Residential Drug & Alcohol Treatment
According to the 2006 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 112 million people in the United States over the age of 12 have tried an illicit substance at least once in their lifetime. Some are lucky enough to be able to stop after only one use; but others become addicted, some even from that first use. When addiction occurs, one option for treatment is residential drug and alcohol treatment centers. Residential treatment involves living on a drug rehabilitation campus under supervised care.
Intake
Before a treatment plan is determined, a possible new resident will be taken through an intake interview. A certified drug and alcohol counselor will ask a series of questions to determine which type of treatment works will work best. The drug and alcohol counselor will look at factors such as physical and mental health, withdrawal potential, relapse potential and willingness to change. The goal is to place the addict in the most cost-effective option while still successfully treating the addict. When there is a good chance an addict will relapse, residential treatment becomes a good option for success.
Detox
In cases where drug use has occurred over an extended period and it looks like the addict will need additional help through initial withdrawal symptoms, detox might be recommended to give the addict supervised help through the first 2-6 days off the drug. Detox can either be drug assisted or done without medications. In most cases, a medical staff person will be present to monitor the progress and health of the individual. In serious cases, hospital detox might be recommended to avoid problems such as seizures that might occur during withdrawal.
Individual Therapy
Once the resident has gone through detox, the process of dealing with the addiction begins. This usually consists of three main parts: individual therapy, group therapy and learning activities. Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions with a certified drug counselor or a psychologist with drug and alcohol training. The counselor helps an addict understand why they use and also begins to shape behavioral changes to prevent the addict from using in the future.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is also a common part of residential treatment. Residents can learn from and support each other through open sessions of sharing experiences and working together to change behaviors. This also helps the resident understand they are not alone in their struggles.
Learning
Learning is an important part of residential drug and alcohol treatment. Residents learn basic behavioral tricks to help overcome drug use by utilizing specialized tools and methods to not only avoid drugs but also learn to make their lives better so there is no need to use. Residents learn relationship and coping skills, relaxation and stress relief methods and a host of other techniques to be able to continue recovery outside of the treatment center.
Tags: drug alcohol, Residents learn, addict will, alcohol counselor, alcohol counselor will, alcohol treatment, Alcohol Treatment