What Are The Stages Of Addiction Treatment?

When a person is considering getting help for an addiction, the thought of rehab can be scary. Fear of the unknown often keeps people from doing things they know are right and beneficial.

Knowing about the different addiction treatment phases will help make the process of seeking help a little easier.

Detoxification

The first addiction treatment phase is detox. This phase can vary depending on the individual, their substance abuse history, and what kind of addiction they have.

Some patients must go through difficult detoxes. Those who have been addicted to their substance for a long time and those who have been abusing multiple substances will usually have a more challenging detox. Some substances, such as alcohol and tranquilizers, pose a danger to the body during withdrawal, and detox must be performed under medical supervision. For patients going through intensive detox, there are medications and natural ways to help reduce symptoms and make the person more comfortable.

Other individuals suffer only mild withdrawal symptoms and do not require any assistance during detox. These individuals are quickly ready to move on to the next few addiction treatment phases, therapy and relapse prevention.

Inpatient Therapy

The next stage is the therapy program itself. For severe cases of addiction, therapy will be done in a residential facility. During this kind of treatment, individuals live in a facility where they are closely supervised and where meals and basic care are provided. These inpatient facilities will have strict rules that must be followed, such as regulated visiting hours, set meal and bed times, and restrictions on leaving the facility. During inpatient treatment, patients participate in group and individual therapy sessions, which work to modify the negative behavior and teach the person how to live without their substance.

Outpatient Therapy

Individuals who are more stable and can live on their own, as well as those who have already been through inpatient rehab, can benefit from an outpatient rehab program. An intensive outpatient program engages patients with therapy, individual and group activities, and behavioral modifications. It is during this time that many families are able to become involved with the patient’s recovery, through family therapy. It is also during this phase that the patient will build relationships with counselors, support groups, and others in the recovery community, which will benefit them during the final stage of addiction treatment.

Relapse Prevention

After an individual has detoxed from their substance and has participated in a therapy program, it is time for them to work on relapse prevention. Many facilities offer after care programs, which serve as a transition between rehab and real life, and keep the patient connected to the resources and benefits of their treatment facility. It is during this time that those in recovery are encouraged to remain active with a support group, in order to continue to be mindful of their task of recovery.

Addiction rehab is a commitment that must not be taken lightly. Those entering treatment must be open to accepting help, willing to change, and determined to succeed. Knowing what to expect is the first step in the journey to sobriety.

[box_light]Bethany Winkel is a blogger who has been writing about drug and alcohol addiction and recovery for the past 5 years.[/box_light]

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