If you've lost time at work because you blacked out again or if you can't remember how you went from sitting on the living room sofa to sprawled out on the shower floor your alcohol or drug abuse ...
Many people who indulge in substance abuse believe that once they attain sobriety after going through the rehab treatment program they will be able to maintain it all throughout their lives. However ...
Substance abuse problem is a very serious issue that needs to be dealt with on time. It causes mental physical and emotional stress and therefore calls for specialized treatment facilities that can ...
Substance Abuse Management-Managing Your Addiction
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If you've lost time at work because you blacked out again or if you can't remember how you went from sitting on the living room sofa to sprawled out on the shower floor your alcohol or drug abuse problem is managing you. If so it's time to take control of your life. Here are four steps to managing your addiction and creating a substance-free life:
Step 1 - Find a good treatment program
Many experts regard addiction as a brain diseaseone which can only be treated under the supervision of trained specialists. Finding a professional treatment center is an ideal first step to managing your addiction.
Outpatient facilities are often a first choice for alcoholics and other types of addicts. These programs provide varying levels of therapy which are designed to let a patient continue working or attending school while in treatment. Standard outpatient treatment usually consists of one or two hours of therapy once or twice a week. More intense programs are available at some facilities.
If you're enrolled in one of these more intense outpatient treatment options expect to attend intensive therapy four or five nights a week for several hours each night. Although these can be effective for some they're not an ideal option for those battling severe addiction or who have a history of relapses.
Residential treatment provides a safe and structured environment which allows a recovering addict to detoxify the body and start healing the mind. Although programs vary a typical residential treatment program may include medically-supervised detoxification group and individual therapy stress reduction training education and social skills training. In addition residential programs may offer family therapy to educate loved ones. Many programs last for about 28 days but some programs provide much longer stays. These long-term treatments are a smart choice for those who've resisted or failed other forms of therapy or for those with a long history of addiction.
Which rehabilitation program is right for you According to some experts outpatient facilities are more suited for those who abuse or misuse alcohol and drugs. For those who are addicted however a residential treatment facility may be the only way to provide the extensive support and therapy needed to break free of the addiction.
Step 2- Obtain financial help if needed
It can be hard to focus on getting well when you're worried that treatment will bankrupt you or your family. If you have health insurance find out if addiction treatment is part of the plan. Also check to see if the facility you prefer is in your provider network. Medicare typically doesn't cover the entire bill for rehabilitation services but it might help cover some of the costs.
No health insurance Don't despair. Treatment facilities may offer payment plans or sliding scales. There are free state or county-operated drug and alcohol rehab programs but there is often a long waiting list to get in. This can make them a less-than-ideal choice if you need help now.
Remember even if you are left to foot the bill for a treatment program this is an investment in your health and your future. After all the price of not getting help can be extremely high - it may ultimately cost you your life. Choose instead to invest in your recovery and well-being.
Step 3 - Find a good aftercare program
There's more to beating an addiction than living in a residential treatment program for a few weeks or attending a low-intensity outpatient program. It's important to find long-term aftercare treatment which provides the support recovering addicts need. For example some treatment centers provide access to a counselor after the patient has completed the formal program. Other recovering addicts choose to join a 12-step or other type of support program.
It's important to lean on that support system when you recognize the warning signs of a relapse such as feelings of stress or depression. When you fear a relapse is imminent contact your counselor or sponsor. You may even consider re-entering rehab.
Step 4 - Find a good support network
It is imperative that you avoid hanging out with those who engage in the same addictive behaviors you're trying to avoid. If a family member has enabled your addiction in the past avoid that person at least until he or she has started counseling for co-dependency.
While you may have already joined a 12-step program for your addiction you may want to consider joining a support group which addresses the problems which may trigger a relapse. If you've been abused by a spouse for instance consider joining a domestic violence support group.
Finding healthy ways to spend your time can also help you create a support network. Join a bowling league take a knitting class or indulge in a weekend retreat with old non-using or clean and sober pals.
Managing your addiction can be a lifelong challenge. You can do it though. With good substance and alcohol abuse treatment financial planning aftercare and a healthy support network you can find a way to handle your addiction and life a happier more fulfilling life.
