If you have been struggling with an addiction for a long time but are now finally ready to accept help, you may be thinking about what options are available to you. The good news is that there are many organisations both here in the UK and abroad, including our service at Blue Skies Recovery, where you can access first-class care and support to help you overcome your illness. The option you choose will depend on your circumstances and requirements.
Detoxification
For those with a substance addiction, such as addiction to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication, it may be necessary for a programme of detoxification to be completed. It is generally accepted that this should be carried out in a supervised facility due to the risk of complications. Most people who have been abusing chemical substances for a long time will experience some withdrawal symptoms when they quit. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually depend on the type of substance that was being abused, the length of time the person was addicted, their age, and their overall health.
It is impossible to know before detox begins which patients will suffer with which symptoms so the safest option is to detox in a facility where there is medical supervision. Nevertheless, that is not to say that detox cannot be carried out at home. Some prefer to detox in familiar and comfortable surroundings, and this is okay, provided they have somebody with them at all times during the detox. This person will need to know the procedure for dealing with an emergency situation.
Treatment Options
Once detox has been completed, the individual will usually undergo a programme of rehabilitation, which will help them to identify the cause of the addictive behaviour and will give them the tools needed to learn how to deal with this in the future.
Most rehabilitation programmes will involve counselling, and therapy sessions designed to help the individual learn how to adjust to sober living. Life skills and relapse prevention workshops are often provided during rehab, as are a number of alternative therapies to help make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
When it comes to choosing a treatment facility, most patients will have to decide if they want inpatient or outpatient treatment. In most instances, those with severe addictions will be advised to enter a residential inpatient treatment programme where they will be provided with an intensive plan of care designed to help them overcome their illness. This usually means staying in the clinic for around four to six weeks where the patient will have constant support and care and will be free from the distractions and temptations of the outside world.
The benefit of inpatient treatment is that it offers a more concentrated and focused approach to addiction treatment and allows the patient the time needed to get clean and sober before having to deal with the real world again. Nonetheless, it is expensive and unaffordable for some individuals.
Outpatient treatment programmes vary in length, with some requiring attendance on a daily basis while others require the patient to attend for just a number of hours per week. Outpatient treatment programmes tend to offer the same types of treatment for patients, but because the patient does not stay overnight, it tends to be far less expensive.
The kind of treatment you choose will be influenced by your needs and your circumstances. Money often plays a role in determining whether to choose inpatient or outpatient, but some people simply cannot be away from home for extended periods of time due to other family or work commitments. The good news is that whatever type of treatment you have you can overcome your addiction if you are prepared to commit to the programme.