If someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, you may feel overwhelmed and confused. It’s important to understand what treatment options are available and how they can help your loved one work toward recovery.
In this blog post, we will cover the basics of substance use disorder treatment so that you can better understand how to support your loved one on their journey toward sobriety.
Types of Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Inpatient Treatment Programs
Inpatient programs offer 24-hour care and provide a safe, controlled environment where people can focus solely on recovery. Inpatient programs typically last between 30 and 90 days, depending on the individual’s progress. Inpatient programs often involve individual and group therapy sessions, activities such as yoga or art therapy, and access to medical care if necessary.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient programs but still provide structure and support for people in recovery from SUD. Outpatient programs typically involve weekly or biweekly individual or group therapy sessions, typically lasting about an hour each session.
Patients also receive guidance on incorporating healthy lifestyle changes into their daily lives. Outpatient programs can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the patient’s progress and goals.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling sessions to treat SUD in individuals who are physically dependent on substances such as opioids or alcohol. MAT helps reduce cravings and symptoms of withdrawal while allowing patients to focus on developing healthier coping skills during counseling sessions.
Medications used in MAT include buprenorphine, naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and methadone. These medications are combined with individual counseling sessions and support groups like 12-Step meetings or other forms of peer support groups.
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms
Behavioral changes can be a key indicator that someone is struggling with SUDs. This may include an increased or decreased appetite, neglecting personal hygiene, difficulty sleeping, or a sudden change in social circles. It is also common for those struggling with SUDs to become more secretive or isolate themselves from loved ones.
Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Substance use disorder treatment has many benefits, including:
• Improved physical health – Substance abuse leads to long-term health problems such as liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, and weakened immune systems; by going through treatment, individuals can work towards restoring their physical health.
• Improved emotional well-being – Treatment helps individuals recognize triggers for relapse and develop strategies for dealing with cravings in healthy ways; it also provides an opportunity for individuals to talk about their feelings in a safe environment and learn healthier coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
• Improved quality of life – Individuals who go through substance use disorder treatment often find that they have more energy, motivation, and focus; they can also develop meaningful relationships with family and friends that were previously strained due to addiction.
• Increased self-awareness – Treatment gives individuals an opportunity to explore their motivations behind addiction and gain insight into why they turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place; this newfound self-awareness allows them to make informed decisions about their future actions.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder treatment is essential to helping your loved one recover from addiction. By providing them with the necessary resources and support, you can help them stay on track toward sobriety.
Remember that recovery is not something that happens overnight–it takes time and patience–but it is possible if you have access to quality care providers and supportive friends and family members who are willing to stand by your side every step of the way. With the right approach, your loved one can overcome addiction once and for all!
