Discovering that a loved one has a problem with substance abuse can feel overwhelming. You may feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster or even struggle with feelings of guilt.
You’re not alone.
In 2014, approximately 20 million people suffered from substance addiction – 14.4 million abused alcohol, 4.5 million were addicted to drugs, and 2.6 million were hooked on both alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse is a widespread problem, and it can affect anyone – regardless of age, location, and social status.
Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right treatment facility so your loved one can get on the road to recovery.
Choosing a Treatment Facility
The health professionals at Cornerstone Healing Center know that addiction is a disease and should be treated as such – it is not due to a moral failing or lack of willpower on your loved one’s part.
Because addiction is a disease, it can affect neural pathways and even change how the brain functions, making it almost impossible to recover from without professional help. Addiction often comes with additional behavioral problems or mental illnesses that also need to be addressed.
When choosing a rehabilitation facility for your loved one, be sure to only consider programs that acknowledge addiction as the disease it is. By doing this, you can ensure that the treatment will address every facet of the addiction and equip your loved one with the appropriate tools to lead a drug-free life.
Look for Comprehensive, Ongoing Treatment
Because addiction affects brain function and alters neural pathways, the treatment needs to address every way it affects an individual’s life. Simply treating the symptoms and not the cause of addiction won’t be enough.
A Holistic Approach
Effective residential rehabilitation programs will take a holistic approach by supporting and treating every individual’s needs and customizing the treatment plan for every patient.
Choose a rehab facility that offers a variety of comprehensive services to support patients’ physical, mental, behavioral, social, and emotional needs throughout the recovery process.
Outpatient Treatment
It’s also important to remember that recovery doesn’t end after rehab. Like many diseases, addiction requires ongoing treatment, support, and maintenance – it’s an ongoing process.
Expecting recovery to be complete in a few weeks or months is unrealistic – in fact, relapse after inpatient treatment is often considered a step in the recovery process.
Effective rehab facilities will recognize that treating addiction is an ongoing process. Look for a facility that offers outpatient services to support your loved one – even after they have obtained abstinence.
Outpatient treatment may comprise weekly therapy sessions to help your loved one avoid real-world triggers and offer the support they need if they relapse.
Final Words
If you have discovered that a loved one is struggling with addiction, your first thoughts should be about how you can get them the professional care they need to recover.
With a comprehensive treatment program that addresses every aspect of their disease, your loved one can learn to cope with their triggers without turning to alcohol or drugs.
