Addiction is a complex disorder that can disrupt several aspects of your life. Overcoming substance abuse on your own can be hectic, making it necessary to involve a medical team to guide you through the journey. Your specialist discusses the substances you abuse and works closely with you to develop a Cordova substance abuse treatment plan which may include the following:
Detoxification
Detoxification is a substance abuse treatment that involves clearing the body of the addictive substance. It is often the first step in treating substance abuse and is used to manage withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and even life-threatening. The length of detoxification varies depending on the substance abused and your overall health. The procedure can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During detoxification, your doctor may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This treatment aims to prepare you for ongoing substance abuse treatment, as detoxification alone is not enough to overcome addiction. After detoxification, you may transition to other treatments to help address the underlying causes of substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy focuses on changing the behaviors and thought patterns contributing to substance abuse. The therapy involves identifying negative behaviors and thought patterns that lead to substance abuse and then developing and practicing new coping skills and strategies to manage cravings and avoid relapse. The WellMind Behavioral Health & Wellness team uses several substance abuse treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management. CBT can help you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs contributing to substance abuse, while MI enables you to build motivation and commitment to change your behavior.
Medications
Medications can effectively treat substance abuse when you combine them with behavioral therapy. They can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for you to quit drugs or alcohol. These medications can also prevent relapse by blocking the effects of drugs or alcohol and reducing the reward associated with their use. Medications like disulfiram and acamprosate can treat alcohol addiction by causing unpleasant side effects when you consume alcohol, discouraging you from drinking. While medications can help treat substance abuse, they are not a cure.
Support Groups
Support groups offer a sense of community and shared experience as members gather to discuss their struggles, share their successes, and offer encouragement and support to each other. The most well-known support groups for substance abuse are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which follow a 12-step program and promote abstinence from alcohol and drugs. Participation in support groups can provide numerous benefits for those seeking substance abuse treatment. Being part of a supportive community can help you feel less isolated and more connected to others going through similar challenges. Additionally, support group members often serve as mentors and offer advice on navigating difficulties during recovery. Finally, the sense of accountability from regularly attending meetings and sharing with others can help you stay motivated and committed to your recovery journey.
For more information about substance abuse treatments, call the WellMind Behavioral Health & Wellness office or book your spot online.
