The Problem
The growing dilemma of addiction to drugs and alcohol affects so many. Avoiding the addiction problem will resolve nothing. Both the addict and their loved ones suffer. So, it is important to find treatment.
There are many reasons that people fall into addiction. For some, it is because of a medical condition or a chemical imbalance in the brain. For others, the result of being raised in a less than loving environment leads them to maladaptive actions. It doesn’t matter what the cause is, it’s important to realize that you have to deal with the addiction issue if you want to recover.
The Pain of Addiction
Addiction can exacerbate physical and emotional cravings, poor interpersonal skills, and withdrawal symptoms.
You may feel a constant need for drugs, behaviors, or substances that you abuse. The addiction problem often shows as a symptom of a mental health disorder . A mental disorder can lead to an addiction problem. Seek professional help if you are struggling with an addiction. Without professional treatment for addiction, the addict’s health and life become even worse.
Treatment
To start, find the right treatment program. Ask your primary physician or mental health provider for help. They will help you find best treatment. Their treatment plan will be your personal roadmap to recovery.Providers offer either short-term care or long-term care. Use this list to help you choose the right treatment:
- What is your addiction?
- What can you afford?
- What is your availability and personal responsibilities?
- What is your history of addiction?
After reviewing the list, weigh your priorities. Next, compare the two options. Decide which treatment program will offer you the best care for your specific case.
Long-term Treatment Program
Long-term programs focus on relapse prevention. For example, they cover coping tools and counseling. Moreso, they often integrate your loved ones into your treatment. They do so because a supportive circle affords you the emotional and physical support that enhances your recovery.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Why is long-term care so beneficial? Many people find the long-term care program more effective for their treatment. Many come with a long history of addiction that spans from their youth. Or they may have developed addictions that are so intense that they lack any strength to resist the urge to relapse. In conclusion, they more time detox, learn important lessons, and adopt recovery tools.
Here are the advantages:
* Learn relapse prevention strategies* Practice coping skills and prepare for post-rehab life.
* Receive treatment for psychological and behavioral issues
* Likelihood of relapse diminished
Here are the disadvantages:
* Cost of treatment
* Length of stay
Short-Term Intervention
Many people need immediate and affordable treatment for their addictions. A short-term rehab provides both economical and intensive treatment. During your brief stay, you will undergo a medical detox to withdraw from any substances. A skilled medical team will supervise and regulate your withdrawal symptoms. Medical detoxes are critical for addressing addiction issues. Indeed, the short-term intervention supplies a valuable remedy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-term Treatment
These are some benefits of short-term rehabilitation:
* The patient is drug free for a short time* Medical supervision
* Less time consuming
* Can continue into long-term rehab for continued treatment
Short-term intervention has the following disadvantages:
* Less focus on healing and mental health * Few to no lessons on managing emotional and behavioral issues * Greater chance of relapse
Who can benefit?
Short-term treatment may be a good option for those who have a limited budget or are early addicts.
People struggling with their finances often cannot pause everything for long-term treatment. With a short-term program, they can juggle their lives while tackling their addiction. Last, insurance companies will often pay for short-term, rather than long-term intervention.
Besides those with limited budgets, there are others who could benefit from this type of care. Some people recognize their addiction problem in the earlier stages. They recognize the pattern of their poor decision-making that occurs because of their addiction. Hence, they seek a solution to stop it. A long-term treatment program may hinder rather than help them. They may just need to detox and regroup instead of intensive care. Since their addictions have just begun, it is easier and possible for them to recall how life felt before addiction. For them, a short period of care may be the best option.
Conclusion
Addiction can occur for many reasons. It could be a medical condition, a chemical imbalance in their brain, or a negative upbringing. Regardless of the reason, seek treatment. Recovery from any addiction is difficult to manage for a lifetime. Recovery requires inpatient treatment for the most severe addictions. Short-term programs are still beneficial, especially for those seeking a flexible or economical option. Last, many support networks are available to assist you in your recovery process. Never lose faith! Help is available for you on your journey towards wholeness.
Summary/Excerpt
It is difficult to overcome any addictions. For serious addictions, inpatient treatment is necessary. For those who need a more flexible or economical treatment, short-term programs can still be beneficial. There are many support networks available that can help you with your recovery. It doesn’t matter the cause of your addiction, it is important to understand that you can recover from it.