In today’s recovery community, many individuals seeking treatment may not know where to turn for help believing that the only road to recovery is through an inpatient, 30-day treatment facility.
There are myriad ways that addiction can be treated. However, with that said, there is no ‘cure all’ to addiction either. Every treatment or program is different just as every individual who suffers from addiction is different.
Addiction Treatments
One way in which individuals can gain treatment is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a psychotherapy that helps in dealing with negative emotions and bad habits. CBT teaches the individual how to change negative patterns and challenge distorted cognitions. David Marlon, president of Solutions Recovery, uses CBT as the main form of treatment at the center. “In order to truly treat addiction, one has to get to the underlying cause of addiction,” said Marlon. “They must reteach their brain not to drink or use when put in the same or similar situations as in the past.”
Another form of treatment is what is known as group therapy, which creates a “familial” atmosphere for the individual. Individuals undergoing group therapy work with others that are going through the same, or similar, trials and tribulations. While an individual works through their addiction with others, they begin to create bonds and have a sense of peer-stability, knowing that they are also helping others and that others are there to help, should an individual need support.
Holistic therapy uses components from the larger addiction treatment. Individuals practice yoga and meditation, receive acupuncture, massages, and practice a wellness program that includes balanced nutritional intake. All of this is done in order to regain personal, physical and mental balance, which is often thrown out of balance in the grip of addiction.
Other types of treatment include implants like Naltrexone or injections like Vivitrol. Past treatment has told individuals that, as an addict, you will forever crave your drug; you just have to control the urge. These treatments, however, stop the cravings before they come. Some implants make the individual physically ill if alcohol or a specific drug enters the body.
Recovery Programs
There are also many addiction recovery programs, which differ from treatments, but can still aid in one’s recovery. Many individuals have tried them in isolation or accompanied with therapy treatments allowing them to find a level different levels of success.
“There are many ways to get sober, but there is one way to get treatment,” said Marlon. “Getting sober requires one to stop drinking or using and then to address the underlying behavioral and psychological issues. There are many ways to do this.”
Marlon, who personally went through treatment, now reinforces his recovery from addiction with some of the programs outlined below.
“Getting treatment requires one to see a clinical professional who can assess and treat the disease of addiction,” explains Marlon.
Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most famous addiction recovery programs. AA was the first of what is known today as a 12-Step Program, which goes through the 12 individual steps to lead an individual to sobriety and recovery. There is also Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous as well as additional similar programs. The 12 Step Program is usually faith-based, calling for individuals to give themselves to a ‘higher power.’
SMART Recovery, also known as Self-Management And Recovery Training, is a newer recovery program that focus on self-empowerment using the latest scientific research in addiction treatment. Similar to the 12-step programs, individuals meet in a group atmosphere either in person or online. There is a four-point method that helps teach individuals about building motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts and behaviors and living a balanced life.
Moderation Management focuses on “problem” drinkers rather than those with a full-blown addiction — although the difference depends likely on whom you ask. MM aims to assist individuals in gaining control of their drinking or ‘using’ before it is too late. This program has steps and goals that users must achieve as they go through the program, which begins with 30 days of abstinence.
•••
Addiction treatment is a very unique experience. No one treatment or program is best for everyone, just as not everyone is ready to go into recovery at the same time.
If you have questions or want to know more about treatments or programs, call Solutions Recovery at 702-323-0079. They can help direct you to the right path.