Choosing the correct treatment approach is often a very confusing, difficult
and an important endeavor. It is important to be well informed in order to choose
the rehabilitation facility for you. Each rehabilitation facility is unique
in it's approach to recovery. Take note of what is important to you, and make
decisions based on your personal necessities. Keep in mind that there are a
multitude of treatment approaches to choose from: outpatient, inpatient, 12-step,
group therapy, and the list goes on.
An individusl can become thoroughly confused by asking a half-dozen recovering
alcoholics or drug addicts how they ended their use of alcohol or drugs; the
answers vary although each of them may seem convincing and emotional. They will
cite such diverse approaches as hospitalization, diet, exercise, counseling,
sauna's, religion, hypnosis, amino acids and self-help groups. When it comes
to successful treatment, only one thing is certain: practically any approach
will work for some of the people, some of the time. To put it another way, successful
treatment is like a designer suit- it's got to be tailor-made for each individual.
A great deal of variation exists in the degree of dependence among drug users.
The teenager who smokes marijuana three times a week is not as dependent as
the thirty year old who has smoked six joints a day for 15 years and has already
relapsed after being in two rehabilitation centers. It's obvious that these
individuals need different approaches to treatment. Similarly, among cocaine
users are some who use it in binge fashion, one or two days a month, and others
who use it several times each day. Again, different treatment approaches are
required for each case.
For those who do not have a long history of drug addiction, an outpatient treatment
program might be the correct decision. This form of treatment may be a viable
solution for those who have a brief drug addiction history. These individuals
might only need the guidance and counseling available though this method of
treatment. On the other hand, those who have experienced an extended period
of drug addiction, choosing the correct treatment program typically means that
they should enter into an inpatient program. The structure and 24-hour support
available through this type of treatment is highly effective for those recovering
from long term drug addiction.
Most drug treatment professionals don't recommend any one "best"
treatment approach, recognizing the many variations among abusers. In general,
the levels of treatment range from simple and behavioral to complex and medical.
The person dependent upon drugs or alcohol may have used the chosen substance
for so long that he or she has literally forgotten how to cope with life stresses;
how to have a meaningful, drug-free lifestyle; or how to solve the social or
psychological problems that prompted the substance abuse in the first place.
In these instances, a very comprehensive approach must be prescribed if the
individual is to expect any degree of successful recovery.
Once abstinence is achieved, the "clean" or sober individual can
take several steps to enhance recovery and avoid relapse. Among the general
recommendations are belonging to a group as a support system, having a religious
involvement, practicing good health habits; including proper diet, sleep, and
exercise, as well as goal planning and self enhancement projects.