Treatment is an important part of the recovery process of addiction, yet it brings many fears to mind. Some worry about the intensity of trying to maintain sobriety, others dread interacting with professionals. Perhaps they fear medical procedures and the unknowns of treatment can intimidate addicts away from seeking any help.
Many of these addicts typically stay uneducated on the treatment process, possibly even encouraged by colleagues just as uninformed. This aura of mystery can make the premise of treatment far more frightening than it really is. However, by properly researching the building blocks of recovery, you may find treatment far less unpleasant than expected.
Addiction treatment can be difficult and daunting. Nonetheless, fearing treatment to the point of avoiding it creates more harm than good. There are many facets to therapy and recovery, but these three can provide a better understanding of the process.
Detoxification Process
Detox is often either shrouded in mystery or filled with fears. Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to clean and clear itself of drugs and their toxins. This is done by either halting drug use altogether or gradually reducing use and monitoring any changes in the body.
For the unacquainted, detox may sound like a basic procedure of simply stopping drug use. Unfortunately, stopping substance abuse remains easier said than done. When addicted to drugs, the body is convinced that it physically needs them and can suffer withdrawal without them.
Withdrawal can cause serious symptoms such as increased heart rate, anxiety, nausea, depression, hallucinations, or even seizures. This can understandably scare addicts away from treatment and is a difficult but crucial step in recovery. Assistance from medical professionals, however, can help control and monitor detox as safely as possible.
Dual Diagnosis
Many people may fail to understand that addiction is not a choice; in fact, addiction typically links to mental illnesses. These include potential connections to depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorders. At first, it may seem like a random connection; however, people who face these struggles often abuse drugs to try to self-medicate.
Numerous symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety can be temporarily alleviated through drugs and alcohol, hence the start of abuse. Dual diagnosis is a vital part of treating addiction for many addicts entirely. For example, if your anxiety remains untreated, you have a much greater chance of relapse.
Much like addiction, conditions such as depression and anxiety cannot be cured. Nevertheless, properly monitoring and regulating mental disorders can help avoid dangerous substance abuse
Therapy Methods
When first thinking about enrolling in treatment centers, there are a few preconceived notions that come to mind. Most will think of group therapy sessions first—which are the most common—but are unaware of alternatives. Individual therapy works efficiently for those who are particularly uncomfortable with working in groups. Additionally, there are various alternative methods such as holistic therapy and medicated therapy.
Group therapy remains highly encouraged because it creates a sense of community and helps addicts emerge from their proverbial shells. While addicts need to be pushed out of their comfort zones, they should never feel uncomfortable. In these cases, individual therapy may lend itself better with one-on-one sessions with professional counselors.
Alternatively, holistic therapy focuses more on natural means such as diet changes, exercise habits, and developing new hobbies. Medicated therapy focuses more on using medications and other scientific means, which can be risky for addicts. As such, it requires heavy monitoring and maintenance to ensure balance and further addiction.
When enrolling in therapy, it is important to have an extensive amount of background knowledge and understand what lies ahead. Regardless of extensive preparation, treatment provides many challenges; but planning and learning ahead of time can make the journey less arduous and effective in the long run.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, contact a local Treatment & Rehab alternative in Tennessee. You might be interested in Discovery Place’s own treatment center alternatives, such as our 30 Day Residential Addiction Alternative Recovery Program or our Long Term Alternative Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call us for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.
