5 Tips For Identifying The Right Treatment Plan For Substance Abuse

With over 46.3 million American adults struggling with a substance use disorder, this condition is an increasingly common problem that can have serious effects on the physical and mental well-being of each person.
Finding the right treatment plan for this condition is essential to increase the chances of making a long-term recovery and living a healthy, fulfilling life.
Whether you are looking for help for yourself or someone close to you, understanding the different types of options available is key. In this blog post, we will look at some tips that can help guide you in finding the best approach for substance abuse treatment.
Research the Different Types of Treatment for Substance Abuse
When searching for a treatment plan, it’s important to gain an understanding of all therapy options available. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has long been considered one of the most successful strategies, while there are also Medication-Assisted Treatments and non-medicinal approaches worth exploring.
Research each type to see which situation may be fitting best for your recovery journey.
Choose a Treatment Provider and Look Into the Technologies They Use
Comparing different substance abuse treatment providers is key to finding the right partner for your needs. When selecting a provider, check that they are appropriately licensed, compare their treatment options, and make sure they are highly rated by past customers.
Additionally, if you are looking to learn more about how to plan substance abuse treatment, you should have a consultation with your chosen provider. During this consultation, make sure to ask questions such as how long they have been in business, what technologies they use to assess the efficiency of each treatment, and how they approach each patient’s case.
Boost Your Treatment’s Effectiveness With Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies can be tailored to fit the needs of individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse. Examples of complementary therapies worth exploring alongside your first line of treatment include yoga, mindfulness-based exercises, art therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, massages, Qi gong, music therapy, and other holistic practices. Make sure your chosen treatment provider offers these complementary therapies as well.
Seek the Support of Your Family and Friends
When battling your substance use disorder, it’s important to remember that you are not alone: family and friends can offer both support and advice, and they can guide you in the process of choosing the right treatment plan for your needs.
Reach out to your loved ones, make an effort to talk openly about your situation, and ask them for their help to break the cycle of addiction. Having your loved ones involved in supporting your journey toward recovery will make all the difference!
Consider Making Radical Lifestyle Changes
Radical lifestyle changes can be incredibly important when it comes to treating substance abuse. For example, joining a 12-Step program or attending local support groups can help you find sobriety and build healthy connections with family and friends.
With the help of a lifestyle counselor, consider developing healthier eating habits, increasing exercise, and engaging in activities that make you feel fulfilled, like volunteering or taking classes.
6 Factors To Consider When Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Substance Abuse
When it comes down to choosing a treatment program to fight your substance abuse disorder, there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula you can rely on. However, there are some considerations that can make your choice easier.
Some of the critical factors to address include:
- Location of your treatment provider
Choosing a clinic that is easily accessible and close to the area where you live and work can help you keep consistent with your appointments. Additionally, a program that is close to home can help you count on the support from friends and family members.
- Outpatient vs inpatient programs
An inpatient program provides 24/7 care, while an outpatient program typically involves meeting your treatment provider for a few hours each week. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so weigh them up before selecting the right one for you.
- Length of treatment
Long-term programs lasting 3 months or more are recommended as they provide up to 6 times higher success rates than short-term options (i.e.: 10-day programs).
- Specialties of providers
When choosing a treatment provider, consider the specialties offered by a certain clinic. These may include behavioral therapies (CBT), medications for opioid addiction, relapse prevention methods, or family therapy.
- Availability of complementary therapies
Before choosing a certain clinic, check if a provider offers complementary therapies. Activities like art therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga are part of a more comprehensive, holistic approach to helping patients recover from addiction.
- The clinic’s amenities, facilities, and physical environment
Especially if you’ve opted for an inpatient program, you should make sure that the clinic you have chosen provides the amenities and facilities you need to make your journey to recover easier. For example, peaceful and calm surroundings, coupled with spaces to enjoy different activities, can help you focus on your overall well-being and beat addiction.
Lastly, don’t forget about checking the cost of your treatment. While you can’t put a price on health, it is important to ensure that you can afford your line of treatment. This increases your chances of completing your recovery process successfully without compromising your financial life. Speak to your provider about payment options available and plan ahead!