More Treatment Options for Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
Recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism occurs in series of steps. Each stage of recovery prepares the patient for the challenges that lie ahead. Compassionate care and support by experienced and caring professionals are essential to helping patients progress through each step on the road to recovery. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment centers that offer a continuum of care are best able to provide for a patient’s needs through the duration of their recovery.
Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction often begins with a residential stay in a rehabilitation treatment center (see our previous post). Detoxification to rid the body of drugs or alcohol and intensive therapy and education start the patient on the road to recovery. As the patient begins to recover, a continuum of care provides continuing therapy and support as the patient assumes greater responsibility for his life toward the goal of full independence and return to a productive, drug and alcohol-free life.
Following residential treatment, a high-quality drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center should offer the following treatment options:
Day Treatment. When 24-hour supervision is no longer required, but the patient is still in need of intensive therapy, partial-day treatment provides necessary care and support. Day treatment provides a safe transition between residential and outpatient care. Recovering patients spend their day at a treatment center, but return to their own home for the night. Day treatment allows rehabilitation professionals to assess the patient’s emotional condition, relapse potential, medical condition and home recovery environment. Recovering addicts are most fragile in their first days and weeks back in their home environment. Day treatment provides a safety net, allowing for quick intervention and increased therapy should a patient start to falter.
Outpatient Treatment. As patients become less fragile and more stable, outpatient treatment offers continued help and support. Outpatient treatment re-enforces life skills and coping mechanisms that make it possible for patients to maintain a sober lifestyle and successfully transition back to daily life.
Aftercare. Lifetime support is critical to helping recovering addicts maintain a sober lifestyle. Aftercare provides lifetime support that promotes continued addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Weekly activities, group meetings and 24-hour hotlines are some of the ways rehabilitation treatment centers continue to support recovering patients.
