mind is that addiction is not something that can be “solved” during a brief retreat from your normal life. Drug treatment centers that can really help you should offer a complete continuum of care. Here are the ways Pax House offers treatment designed to make a lasting impact.
Detoxification from Illegal and Prescription Pill Addiction
Detoxification from illegal or prescription pill addiction is the first step of the process. After months or years of regular substance abuse, your body has developed a dependence, so that it feels unable to function without your use. A person without a substance dependence disorder has the ability to manufacture neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine that produce good feelings. Drugs bombard the brain with higher levels of these chemicals than normal, and so the body adapts by not making them anymore. This means going through withdrawal can bring on a lot of unpleasant physical and emotional feelings. A detox process supervised by trained and dedicated professional staff can help you make it through this difficult initial first stage.
Residential Treatment
After you have stabilized enough to enter treatment, the hard work of rebuilding your life begins. Residential treatment allows you to take a break from your day-to-day life. You can then focus all of your attention on learning and developing the resources to strengthen your recovery. Along with other people in early recovery, you will follow a regular schedule of therapy, group meetings, and activities. Monitoring and care allow you to develop new habits during this crucial time.
Outpatient Treatment at Drug Treatment Centers
After the intensive residential treatment, you will have to go back into the stresses of everyday life. Issues with jobs, finances, school, and relationships with other people may come up, and it can sometime be easy to suffer a relapse. That is why it is vital to find a way to continue to find resources to succeed. Think through the best way to handle triggers that may come up. For many, regular therapy sessions and meeting with a supportive group for recovering addicts such as Narcotics Anonymous can fulfil that role. However, a helpful drug treatment center can offer more intensive help, and still allow you to live independently. Outpatient services can be an important step down.
Sober Living
Sober living is another great option to help you transition between residential care at a drug treatment center and returning home. A sober living house, such as the one run by Pax House, is a communal living situation with people in recovery. Together we have committed to maintaining a safe and sober environment for everyone. There, you can work at building life skills and learning how to manage schedules for self-care and responsibilities.
Aftercare
Even after you leave, a drug treatment center should keep in touch and offer you continued help. Support personnel for aftercare recognizes that you will continue to face challenges, and so will offer resources to prevent relapse and help you maintain your sobriety.
