Withdrawal occurs in individuals who have become dependent on one or a variety of drugs and suddenly decrease or completely stop their use. Drug withdrawal can cause severe physical and psychological symptoms that are best treated and monitored by medical professionals.
There are three main types of substance abuse treatments:
Medical Detox Treatment
The first step to ending drug abuse is detoxification, wherein the body rids itself of all traces of the narcotic. During detox, acute withdrawal symptoms are most intense, and going through the process under medical supervision can significantly reduce the stress and discomfort it causes.
The personnel in drug rehabs are highly trained to manage and ease the severity of common withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Body pain
While alcohol rehab centers specialize in dealing with withdrawal symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Delirium tremens, which involves hallucinations and seizures
Medical detox can benefit individuals with a record of severe withdrawal reactions or those using drugs or alcohol for an extensive period. Once the detox is completed, a doctor will recommend transferring to either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient residential programs require individuals to remain within the facility for the duration of their treatment, which could last between one to six months.1
Inpatient treatment provides 24-hour medical and psychological support to maintain sobriety which greatly increases the program’s success rate but could prove highly disruptive to the patient’s career and personal life.
This program aims to ensure the patient is provided with all the skills, support, and information necessary to continue their recovery journey.
Treatment during your stay will typically include:
- Group therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Mental health services
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Educational classes
- Health and wellness activities and lessons
Inpatient treatment is highly beneficial to individuals who have experienced severe long-term withdrawal symptoms or are at a greater risk of relapsing.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs incorporate many of the treatments provided during inpatient plans while providing patients with the flexibility to obtain this treatment according to their own schedules and reside at home. This allows them to continue their careers or studies and maintain their personal relationships while receiving specialized aid for their rehabilitation.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) require a minimum of 9 hours of therapy, counseling, and educational classes per week and may continue for up to a year.2 At the end of this period, patients are introduced to support groups that can help them remain on their path to recovery.
The advantages of outpatient treatment include:
- Affordability—staying in your own home drastically reduces the costs of acquiring treatment.
- Patients can control their treatment schedules.
- Support from family or friends can be highly beneficial.
Outpatient programs are recommended for people who have already participated in medical detox, suffered only mild withdrawal symptoms, or were not yet severely addicted to their drug of choice.
Are you or someone you love suffering from withdrawal? Call our helpline today at (833) 489-5577 to acquire the assistance you need.
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