- There are over 22 million people in America that have a substance abuse problem.
- Only 2.5 million of those with a substance abuse problem will to go hospitals or clinics for treatment.
- The number one drug abuse substance is marijuana, followed by prescription painkillers
- The United States Government will spend $12 billion fighting drug abuse
- These statistics come from a national study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Clearly, there is a problem with addiction in America.
Treatment Programs
While the statistics on people with substance abuse or addiction problems is startling, the number of them feeling they should or could enter an addiction treatment program is concerning. Most addicted people start out believing that they can stop using and abusing drugs at any time, and will not require treatment. The problem is that continual use of drugs changes the brain function and the person no longer has control over their impulses. These brain changes can exist for a long period, even when the person has stopped abusing drugs.
Unfortunately, it usually takes more than one treatment program before a person truly stops abusing drugs.
The addiction is so mired into their everyday living and existing, it is difficult for them to refrain from the people and places that contributed to the addiction once they leave a treatment program.
The rate of recidivism after completing an addiction program is very high.
Treatment can include behavioral therapy, medications, cognitive therapy, group and individual counseling, and mental health counseling. The patient may need social, family, occupational, or legal counseling to complete a program. Ethnicity, culture, gender or sexual orientation may have to be addressed, as well as conditions such as depression, HIV, or physical and sexual abuse.
This is why addiction treatment programs usually involve a long-term process with many interventions.
Understanding Treatment Programs
The first part of a treatment program for substance addiction is to detoxify the body from all the drugs or alcohol and allowing the body to recover from the abuse. Detox from opiates such as heroin or oxycontin can take from ten days to two weeks.
Alcohol detox usually lasts five days. Many residential programs last 28 days and the time is spent in therapy and education programs that teach how to manage stress and rebuild a life without chemicals.
Individuals are taught how to cope in stressful situations without reaching for chemical assistance. Medications may be prescribed depending on the person’s diagnosis that can help stabilize their moods. Counselors work with the person in helping them understand the reasons for their addiction, and how to cope with the feelings and emotions that were the underlying cause of addiction.
Life skills programs provide the individual with resources for going back into the real world. AA and NA are always encouraged as a support mechanism for the addict.
We are an addiction treatment referral program that can direct you or your loved ones to a program that will provide the best treatment for their needs.