How to Deal with Addiction

4 minute read

By HealthVersed

If you’re one of the millions struggling with drug addiction, the good news is that a wide range of treatment options are available. Start a search today to learn everything you need to know about dealing with addiction.

When seeking to get started down the road to recovery, you should start by studying the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options that are available. Online research is an important first step in this process.

Addiction Treatment Options

As you search for a solution to your addiction, you should start by understanding that your treatment plan must be tailored to your own needs. People often assume that there is one treatment option that is most effective in all situations, but the reality is that differences in motivation, drug types, and addictive behaviors mean that people will respond to treatments in different ways.

A person with a high vulnerability to addiction and a history of methamphetamine use would probably get poor results by using only a support group. The sensitive methamphetamine user would be most likely to obtain lasting results by seeking professional help from a licensed doctor at a rehabilitation center. You should, therefore, review all of your available options before deciding to use a particular treatment method.

Addiction Hotlines

Many people who struggle with drug addiction start by using addiction hotlines for guidance and support. When drugs are undermining your ability to live a normal life, simply having someone available who can empathize with your problems can yield significant relief. Addiction hotlines are often staffed by people who have experienced drug addiction in their own lives or are licensed to treat patients in a professional setting.

You can call most addiction hotlines at no cost, and reaching out to a hotline is a great initial step to take. Hotlines can also be used to find treatment services in your area if you believe that you need more than guidance to overcome your addiction.

Support Groups

Meeting people who are struggling with a situation that is similar to your own can help you to feel like you are not alone. When you see that your problems are not uncommon, it will be easier for you to realize that your addiction is surmountable.

People who participate in support groups often share their own experiences, and this information can help you find answers that might be effective in your own situation. Support groups are often run by reputable organizations that have a wide network of contacts, such as experienced therapists and addiction mentors, that they can refer you to.

Talking to Your Doctor

When you feel like you need more assistance than support groups can provide, you should consider talking to your doctor. Although general physicians are not licensed drug therapists, their experience working with thousands of patients often helps them to empathize with your problems and guide you to solutions. Your doctor may, for example, recommend that you try moving to a new environment or take a mild medication that mitigates withdrawal symptoms.

Most importantly, doctors can refer you to specialists who can take an active role in helping you to overcome your addiction. Your doctor can also help you to identify resources that are covered by your insurance plan to minimize the cost of treatment.

Addiction Specialists

Drug addiction has become so common in the modern world that many doctors and nurses have chosen to specialize in addiction therapy. The American Academy of Health Providers, for example, offers a Certified Addiction Specialist certification that is recognized in 48 states.

Doctors who specialize in addiction therapy will often work with you on a weekly basis to hold you accountable, track your progress, and recommend additional treatment options when challenges arise. Addiction specialists can be useful when you are struggling with a chronic addiction since their training and experience can often provide you with deep insights that can help on road to recovery.

Rehabilitation Centers

Addiction specialists often recommend that patients start by going to a rehabilitation center. Although you may be able to cope with drug addiction on your own, the reality is that very few people are able to get through the withdrawal phase without tangible assistance. In many situations, you will need to isolate yourself from your home environment to completely eliminate your addiction before returning to society.

Rehabilitation centers are the most effective treatment option available because they rely on a combination of isolation, therapy, and advice from licensed specialists. Patients who complete a treatment program at a rehabilitation center have the highest rates of personal satisfaction and addiction recovery.

Treatments

Rehabilitation centers can treat a wide range of addictions, but drug addiction tend to be the main problem that these centers help to manage. You can get help designed for the specific drug that you are struggling with, and you can often meet other people at a rehabilitation center who have similar problems.

Rehabilitation centers often rely on group therapy so that patients can help their peers get through withdrawals and discourage relapses after getting out. Patients at rehabilitation centers often have gone through terrible life experiences because of their drug addictions, and seeing these experiences can give you extra motivation to stay off drugs forever.

Cost

The cost of rehabilitation can vary depending on the specific treatment plan that your doctor recommends. Inpatient treatment programs cost between $12,000 and $60,000 in most situations, but you will pay a significantly lower amount if you have insurance. Some treatment centers offer assistance programs to help people with low income afford the cost of rehab.

A less expensive option is outpatient rehabilitation, but this could be less effective in some situations. It is important to work with your doctor and a prospective rehabilitation center to develop a treatment plan that will get results while staying within your budget.

HealthVersed

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