Quality Addictions Treatment-Part One
Each addictions treatment centre may believe that it has the best programme on offer, however there is no one perfect rehabilitation programme for all addictions and for all people that become addicted.
Each person is unique and has very specific individual needs, so when seeking a quality addiction treatment centre it is key to look for one that can tailor rehabilitation to suit the patient’s needs. Quality addiction treatment is Individualised. A treatment programme that is individually tailored will have better long-term results for addicted people. A number of different treatment options are better for the individual, particularly if they include medical support, therapy sessions, social, vocational and legal help. Treatment plans for addicted people in rehab need to be regularly assessed and changed if need be. A plan that is effective for one client is usually not suitable for another, so it is key to meet with the addictions counselling team regularly to reassess the ongoing patient needs. Developing a quality individual plan for treatment and continuously monitoring, re-evaluating and incorporating any changes on a regular basis is critical for best practice.
Quality Addictions Treatment is Professional
Quality addiction treatment requires trained staff that show empathy, yet can be firm. Although it is not necessary for them to have had addiction problems themselves, it can be helpful to have some staff members who personally understand the process of addiction recovery.
It’s very important that any recovering addicts working at a quality addictions treatment center have professional accreditation enabling them to fulfill a formal role as well as regular internal and external supervision of their work. The treatment programme should include both individual addictions counselling and group therapy. Therapy is needed to encourage people and motivate them to continue. Quality addictions treatment also teaches addicted people how to deal with cravings. Addictions counselling & therapy guide clients towards avoiding drug use in the future and help to prevent relapse or how best to deal with it should it occur. Therapy helps with the relational dynamics in life, which includes family and friends. An aftercare programme is a necessary component to quality addictions treatment and is advisable for successful long-term recovery. Aftercare is simply therapy that continues on an outpatient basis after discharge from the rehabilitation centre. Medication is often used to aid the patient through the initial detoxification from their drug of choice. It is essential for any medication to be supervised and monitored by medical professionals to avoid abuse by patients and over or under-medication.
Experienced addictions treatment staff will know that addicted patients will try to horde and stockpile their medication to use at one go and attempt to get high. Alternatively, they may trade medication or try to ingest it by more ‘efficient’ delivery producing a more powerful kick – smoking or injecting. Quality addictions treatment consultants will ensure that this dangerous practice is less likely to happen. During the initial detoxification phase of treatment, when patients are withdrawing badly and craving to use drugs, appropriate medication levels is often the most effective way to provide a sense of containment and holding for patients.
This may seem obvious; however retaining addicted people in treatment is critical to its success. After all we can’t work with them if they’re not present! And initially the drugs used to detoxify patients may seem their best friend and only comfort. I’ve no qualms in providing appropriate comfort through medication to assist patients that are detoxifying ensuring that they get through the detox comfortably and are able to engage effectively in the quality addictions treatment programme.
Choosing quality addiction treatment is the path to choosing a new, clean and brighter future. Addiction recovery is not instant but in time many addicted people rebuild a good life for themselves and their loved ones. The recovery process is likely to continue throughout life with choices that are made on a daily basis to keep engaging in positive life-affirming thoughts and behaviours. The process need not be done alone as help and support is readily available. One aspect of quality addictions treatment is ensuring a ‘culture of recovery’ that makes it safe for patients to forge new and healthy alliances with each other so they can move forward into recovery together. Please contact WeDoRecover for expert and independent advice in finding which quality addictions treatment center will best meet your needs. We can arrange immediate admission at sometimes discounted rates.
In Part Two of our article on Quality Addictions Treatment, we discuss holistic care.