7 Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment

From Ancient Greece and Rome to the inebriate asylums of the 1800s to the modern rehabilitation centers that we know today, substance abuse treatment has indeed a long history. Today, it refers to a set of programs and services that addresses dependence on psychoactive substances like alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. Generally, this type of treatment involves medical professionals with special training and certification to provide care and support to patients with substance use disorder or SUD. 

Despite the availability of these programs and services, misconceptions and stigma still hinder a lot of patients from getting the right treatment plan. For today’s article, let’s talk about the benefits of getting treatment for substance abuse, what to expect, and the types of available treatments. 

7 Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment

SUD or addiction, like any other illnesses, can be successfully addressed. Apart from substance abuse treatment’s main priority of helping patients overcome their substance use, addiction treatments also offer an abundance of other benefits. Another aspect of the recovery process is learning new tools and ways for a patient to build a life where they can live to the fullest. 

1. Structure And Support In Breaking The Addiction Cycle

The first benefit of getting professional help is the structure and support it provides. A substance abuse therapy program stresses the importance of routines filled with regular activities and sessions. This helps patients to be more engaged and focused on their recovery. These routines also help in replacing the self-destructive habits a patient has developed. Learning and relearning these healthier habits eases the pressure of constantly craving the relief they get from substances. 

2. Safe Environment To Recover

Addiction treatments are conducted in rehabilitation centers which provide a safe environment for patients to focus on their healing. This is especially true for inpatient substance abuse treatment programs in which patients reside on-site. Inpatient or full hospitalization programs separate patients from people and places that may trigger or encourage their substance use. Moreover, a patient undergoing rehabilitation will experience withdrawal symptoms that can potentially be life-threatening. Treatment centers provide medical support to help these symptoms. 

3. Access To Multiple Services

As mentioned, substance abuse programs consist of various services to address the psychological and physical aspects of recovery. Through the sessions and depending on the case, treatments or services can be added or combined with the current recovery strategy. Lastly, access to different services will be helpful for complex or serious cases of withdrawal. Having immediate medical help will greatly aid in emergency situations. Below are common treatment techniques you will encounter in substance abuse programs:

• Pharmacotherapies: This refers to medications that might be needed to discourage continuing alcohol or other drug use, inhibit withdrawal symptoms, suppress euphoric effects or cravings, and perhaps replace an illicit drug with prescribed medication. These may also be drugs that treat coexisting psychiatric problems, especially for patients with co-occurring disorders. 
• Psychosocial or psychological interventions: These are activities or sessions aimed at modifying destructive interpersonal feelings, attitudes, and behaviors through interpersonal or informational sessions. This can be done individually, in groups, or in families and communities.
• Behavioral therapies: Often done one-on-one, behavioral approaches like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) aim to modify behavior, emotions, and attitudes related to SUD. They help patients participate in their own rehabilitation and maintain their abstinence. Behavioral approaches may also improve communication and the overall dynamics of families and close relationships.
• Self-help groups: These refer to mutual support groups that provide a community that encourages the patient to become or remain abstinent before, during, and after formal treatment. They offer a safe environment for talking about personal struggles and issues related to SUD. These may be in the form of mutual help groups (i.e. 12-step programs), peer recovery support, and recovery high schools. These groups offer continuing care after completing rehabilitation.

4. New Goals And Better Habits

A vital part of recovering from SUD is setting and accomplishing goals through better habits. Patients with addiction often struggle with the cycle of wanting to change but falling short of these goals. This weakens a person’s will to recover and their overall morale. With substance abuse treatments, patients are provided the right skills and tools to manage triggers and stress and not fall back into destructive behaviors. Ultimately, treatment plans are designed for patients to succeed and ‘graduate’ from the treatment.

5. Self Knowledge

Substance abuse may also be a symptom of other underlying issues like domestic violence and abuse. Therapy and counseling sessions in SUD treatments may help in picking these out to be properly addressed. Counselors and other mental health personnel staff are trained to identify and pick out these underlying issues and help you build healthy coping skills to deal with them.

6. Relapse Prevention

Relapse is a common part of the rehabilitation process. According to studies, 40%-60% of people recovering from SUD will likely experience a relapse. However, it can be reduced through the services provided by treatment centers like counseling, psychotherapy, educational workshops, and peer support. It has proven that these programs and services reduce the likelihood of another relapse, and they all help patients to better navigate the road to recovery. 

7. Overall Improvement of Well-being

All in all, the best substance abuse treatment programs address not just the substance abstinence aspect of recovery. Instead, they should offer a holistic approach to treating the physical, emotional, psychological, and even social struggles of a patient. Being able to develop better and healthier thinking, behavior, and habits all contribute to a productive and meaningful life. 

Substance Abuse Recovery That’s Built To Last

It may be particularly painful and overwhelming to know that you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse. However, it is important to keep in mind that treatment approaches are available, and they are proven to help address the distinct needs of patients with SUD. If you are looking for the best substance abuse counseling near you, we are here to help.

Here at Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland, we offer evidence-based treatment programs to help you and your loved one heal and experience life to the fullest. We create a unique and safe environment to address the specific needs of young adults and professionals on their road to healing. If you have a substance use disorder or are looking for substance abuse therapy, our supportive community at Another Chance will help you get the right treatment for your needs.

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Contact  us at 971-269-8124. We believe that everyone deserves another chance. Let us help you find yours.