Treatment for Addiction
What is addiction?
Addiction is a complex disease of the brain. It causes an uncontrollable (compulsive) need for a substance. You can be addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medicines such as painkillers.
Addiction can also be a behavior, like gambling or shopping. The need for the drug or activity can become so strong that you think about it all the time. You can also become physically dependent on a substance.
Addiction can change the way your brain works. Because of these changes, getting more of whatever you are addicted to becomes the most important thing to you and feels better than other activities or relationships. Addiction can lead to changes in health, behavior, emotions, relationships, and choices that affect you and everyone around you.
How do I know if I need treatment for addiction?
Addiction is a progressive disease. Without treatment, addiction can get worse. Living with addiction puts you at higher risk for injury, poor health, lost employment, loss of money, and even death.
You might need treatment for addiction if:
- You have tried to stop or cut down, but you cannot.
- Your addiction is causing physical health problems.
- You find it annoying that your friends and family are concerned about your alcohol or substance use.
- You feel guilty about substance abuse or a compulsive behavior.
- You have lied or tried to hide your addiction.
- You need a particular substance or activity to start your day or to calm down.
- You are getting in trouble at school, work, home, or with the police.
- You have done something illegal to support your addiction.
- You are running out of money because of your addiction.
- You have no time for anything other than your addiction.
What types of treatment are available?
The treatment program that is right for you will depend on many factors, including the type of addiction you have. Treatment programs can be outpatient or inpatient. In an outpatient program, you live at home and go to work or school, but you also go to a clinic for treatment. With an inpatient program, you live and sleep at the program facility during treatment. After treatment, you might need a plan for support during recovery. Other treatment options include:
- Medicine.
- Some addictions may be treated with prescription medicines.
- You might also need medicine to treat anxiety or depression.
- Counseling and behavior therapy. Therapy can help individuals and families behave in healthier ways and relate more effectively.
- Support groups. Confidential group therapy, such as a 12-step program, can help individuals and families during treatment and recovery.
No single type of program is right for everyone. Many treatment programs involve a combination of education, counseling, and a 12-step, spiritually-based approach. Some treatment programs are government sponsored. They are geared for patients who do not have private insurance. Treatment programs can vary in many respects, such as:
- Cost and types of insurance that are accepted.
- Types of on-site medical services that are offered.
- Length of stay, setting, and size.
- Overall philosophy of treatment.
What should I consider when selecting a treatment program?
It is important to think about your individual requirements when selecting a treatment program. There are a number of things to consider, such as:
- If the program is certified by the appropriate government agency. Even private programs must be certified and employ certified professionals.
- If
the program is covered by your insurance. If finances are a concern, the
first call you should make is to your insurance company, if you have
health insurance. Ask for a list of treatment programs that are in your
network, and confirm any copayments and deductibles that you may have to
pay.
- If you do not have insurance, or if you choose to attend a program that does not accept your insurance, discuss whether a payment plan can be set up.
- If treatment is available in languages other than English, if needed.
- If the program offers detoxification treatment, if needed.
- If 12-step meetings are held at the center or if transport is available for patients to attend meetings at other locations.
- If the program is professional, organized, and clean.
- If the program meets all of your needs, including physical and cultural needs.
- If the facility offers specific treatment for your particular addiction.
- If support continues to be offered after you have left the program.
- If your treatment plan is continually looked at to make sure you are receiving the right treatment at the right time.
- If mental health counseling is part of your treatment.
- If medicine is included in treatment, if needed.
- If your family is included in your treatment plan and if support is offered to them throughout the treatment process.
- How the treatment works to prevent relapse.
Where else can I get help?
- Your health care provider. Ask him or her to help you find addiction treatment. These discussions are confidential.
- The
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). This group has
information about treatment centers and programs for people who have an
addiction and for family members.
- The telephone number is 1-800-NCA-CALL (1-800-622-2255).
- The website is https://ncadd.org/about-ncadd/our-affiliates
- The
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This
group will help you find publicly funded treatment centers, help hotlines,
and counseling services near you.
- The telephone number is 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
- The website is www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
