Seeking help for addiction is very intimidating for many people suffering from the disease. Some people struggling with addiction may even attempt to quit on their own. However, attempting to fight addiction alone usually backfires and results in relapse.
Having outside help provides the extra support needed to ensure successful, long-term recovery. It provides time to treat the addiction itself as well as any underlying causes that contribute to the addiction.
There are different levels of care in addiction treatment. Each level of care has something unique to offer that will help patients build healthy ways of coping with addiction. Although getting help for an addiction is scary, understanding what the different levels of care are and how they work.
Detox
The first step of addiction treatment is detox. Detox is the process of ridding the body of toxins. In the context of addiction, this is the period of time the body spends in withdrawal.
When someone chronically abuses a substance, their brain and body get used to having that drug and they develop a tolerance and dependence.[1] Once tolerance is developed, the person will go into withdrawal if they stop taking the drug they are dependent on. The symptoms of withdrawal cause high levels of discomfort and, in extreme cases, are life-threatening.[2]
During a detox program, medical professionals guide and monitor a person as they go through withdrawal. The goal is to ensure they are detoxing safely from their drug of choice as well as to minimize unpleasant side effects.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides a secure environment to continue recovery from drug and alcohol addiction after completing detox. A good PHP is usually dual diagnostic, meaning they treat addiction and any other associated conditions that may be contributing to that addiction.
During this level of care, individuals participate in therapy with licensed counselors. This includes group therapy, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy. The time spent in a PHP sets up the foundation for a successful, life-long recovery, so picking the right program is extremely important.
“In our dual diagnosis treatment center, all patients receive individual and group therapy, counseling, medication management and aftercare support from our compassionate and attentive professionals.” – CWC Recovery
Of all the levels of care in addiction treatment, PHP is usually the highest one offered after detox.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
After completing a PHP, the next step is to continue building on the progress that was made. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a perfect place to do just that. During IOP, people will get more independence while still having the support they need to continue with their recovery.
While enrolled in an IOP, a person may live completely independently in their own home or with other sober individuals in a halfway house. This allows people seeking sobriety to work and be active in the community while still receiving the care they need for lifelong recovery.
IOP allows an individual to participate in individual and group therapy several days a week. Many programs also offer family therapy because family is a crucial component to a good support system in sobriety. These programs help to continue to build coping mechanisms for addiction that will prevent relapses.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Although therapy is critical to overcoming addiction, some people require extra help. In early sobriety, it is common to struggle with cravings for whatever a person’s drug of choice was. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps to curb cravings and reduces the risk of relapse.[3]
MAT can be started during any stage of the recovery process. Common medications prescribed to help aid with addiction recovery include:
- Vivitrol
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Methadone
Other Support Programs
After completing detox, PHP, and IOP, a person will need to continue to maintain their recovery. This is done by building a strong support network of family, friends, and other sober individuals. Many people seek help with 12-Step programs.
12-Step programs are designed to help a person struggling with addiction work on themselves and their recovery. They utilize the help of others who have successfully completed the steps to guide those who are less experienced. Each 12-step program differs slightly, but the core goal remains the same and that is to keep people sober. Some programs to consider are:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
- SMART Recovery
Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment Program
A good addiction treatment program offers all levels of care. They treat not only addiction but also work to make the mind and body healthier through therapy and holistic care. At Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we provide all the tools you need to get sober. Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Lantana, Florida offers all levels of care in addition treatment, from detox to intensive outpatient.
We work with you every step of the way to create an individualized plan that will get you on the road to recovery. Our caring staff provides a safe environment and promotes healing that will lead to lifelong sobriety. Call now to get started.
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