Choosing Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse treatment is often necessary for those who are experiencing real problems in their lives due to abuse of and addiction to drugs. But what types of treatment are necessary? And how does a person choose which substance abuse treatment he or she needs?

Seeking support requires careful consideration and care.

The Most Important Aspect of Choosing Treatment

If you remember one thing about choosing a substance abuse treatment, it should be this: “no single treatment is appropriate for everyone” (NIDA). This is so important to remember because it informs why the choice of a certain substance abuse treatment is a large part of successful rehabilitation. It also allows patients to reexamine their treatment plans after their needs begin to change. Every treatment plan should cater to the needs of the individual. This is why one person may find successful recovery from addiction to one substance through outpatient care, but another person may need residential care for the same substance addiction. The treatment you choose should reflect your needs. Consider these questions:

• Do I need a controlled environment?
• Will my children be with safe and taken care of if I need to choose residential treatment?
• Do I have a strong support system of friends and family who can help me through this time?
• Am I able to pay for the treatment plan I need?
• Will I need after care or further help following formal treatment?

After asking yourself these questions, and more, you will be able to get a more accurate idea of what you need in your treatment plan.

Residential Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment is often very beneficial to many patients’ recoveries. Patients who need round-the-clock surveillance in a controlled environment should consider residential treatment. Because this treatment plan can sometimes be expensive, there are different types of residential treatment facilities, such as:

• Private and/or luxury residential treatments which cost the most but may be necessary for someone who can pay and is especially concerned about his or her privacy
• Low-cost residential treatment or sliding fee scale residential treatment
• Free residential treatment which, according to SAMHSA, make up 4% of all substance abuse treatment facilities

The treatment types that are usually provided in these facilities are most likely a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. These two treatments, especially when used together, are the most effective at helping patients through the beginning stages of rehab and recovery.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment facilities usually provide the same types of treatment (therapy and medication) while allowing patients to still live their daily lives as they are being treated. A study from the NCBI states the reasons why a person might benefit more from outpatient treatment. These patients are:

• Those with “low psychiatric severity”
• Those with a “good social support system”
• Those who are addicted to drugs with less severe withdrawal symptoms

If this type of treatment is the right type for you, it may help you not incur the costs of inpatient treatment, as outpatient treatment facilities tend to be cheaper.

There are other types of informal treatments, aftercare options, and mutual-help groups which may help you as you continue your recovery. Make sure to choose whichever type of facility and treatment meets your needs when you are considering substance abuse treatment.