Addiction is hard. Even with the best intentions, it can feel like nobody is there to guide you on a difficult and testing journey. Luckily there are a number of rehabilitation programmes to choose from. With this, however, comes a difficult choice – which treatment model do I follow? What are the pros and cons of each? Which one is best for me? Hopefully, this article should guide you through those questions.

 

12 Step programmes

The 12 step programme has been around for 80 years. In that time it has barely changed. 12 step programmes exist for alcohol and other substances such as meth or opioids. Why has the 12 step programme been so effective for so many years? Probably because it takes a holistic approach to recovery meaning you need to recover not just physically from the addiction but also psychologically, spiritually and emotionally.

 

Pros

 

  • Time-tested programme with lots of success stories
  • Approaches you as a person rather than as a patient
  • Does not require inpatient treatments

 

Cons

 

  • Without inpatient treatment, it is difficult to break old habits and people find it hard to leave friends and family who are fueling their addiction behind.
  • Is not “scientific” and requires a belief in a higher power.

 

Substance treatment comes in a number of different varieties

Inpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment comes in a number of different varieties. One can change the length of the stay – commonly somewhere between 28 and 90 days is chosen. Once inside patients can personalize what treatment they receive. Options include:

 

  • Drug Detox: Detox is a painful and unpleasant process. Sometimes medications such as benzodiazepines can be prescribed by doctors on site that should reduce the unpleasant symptoms of drug withdrawal. This can make a detox attempt safer and more likely to succeed.
  • Psychological support: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be offered that tries to tackle the psychological root of the addiction – overcoming the disease of addiction

 

Pros

 

  • The clear benefit of inpatient treatment is it’s highly personalized and all-encompassing approach. It means patients are able to focus 100% of their attention on overcoming their addiction without the pressures and stresses of the outside world.
  • Medical treatment can ease the detox process
  • Psychological support can get to the root of the issue
  • It provides an opportunity to “break the cycle” of addiction

 

Cons

 

  • Inpatient stays are inevitably more expensive than outpatient once a week group (however shorter stays lime 28-day rehabs can be arranged)
  • When an individual goes back to the environment they came from – stressors and temptations that fed their addiction can still be there when they return (however psychological support does try to guard against this).

 

There are a number of variations of these treatment approaches ie patients can have an outpatient-based treatment plan that doesn’t follow a 12 step approach. Finding what is the best options for your individual circumstances is the most important thing. Luckily there are a number of centers across the United States waiting to hear your story, waiting to hear your exact needs and build a plan around you. If you or somebody you know suffers from addiction, get in contact with a specialist clinic now