Picture of a social rehabilitation center for drug addicts

How To Overcome Drug Addiction Using Treatment Programs

For individuals suffering from drug addiction, the first step towards recovery is usually the hardest part. Having abused drugs and other substances for the longest time can make it seem impossible to escape. But, with the right support and treatment, a drug addict can find their way back. It’s a slow and steady process that requires patience, commitment, and resolve to regain control of your life. Once you’ve decided to make that change, then the process of healing can begin.

The elements of a successful treatment program

There are a number of treatment options available for those who are on their path to sobriety. While addiction treatment may vary depending on which drug was abused, these elements are what a successful treatment program consists of:

  • Detoxification – The first step is to cleanse your body of the drugs and substances and manage withdrawal symptoms you experience along the way.
  • Counseling – Identifying the root cause of your addiction and how you can develop healthier coping skills to repair relationships and eliminate destructive habits.
  • Medication – Helps prevent relapses, keep withdrawal symptoms in check, and treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
  • Follow-up

Different types of treatment programs

  1. Residential treatment 

The recovering individual lives in a purpose-built facility that takes them away from addiction triggers. They undergo intensive treatment for a few days up to several months depending on the individual’s condition. This can mean leaving your hometown or the source of your addictions; including leaving your country to get away, such as going to a drug rehab center in Bali.

  1. Partial hospitalization/day treatment

For people who wish to stay at home while undergoing treatment, they can choose partial hospitalization. The patient will be provided with ongoing medical monitoring at a hospital for 7 to 8 hours a day before returning home.

  1. Outpatient treatment

Outpatient treatments are for individuals with school, work, or other commitments where the patient gets treated during the day. The schedule can be worked according to their availability but they don’t stay overnight at the facility. The main goal of undergoing outpatient treatment is to minimize relapses.

  1. Sober community

A sober community is where an individual can live after undergoing intensive treatment. This option is great for individuals who have no home to return to or are worried that returning home might lead to relapse.

Each of these treatment options is designed to accommodate patients with different needs to help them in rehab from addiction. Things such as history of drug use, medical or psychiatric conditions, and the severity of the addiction all factor in on which treatment option works best for the individual.

Finding support while recovering from addiction

As they say, no man is an island and this certainly holds true for people recovering from addiction. Positive influences and a solid support system are essential for a successful recovery. Reach out to as many friends and family as you can. More importantly, reach out to people who have your best interests at heart.

This means leaving behind toxic relationships and start new connections with people that will support your journey to sobriety. There are plenty of ways to achieve this like volunteering for social work, attending community events, and joining a civic group or church.

Develop healthy habits to cope with stress 

Once you’ve started your treatment, the difficulty lies in avoiding triggers that may lead to relapse. Do your best to replace old, destructive habits with healthy and encouraging ones when managing your stress. Quick stress-relief strategies such as taking a brisk walk around the block and exercising are healthy ways to take your mind off of stress while keeping both your mind and your body in good condition.

Your road to recovery doesn’t end when you’ve achieved sobriety. Your brain is still acclimating to the changes and is building connections that have changed when you were once addicted. During these moments, the cravings can be intense and the best way to avoid a relapse is by avoiding people, places, things, and habits that remind you of your drug use.

Continue building a drug-free life

You can further support your recovery and protect yourself from harmful substances by building healthier connections, enjoying activities that you love doing, and participating in activities that feel rewarding and fulfilling. This might be picking up an old hobby that you used to love like playing the guitar or trying out a new sport. Set meaningful goals and aim to be a better version of yourself each day you wake up. When your life is filled with a sense of purpose, you’ll soon find out that your addiction has lost its appeal.

The journey of overcoming drug addiction is filled with challenges along the way. But if you surround yourself with the right people, undergo intensive treatment, and have the resolve to finally change your life, you will be able to turn things around and live a life that’s drug-free.

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