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A Brief Guide to Substance Abuse Treatment
A Brief Guide to Substance Abuse Treatment
outpatient drug treatment
intensive outpatient program
general outpatient treatment
substance abuse treatment
addiction therapy services

outpatient drug treatment

Substance abuse is a chronic, relapsing medical condition typically accompanied by compulsive drug seeking and use, poor decision-making, dysfunctional emotion regulation, interpersonal deficits, risky sexual behaviors, and high-risk criminal activity. Effective treatment may include pharmacological approaches combined with behavioral therapy interventions. Not all substance abusers will require an intervention from the criminal justice system.

Specialized, evidence-based approaches have emerged to help individuals with drug and alcohol problems. Most of these approaches are based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for addictions or cognitive-behavioral social skills training for substance abuse. The outpatient drug treatment focus on changing behavior by helping patients understand substance abuse as a pattern of maladaptive learning and thinking that is unproductive and self-defeating.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatments –

1.    Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a behavioral technique that involves the patient engaging in target behaviors with the therapist. For example, if the patient self-sedates, MET asks: "when you drink alcohol, which do you do first?" The patient is then asked to list all consequences of each alternative and find alternative behaviors. These exercises are done orally under hypnosis, with the goal being to help develop motivation toward healthier activity.

2.    Group Therapy

The use of group therapies near falls church has been employed as a powerful therapeutic intervention. For example, group therapy can be especially helpful in treating substance abuse and addiction because the group setting allows patients to share with those experiencing similar problems. In addition, the group may include people who have similar or different backgrounds, which will enable the student to hold a variety of leadership positions and allow the student to be an active learner through direct experience.

3.    Inpatient and Residential Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment may be appropriate for substance abusers who have a specific drug of abuse or require a safe and structured environment for recovery. These programs offer temporary residence at a facility that provides psychological, social, medical, and other therapeutic services to address the patient's needs. Inpatient treatment can be effective because it allows the patient to focus on learning about the addiction without concerning themselves with daily affairs.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, not every person with substance abuse treatment requires an intervention from the criminal justice system. Instead, successful treatment is usually best achieved when individuals desire to make healthier changes in their lives and are ready to change as they enter into therapy.