Types of Drug Treatment

Deciding to seek drug treatment is an important step to recovering from addiction.  Likewise, so is choosing the right drug treatment program for you or your loved one.  With so many different programs and facilities to choose from it can be an overwhelming process; however, by understanding the basics of each type you can begin to narrow down your options and make your decision much easier.

In-patient treatment is one of the more common drug treatment options.  At an in-patient facility recovering addicts live at the facility and are closely monitored by facility personnel.  The length of the stay, anywhere from a few months to a year, is based on the facility as well as the recovering addict.  Counseling, group meetings, and extra-curricular activities are typical components of in-patient programs.  In-patient treatment is often a last resort for addicts who have tried other methods of treatment and have not been successful; although most programs are open to anyone suffering from addiction.

A halfway house or sober-living is a good transition for recovering addicts coming out of in-patient treatment centers.  They are substance-free residences that help recovering addicts adjust to their new lives and get jobs while maintaining treatment.  Continuing counseling is an important part of the program as well as random drug checks.   The goal of halfway houses is to make the shift from treatment to real-life as smooth as possible as well as ensuring that the recovering addict has the support they need to remain drug free.

Out-patient treatment is another common form of drug treatment.  Unlike in-patient treatment, outpatient treatment does not require the recovering addict to live at the facility; however, they are still closely monitored.  Facilities often provide individual and group counseling, as well as other programs to help recovering addicts as they transition into drug free lives.   Out-patient treatment centers are ideal for recovering addicts that have a short history with substance abuse as well as recovering addicts coming out of more intensive programs.

Counseling and meetings although not as intensive as other forms of drug treatment; are an essential and ongoing part of recovery for addicts.  Both individual and group sessions can help addicts identify and correct possible issues before they become a problem. Drug and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases and attending meetings regularly provides a safe place for addicts to help each other to stay clean and sober by sharing their experience, strength and hope with one another.  Often times, talking with  other addicts provides help and support to not only the newly sober but also to those with many years of sobriety in coping with the everyday challenges of life.   Whether or not they are part of another treatment program, counseling and regular meetings are an important part of the lifelong recovery process.

Choosing the right drug treatment program for yourself or for your loved is a highly individualized process.  Not every program will work for everyone; which is important to keep in mind when considering different programs.  Understanding the different types of treatments as well as the addict is the first step to choosing a successful program.