Those suffering from addiction have a chronic illness that affects their physical, emotional and psychological health. In order to overcome addiction, the patient must have access to a comprehensive treatment program that addresses their physical, mental and social health needs. The treatment plan must be developed by qualified professionals.
The treatment process may also address parenting, child care, and vocational readiness. The services should be delivered in a coordinated way and be designed to meet the needs of the individual and his or her family. In addition, there should be referrals to other providers. For example, the patient may need court advocacy.
Inpatient treatment programs provide a safe, structured setting and high level of accountability. Addiction Services may include group and individual therapy, meals, recreational outings, and medical care. Some programs may provide 24-hour monitoring. The services may be provided at a residential facility or in the community.
Outpatient treatment programs are less intensive. These programs are generally for individuals with less severe addictions. Typically, patients attend weekly group sessions hosted by licensed treatment professionals in a safe clinical setting. They may also participate in night or weekend programs. This type of program is ideal for individuals who have to continue working or care for family members.
During the detoxification process, medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms. Medications are especially effective if they are combined with counseling. Medications may be prescribed to help control cravings, decrease withdrawal symptoms, and re-establish normal brain function. These medications can be prescribed for opiate, alcohol, and nicotine addiction. These medications include bupropion, levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol, and methadone. These medications are effective for treating opiate addiction, heroin addiction, and illicit drug use.
In a therapeutic community, the patient participates in a residential treatment program for 6 to 12 months. The residents change their behaviors and attitudes and become part of a community that promotes healthy behaviors. Some therapeutic communities provide vocational training, parenting skills training, and job skills. Others provide recreational activities and structured activities to provide the patient with a positive environment to recover from addiction.
During the treatment process, the patient may be required to undergo tests to determine his or her health status. These tests may include blood, breath, and urine tests. The results of these tests are then reported to a health official. The treatment plan may also address physical, psychological, and social problems that may be related to the addiction. Some programs may also address infectious diseases.
In addition to addressing physical and psychological problems, Meridian Addiction Services also addresses social and legal problems. Patients may need to take part in court advocacy, transportation services, and child welfare services.
Those with addiction often require several episodes of treatment before they achieve initial sobriety. The length of time and number of episodes may vary depending on the type of addiction and the patient's physical and mental health. During the initial stages of treatment, individuals may attend group or individual therapy on a regular basis. The frequency of these sessions may decrease as the individual's symptoms improve. In addition, family therapy is a key component of treatment. It helps family members understand how their loved one's addiction impacts their lives and allows the family to gain realistic expectations for treatment. This post will help you understand the topic even better: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_addiction.