DRUG TREATMENT CENTER

There is such a multitude of programs available that picking the right drug treatment center can be tremendously difficult. Most times, a drug treatment center will offer several different programs or levels of treatment so that the addict is able to pick and choose those components which are best for the particular needs of the individual.

The most important first step is a thorough and detailed assessment of the individual to see where they are on the range of levels and types of addiction. They may be a recreational user. They may be under court mandated treatment. They may have problems with one substance or several. They may have related social or health needs which need to be dealt with at the same time or subsequent to treatment for substance abuse. Choosing the right drug treatment center often means there are family members and/or friends who should be involved in the decision since family counseling may be involved before the person who has the problems with addiction returns to the previous environment. The other factor to remember is that the individual may not need all the heavy duty programs. The assessment helps to determine and define the level of treatment. Here is an incomplete list of some of the types of programs which can be found at a drug treatment center.
 

ADULT INPATIENT INTERMEDIATE CARE

This type of program is intended to be a somewhat less structured program than that of the primary care program. The environment is still quite controlled. The focus in this type of program is relearning the skills necessary for sober living in society. There is practice of such abilities as social, emotional, spiritual and vocational skills. Care for individuals is still a major focus as a follow up to prevent the possibility of relapse. The classes can be group or individual, but tend toward the former, since this type of drug treatment center is fixed on the importance of reintroducing the individual to a drug free society.
 

ADULT INPATIENT EXTENDED CARE

This type of drug treatment center is for those individuals who have complex issues blocking or limiting full recovery. It is similar to the intermediate care facility in that it continues the encouragement and strengthening the work which was started in a primary drug treatment center program. Some of the issues which may be a part of this type of facility include sober living, relapse prevention and mental health problems. In the adult inpatient extended care facility, the patients have plenty of time to realize what is necessary for full recovery from addiction from drugs and also provides time to practice the skills which are new are which must be relearned.
 

OUTPATIENT PROGRAM

For patients with a great deal of self-determination and control, a drug treatment center outpatient program provides an environment which is a great deal more flexible than other types of adult program. The outpatient program provides day, weekend and evening sessions. Components of the outpatient program can include 12-step programs, therapy, lectures, and other types of treatment modalities. Those addicts in an outpatient program usually receive recommendations right along with the individualized treatments. Prime prerequisites for being accepted into an outpatient program, in addition to the determination to succeed are that the individual must have good work and home support, must have no need of medical detoxification, and must in excellent overall health.
 

NONRESIDENTIAL DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM

The nonresidential day treatment program is very similar to the outpatient program only somewhat more intense. The program usually lasts four to six weeks and includes various therapies, lectures and of course a comprehensive assessment. The enrollees in the program must be healthy, be part of a work and home environment that is supportive of the efforts to be substance free, and must not need detoxification which is medically supervised.
 

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Professionals in the field of health care including nurses and doctors who have become addicted have special needs when it comes to drug treatment center programs. Their defense mechanisms are better adapted and they have a much easier access to drugs than do non medical professionals. Of particular importance is an evaluation of whether the individual is truly ready to return to work.
 

GENDER SPECIFIC PROGRAMS

Many centers feel that there are enough issues related to drug recovery that it is unwise to add the stress of mixed genders in one program. This seems to be particularly important in the case of women. Since a majority of women who are addicts have suffered from some type of physical or emotional abuse prior to the addiction. In these instances it is better for women to be in a woman-only environment. A treatment plan which takes the prior history into consideration is helpful in determining the correct mix of programs.
 

ADULT INPATIENT PROGRAMS

Drug treatment center programs known as inpatient activities are fairly structured. There is group therapy, individual counseling, and interaction with peers in a healthy environment. In addition, there are special classes and groups which meet and work together. These specialty classes might include 12-step programs, men's issues, women's issues, cognitive behavior therapy and eating disorder issues.
Learning to prepare and eat nutritional meals as well as tips for maintaining a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle is an integral part of the program. There is generally time allotted for relaxation and for exercise. There is also time planned for fellowship and group therapy.
 

FOLLOW UP CARE

An important component of any success recovery effort is to maintain the determination to remain drug free following the program. Usually a drug treatment center will include follow up programs, such as education, lectures, 12-step meetings and support groups. There may be continued therapy. Another important part of the follow up care is connection and referrals to other social service agencies as required in order to determine the best mix of services and educational program for each individual. Plans must be in place to deal with the probability of relapses so the individual doesn't give up.