Even though millions of people across the country fight addiction every day, far fewer receive the drug addiction help they need. Part of the problem involves a lack of accessible information. Many people don’t know what to expect from addiction treatment, and they may hesitate to ask due to feelings of shame or guilt.
The Willough at Naples strives to change that. Substance misuse contributes to the deaths and pain of far too many. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 160,000 annual deaths in the United States are related to alcohol and drug use. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if more of them had known how to get drug addiction help.
Therefore, we want to shed some light on common, effective treatment options for substance use disorders. It is our hope that by sharing this information, we can provide struggling individuals with a sense of direction to get the drug addiction help they need.
When to Get Drug Addiction Help
Some people hold themselves back from getting drug addiction help because they believe others experience more severe symptoms than they do. Even though that may be true, remember that in many ways, addiction is a progressive disorder. The longer it remains untreated, the worse it will become.
Thus, you should reach out for addiction treatment as soon as you suspect you have a substance use disorder. The earlier you take action against it, the easier it will be to treat. In addition, you minimize the amount of time it has to negatively influence life around you.
If you continue to delay getting drug addiction help, you become more likely to exhibit signs of long-term substance abuse, such as:
- Struggling to complete tasks at work, school, or home
- Withdrawing from family members and friends
- Unexplainable personality changes or mood swings
- Increased anxiety, agitation, or hyperactivity
- Abrupt weight loss or gain
- Impaired cognitive functioning (memory issues, difficulty concentrating, etc.)
- Financial or legal problems
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
In short, you may benefit from seeking professional drug addiction help if you experience any of the above due to substance use. Your friends, family, and future self will all thank you for allowing yourself to heal.
Most Effective Drug Addiction Treatments
Once someone decides to get drug addiction help, numerous possible avenues open before them. To optimize their recovery, we have outlined five of the most effective treatment options and programs below.
Talk Therapy
At the core of many comprehensive treatment programs sits talk therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy. As one of the most extensive and varied treatment options as well, talk therapy can benefit almost everyone who needs drug addiction help. It typically involves a patient and their therapist, who leads them through discussions or exercises designed to combat addiction.
One of the most effective and popular psychotherapies is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A therapist will usually help their patient identify an unhealthy belief about themself and ask them to partake in behaviors that challenge said belief.
CBT suggests that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. For example, by adjusting behaviors, someone can influence thoughts. CBT participants continue this cycle until all their harmful beliefs are addressed.
12-Step Programming
Another common approach to addiction treatment involves a program known as the 12 Steps. They offer drug addiction help by presenting an overarching view of a possible path to recovery. They’re based on a belief in a “higher power,” and while many people see that power as God, others may turn to the universe as a whole or the bonds that hold people together.
The 12 Steps guide individuals through addiction recovery from start to finish. They begin by asking individuals to acknowledge their problem, and they end with a promise to continue practicing other principles of recovery.
Despite being outlined as a linear process, the 12 Steps may not be completed in order. In fact, some individuals may revisit previous Steps or address more than one at a time. They act as a guide rather than a hard set of rules. Like other types of effective drug addiction help, they are flexible and bend to the needs of individuals.
Support Groups
The environment in which someone finds themself while looking for drug addiction help can have a monumental impact on their success. For example, a sober, warm atmosphere goes a long way in giving someone the motivation they need to pursue recovery.
Unfortunately, some individuals lack this sort of environment at home. To make up for an absence of encouragement, they may consider reaching out to community-based support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery instead.
Support groups allow like-minded individuals to share their experiences and find mutual understanding. Drug addiction can feel incredibly isolating, especially for those who struggle to find encouragement at home. These individuals can find proof that they are not alone in their fight by finding a support group to lift them up.
However, while support groups provide excellent supplemental encouragement, they may not provide the specialized drug addiction help someone needs to fully recover. For this reason, it’s recommended to seek different forms of treatment as well.
Medical Drug Detox
One of the more comprehensive options for drug addiction help falls to medical detoxes. These are full-fledged programs created by treatment facilities to help people take their first steps toward recovery.
When someone takes drugs for a prolonged period of time, their body builds up a tolerance for the substance. In the case of addiction, tolerance evolves into dependence, which means their body can no longer function properly without the drug.
As a result, when someone tries to quit taking drugs, they experience adverse withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, sweating, and anxiety. In the rare event where someone develops additional complications, they may experience more dangerous symptoms like seizures.
A medical detox ensures that patients have access to professional drug addiction help throughout the detox process. At The Willough at Naples, a team of licensed doctors and nurses watch over patients 24/7. They monitor vitals, the state of withdrawal symptoms, and watch for warning signs of any complications.
With their help, mild symptoms can be soothed and overall discomfort is kept to a minimum. Most importantly, under medical supervision, detox becomes a safe experience. Patients can flush traces of a drug from their bodies without having to spend excess energy worrying about safety.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment
You may have noticed that some of the above treatments do not feel complete if viewed by themselves. This is intentional, for they are not meant to be used alone. To get the most out of drug addiction help, you should participate in all it has to offer.
If it feels intimidating to organize that on your own, try not to worry. The Willough at Naples offers a dual diagnosis program for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In other words, we provide a comprehensive treatment program that combines all of the best evidence-based treatment modalities for you.
In addition to previously discussed treatment options, our dual diagnosis program also utilizes those such as:
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- Recreational therapy
- Family therapy
- Nutritional consultations
- Relapse prevention
Inpatient rehab offers the most intensive form of drug addiction help. During inpatient treatment, individuals live on-site to maximize their exposure to the psychoeducational therapies and activities. Throughout this time, they learn vital coping skills curated by licensed physicians and addiction specialists.
Get Drug Addiction Help at The Willough at Naples
Now, you should have a clearer understanding of what to expect when you seek drug addiction help. Whether you feel ready to start substance abuse treatment or still have additional questions, The Willough at Naples is here to help.
We are a behavioral health center that provides effective treatments for those struggling with addiction and mental health problems. Located only a block away from the warm, welcoming coast of Naples, Florida, we offer a tranquil and immersive addiction recovery experience.
Our treatment programs use the most effective drug addiction treatments to aid those with substance use disorders. You can experience everything discussed today and more at The Willough at Naples. With such a high level of evidence-based care, you can make the dream of long-term sobriety into a reality.
If you need a helping hand, don’t wait any longer. Reach out for drug addiction help today by calling (239) 688-3063 or filling out a confidential contact form online. Let us empower you to make a positive change in your life and regain control of your future.