There are a range of effective substance abuse treatments available that focus on recovery, resiliency, and overall wellness. The type of treatment that works best will depend on individual circumstances and factors such as the type of substance(s) being used, extent of dependence, and whether there are any underlying emotional or physical health conditions.
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of one or more substances. It can have significant consequences on different areas of a person’s life, such as at work, home, and school. It can also negatively impact your physical and mental health, ability to socialize and forge healthy relationships, successfully manage your finances, or avoid problems with the law.
Substance abuse may involve the use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, as well as legal substances, such as alcohol or prescription medication. If left untreated, substance abuse can lead to dependence, meaning the person may need to take increased amounts of a substance to get the same effect, spend more time getting, using, and recovering from substance use, and be unable to reduce or discontinue their substance use without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Substance Abuse
Substance abuse requires individualized treatment and modalities that address the symptoms, underlying causes of the disease, and help to improve overall health and wellness. With substance abuse, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach and what works for one individual may not work for another. With the appropriate treatment and ongoing support, a person affected by substance abuse can successfully achieve and maintain recovery and go on to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
The best type of treatment will depend on factors, such as:
- The type of substance(s) used
- Extent of symptoms
- Extent of dependence
- Age and overall health
- Health history
- Whether there is any co-occurring physical, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders
- Personal preferences
What Treatments Are Used for Substance Abuse?
Treatment aims to help a person stop using substances and to lead a productive life – socially, at work, and in society – as well as to build resiliency to stay substance-free.
There are a variety of outpatient and inpatient treatment and recovery programs available that utilize evidence-based interventions to enable an individual to reduce or stop their substance use. Substance abuse often involves a combination of treatments and modalities. These may include:
Behavior Therapy Treatments
Behavior therapy is a type of counseling or talk therapy. It is carried out by a trained professional, such as a psychologist or drug and alcohol counselor. Therapyaims to help build a better understanding of the reasons behind substance abuse and to deal with any past trauma or specific issues that may have contributed to it. Therapy can motivate a person to become or remain drug-free,help them develop strategies to avoid drugs and relapse, and modify attitudes and behaviors related to the substance use. Behavior therapy treatments can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, psychoeducation (regarding substance use disorders), and solution-focused brief therapy.It may be done on an individual, family, or group basis.
Medications
There are several FDA-approved medications that can help with substance abuse and to help prevent relapse. Different medications have different functions,such as reestablishing normal brain function, reducing cravings, or helping to block the good feelings caused by substances. Although medications can be used alone, they are typically used alongside other treatments, such as behavior therapy or support groups.
Outpatient-Based Addiction Recovery Programs
Outpatient-based addiction recovery programs are available, such as Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS),which utilize evidence-based interventions with an emphasis on wellness, recovery, and resiliency. The program is run by trained professionals such as specialist drug and alcohol counselors and psychiatrists. It is designed to increase knowledge on substances while introducing coping skills and linking people with local community resources.
The program includes individual, family, and/or group counseling and utilizes specific interventions, including psychoeducation regarding substance use disorders, integration of coping skills to reduce usage, and intensive therapy to address any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Mental Health Skill-Building Services
Training and support programs are available to enable individuals with co-occurring emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric disorders to achieve and maintain independence, normal day-to-day functioning, and community stability in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment.
Detoxification Programs
Medically managed programs of detoxification and withdrawal aim to help individuals stop taking addictive substance as quickly and safely as possible. The detox process depends on the type of addiction and may involve gradually reducing the dosage, or temporarily substituting other substances, such as suboxone. Medications may be prescribed to address withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.
For significant substance abuse, a residential treatment program may be recommended, which is typically carried out at an inpatient treatment center or a hospital. Residential treatments focus on detoxification alongside other therapies such as behavior therapy and preparation for ongoing community-based treatment.
Experiential Therapeutic Programs
Experiential therapy programs are typically used in addition to other types of treatment and can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find conventional talk therapies difficult. Experiential therapy programs can include:
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy, such as equine therapy
- Psychodrama (drama therapy)
- Outdoor/adventure therapy
- Yoga and meditation
- Play therapy
- Poetry therapy
Support Groups
Support groups run at convenient times, with low or no cost, and are accessible in most communities and online. They are designed to help people with an addiction and many use the 12-step model (originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous). Support groupsaim to prevent relapse and provide valuable support to individuals.
Substance Abuse Treatment Near Me in Richmond, Danville, and Martinsville, VA
If you or a loved one are looking for effective substance abuse treatment, get the help and support you need from EPIC Health Partners. We offer an outpatient-based treatment program that focuses on reducing moderate to severe substance use. The program utilizes evidence-based interventions with a focus on wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
To learn more about our Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS) program or any of our other behavioral health services, contact EPIC Health Partners today at (434) 835-4601. Alternatively, you can use our convenient and secure online appointment request form.
