The approaches to treating drug dependence or abuse continue to evolve with the introduction of new findings and technology. This is why there are many treatment programs today that do not cleanly fit into the traditional classification of addiction treatments. However, based on some research works, the types of drug abuse treatments can fall into several types or classifications. What are they?
Short-Term Residential
These types of treatments deliver intensive treatment to users but in a considerably short period using a step-by-step approach. Originally intended for the treatment of alcohol problems, the treatment subsequently was used to address the cocaine epidemic that began in the mid-1980s. Eventually, it evolved to treat other substance abuse disorders.
The treatment used a model that began with a 3- to 6-week inpatient hospital treatment that continued to an extended outpatient therapy. The program also included participation in self-help groups. It is critical for patients to remain engaged in aftercare treatment programs in order to reduce the risk of going into relapse once the confines of the residential setting is gone.
Long-Term Residential
Using a non-hospital setting, users are given 24-hour daily care using a treatment model like the Therapeutic Community (TC). It makes use of planned lengthy stays in residential treatment centers that can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
What is the focus of long-term residential treatment? More often than not, it is the resocialization of drug users allowing them to integrate into the community with the least resistance possible. The addiction is taken in the context of its social and psychological effects on the individual. This means that the treatment should result in the development of socially productive lives.
It is important to understand that such a highly structured treatment program may become confrontational especially when activities become damaging destructive behavior patterns, beliefs, and self-concepts in order to introduce new and more harmonious behavior. Services can even cover employment training along with other onsite services. This treatment can be used for users with special needs.
Outpatient Programs
This treatment can have various intensity and services offered. It is comparatively cheaper compared to residential and inpatient programs. This type of treatment program is often more ideal for users who are employed or enjoy extensive social support groups.
As a low-intensity treatment, you cannot expect extensive education. Intensive day treatment programs also fall under this category, which can result in the introduction of various services that revolve around the individual characteristics and needs of the user. Outpatient treatment normally focus heavily on group counseling sessions, making it significantly effective for users with mental health or medical problems aside from their addiction.
Counseling Programs
These types of drug abuse treatment methods can be classified either as individualized or group drug counseling treatments. Individualized counseling sessions are intended to focus on the reduction or elimination of drug use. Impaired functioning of the user is also taken into consideration like family relations, employment status, and others.
This method of approach makes the structure and content of the counseling session ideal for recovery of the drug user. Focusing on short-term behavioral goals give individual users the ability to cope with their addiction. They also develop tools to help them abstain from their drug use allowing them to successfully abstain from illegal substances. Counseling is done 1 to 2 times a week with the counselor making necessary referrals for supplementation if needed.
Group counseling on the other hand is done in a more therapeutic setting with the goal of social reinforcement and promotion of a drug-free lifestyle. More positive results are achieved when group therapy is combined with individual counseling or uses principles that develop cognitive behavior. Research is being done to create standards to allow group therapy to become a more community-friendly treatment model.
All of these treatment programs become more effective and powerful when undertaken by a recovery center with highly skilled staff and effective services. Contact Towards Recovery Clinics, Inc. today to know what treatment works best for you.
