While engaged in drug abuse, recovery and sobriety may seem impossible. However, there are numerous kinds of substance abuse treatment programs and drug therapy counseling available throughout the United States. According to SAMSHA, an estimated 22.5 million Americans are addicted to substances including, but not limited to, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. With such a heavy dent in the nations population, there has been an increase in drug awareness and addiction help throughout the states.
Drug addiction is both physical and psychological. The addictive potential of a drug varies from substance to substance. Dosage, frequency, and persons genetic make up all factor in to how fast and addictive a drug can be. For example, heroin can become physically and mentally additive within first usage where as cravings for alcohol may take longer to show up.
Drug addiction treatment can come in many shapes and sizes. There are numerous residential treatment centers throughout the country where addicts stay inpatient to receive help for their drug addiction. In residential treatment facilities, individual treatment therapy is combined with group therapy. Patients interact with fellow addicts, sharing and relating common experiences. 12-step programs can be experienced in and out of residential treatment centers. 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous are an ongoing treatment program that incorporates fellowship, unity, and spirituality. While attending residential treatment, patients often attend inside and outside 12-step groups.
Another form of drug abuse treatment is outpatient. Outpatient centers have similar individual and group therapy sessions as inpatient facilities. Outpatient treatment centers last around five hours a day allowing patients the opportunity to take part in their normal everyday life. Outpatient treatment centers are great alternatives to inpatient centers when a patient must participate in work, school or other day-to-day matters. Outpatients also serve as a continuation of addiction treatment once a patient has left residential care.
In addition to rehabs, there are many other types of therapy a recovering addict can participate in to help them get and stay sober. Art therapy, equine therapy, and adventure therapy serve as alternative approaches to the typical cognitive-behavioral approach, used by most therapists. All in all, if you are suffering from a drug addiction there is help and hope for a fulfilling sober life.
