If you know someone with a substance abuse problem, it can be hard to know how to help, or the first steps you should take to help them on the road to recovery. For some, it can be advantageous to start with an intervention so that your loved one can recognize and acknowledge the toll their addiction has taken on their friends and family members. In the event your loved one is ready to get help, how do you know which treatment option will work best? Learn about addiction treatment options in San Diego.
With so many alcohol and drug addiction treatment options in San Diego, choosing the best approach can seem overwhelming. Here, we explain how to get started with intervention and discuss some of the major differences between medical detox, residential treatment, and outpatient treatment options. No matter what option you decide is best, focus on finding a treatment program that is catered to your loved one’s unique needs and goals for addiction treatment.
Staging an Alcohol or Drug Addiction Intervention
An intervention can be a valuable tool in helping drug or alcohol abusers to recognize that they need help and should pursue treatment. The goal of an intervention is to welcome an honest conversation about how the addict’s substance abuse affects not only themselves but also their family and friends.
During an intervention, friends and family members work with a trained interventionist to discuss the consequences of a substance use disorder and how it has impacted the people around them. If you plan on inviting friends and family members to participate, make sure that they are clear on their roles and responsibilities during the intervention process.
To help ensure the intervention goes as smoothly as possible, research treatment centers in San Diego beforehand so that if your loved one is ready and eager to seek treatment, they’ll know where to start. If your loved one ultimately agrees to get help for their addiction, then you’ll be ready with ideas and suggestions.
Undergoing Medical Detox
Detoxification is typically the first step of substance abuse treatment. For drug and alcohol users to get sober, they must first undergo detox to fully taper off addictive substances. When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their body becomes dependent on these substances to function. During the detoxification process, patients taper off addictive substances gradually, restoring their ability to live normally without drugs or alcohol.
With medical detox, patients benefit from constant medical supervision along with therapy and other treatments. Medical detox allows patients to receive treatment when they experience intense withdrawal symptoms, which makes the detoxification process more comfortable. For patients with severe addictions or for those who are at risk of overdose, medication-assisted treatment may also be available.
Individuals generally receive counseling during the detox process to better prepare them for the transition into more intensive addiction treatment programs, such as inpatient drug and alcohol rehab. Other treatment options are available depending on the patient’s needs, priorities, and goals for treatment. For example, there are treatment programs designed for specific communities, like women, veterans, seniors, or LGBTQ+ individuals, who need support from other recovering addicts with similar life experiences.
Residential Treatment Programs
After detox, residential treatment, also known as rehab, is typically the next step for drug addiction or alcohol use disorder. Residential treatment can be especially beneficial for patients in early recovery or for those who need more guidance and structure. As part of residential treatment, patients typically live in a treatment facility 24/7 and must undergo regular drug testing to ensure they are staying sober and to prevent relapse.
The benefit of rehab is that patients can receive focused treatment and medical care in a safe and structured environment while prioritizing their sobriety, physical health, and mental health. Patients can learn strategies for saying no to drugs and alcohol while also taking advantage of mental health services designed to get at the root causes of their addiction.
Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab
While rehab is generally considered more intensive treatment, outpatient treatment programs such as partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient programs are also available. These programs tend to be a good fit for those who have already completed residential treatment, have less severe addictions, or need to live independently to manage other responsibilities, such as work or family.
During outpatient treatment programs, patients can focus on recovering from substance use disorders with the benefit of living on their own. For example, patients typically must attend counseling services, like group therapy or individual therapy sessions, a few times a week during outpatient treatment. Patients still have access to addiction professionals without having to live at a treatment facility and can benefit from the support of other recovering drug or alcohol users to help stay on track during recovery.
Finding an Addiction Treatment Center in San Diego
If you have any questions about the treatment options available for substance use disorder, reach out for free and confidential help at QuitAlcohol.com. We can answer any questions you might have about finding residential treatment programs, health insurance benefits, medical detoxification, and more. Contact us today to help your loved ones get started on their recovery journey.
