Addiction is a disorder that you will need to manage for the rest of your life. There are several programs, resources, and treatments that can help you manage your substance use disorder. Since substance use is a chronic disorder, you will likely require continued care to stay on the path of sobriety. Continued care may include a 12-Step program, continued therapy, or outpatient treatment.
Professionals can help you map out a strategy for the next phase of care depending on where you currently are with your treatment. Traditionally, there are several different stages of care for people suffering from substance abuse disorder including detox treatment, residential or inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment.
The Detoxification Process
The first step towards managing your substance use disorder is flushing the substance out of your system. Detox programs focus on managing your physical and mental withdrawal symptoms to help you achieve sobriety. The goal of a detox program is to stabilize patients so that they are ready to receive physiological treatment in an aftercare program.
Inpatient Treatment and Partial Hospitalization
Treatment programs that require patients to live at the facility site are often referred to as inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment creates a secure space for patients to focus on their addiction recovery without the stressors and triggers that have caused them to use in the past. Professionals who work at inpatient programs, whether they be therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists, often live on-site so that they can provide patients with twenty-four-hour services.
Inpatient programs focus on the social and psychological state of their patients. They provide an environment where it is easy to connect with peers who are going through treatment. Inpatient treatment allows you to live in a controlled environment where emotional and mental growth can easily prosper.
Once you have completed an inpatient program, you may want to look into partial hospitalization. Partial hospitalization does not offer housing on the facility site. Most people in partial hospitalization programs are either living with friends, family, or in a sober living facility. Partial hospitalization usually requires six hours of care.
Living in a sober living facility allows you to stay connected with your peers while allowing you some autonomy and independence. However, most of your day will still be centered around psychiatric care. Partial hospitalization can help you prepare to go back into the real world. Professionals can help you obtain your career goals and develop tools to help you manage your triggers.
Types of Outpatient Programs
Once you are living on your own and are back at work or school, you may want to continue treatment through outpatient programs. Outpatient programs vary in intensity and you’ll want to pick a program that fits your lifestyle. After receiving inpatient or partial hospitalization treatment, you’ll be working on assimilating back into society and your schedule will no longer revolve around treatment.
If you are looking for more involved care you might want to look into intensive outpatient programs. Intensive outpatient programs are usually 3 to 4 times a week for about 3 to 4 hours.
However, you might be ready for a program that allows for more independence. If this is the case, you may want to look into one-on-one weekly therapy sessions. Therapy sessions will help you continue to develop tools to cope with your substance use disorder while you’re in the real world and potentially dealing with different triggers and stressors that might cause you to use.
Another option you might want to look into is group therapy. Group therapy will help you stay connected with your peers while also allowing you to connect with a professional who can help you maintain your sobriety in recovery. The key to continuing to have a successful recovery is a strong support system. You want your support system to consist of people you can trust and feel comfortable confiding in.
Support Groups and 12-Step Programs
Support groups or 12-Step programs are important for the continuation of a person’s addiction recovery. 12-Step programs provide a free community space for people who are working on their sobriety. Taking part in a 12-Step program will provide you with accountability from your peers to make healthy life choices that will help you maintain your sobriety.
Many support groups or 12-Step programs focus on the acceptance of your substance use disorder and mending relationships of people you may have hurt while you were under the influence. Reconnecting with friends and family is a big step towards managing your sober lifestyle.
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Substance use disorder is a chronic illness and recovery is a continuous journey that you will always be on. It’s important to know the resources and aftercare programs that are available to you after detox. Aftercare programs may vary in intensity and you want a program that will best benefit your needs. Success in your recovery will require a good support system. The more involved you are in addiction recovery communities such as support groups and 12-Step programs, the easier it will be for you to develop your support system.
Shoreline Recovery Center provides both inpatient and outpatient care that will help you during your journey to recovery. Shoreline professionals can help prepare you for your transition into the real world by giving you tools to help you with the stressors and triggers that you may be struggling with. If you are interested in learning more about what Shoreline has to offer, please call (866) 284-5764.
