While much has been made of the use of prescription medications in treating opioid addiction, getting the drugs out of your system is often just the first step. The psychological effects and treatments of addiction are just as important as the physical and can be a lifelong struggle. Fortunately, there are several options available to help those about to face sober life. Intensive inpatient rehab can help patients address underlying causes of addiction in addition to preventing relapse, and treatment can last from a month to a year or beyond. Outpatient rehab allows people to carry on their everyday lives with frequent therapy and visits to a doctor or mental health professional. There is also help available for those transitioning back to normal life, such as supervised halfway houses.
Inpatient addiction rehab can vary according to the facility, but generally includes detox, education, and therapy. Medical detox can last five to seven days. Because opiate withdrawal is often uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, being monitored by a doctor during this period is helpful. Not only is a medical team present in case of any complications, but they can reduce some of the side effects and cravings. This is particularly important because relapse is likely during this initial week, as people seek relief from the symptoms of withdrawal. After detox, inpatient centers will craft a plan for the individual’s needs, sometimes including education on exercise, nutrition, and pain management. Counseling is also an important component of rehab, whether individual, group, or family. One might imagine rehab as being locked away with no contact with the outside world, but in fact, including the patient’s family is often a vital part of recovery.
Outpatient rehab is recommended for milder addictions or those caught in the early stages. People who are still able to function well in society and want to continue living at home or working can benefit from this more flexible program. Treatment can vary from a few hours a week to a day program that lasts several hours every day. Outpatient rehab focuses more on mental health than physical, although they do provide medication if needed, and it includes individual and group therapy as well as relapse prevention education. Some facilities are for general addiction, while others focus specifically on alcohol or narcotic drugs. Because different drugs affect the mind and body in different ways, these more targeted programs may be able to better meet a patient’s needs.
For someone transitioning from rehab back to everyday life, a halfway house or sober home can be an important stepping-stone. A sober home is less structured than rehab but provides support and teaches coping mechanisms that help prevent relapse. Some sober homes may have curfews or mandatory therapy sessions, and they offer help with job and housing searches. One key aspect of the transition is a support network, and the other residents of these homes can provide that in situations where the patient’s family sometimes cannot.
Asana Recovery specializes in medically supervised detox and residential recovery programs. We have a highly skilled team that uses a forward-thinking approach to the treatment of addiction. We use traditional and alternative methods when treating our clients while always treating everyone with dignity and compassion. If you or a family member is suffering from addiction problems, reach out to us today at 949-438-4504. We can help.
