Detoxification is usually the first step in treatment for those struggling with addiction. This process involves removing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), medication is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in 80 percent of cases. For others, the first step in drug addiction treatment is intensive outpatient rehabilitation. Intensive outpatient rehabilitation is an option for those with mild to moderate drug problems, as well as those who have already undergone in-patient detoxification and rehabilitation.
This type of treatment lasts at least three hours a day and can be completed during the day or at night. It allows individuals to live at home while still receiving group and individual therapy tailored to their specific needs. For some, intensive outpatient rehabilitation is a great way to recover without having to stay in a rehabilitation center. It's also a good option for those who need to continue working during the rehabilitation process, as employment often instills confidence and a sense of purpose. To understand the importance of the first step, it is important to know that addiction does not develop overnight. The first step in addiction is denial, followed by accepting that you have a problem and contacting a rehabilitation center.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, individuals may go directly from admission to inpatient rehabilitation. At the drug addiction treatment center, individuals will meet with a certified counselor in a comfortable, private setting. During this stage of treatment, a person's history of alcohol and drug use will be taken, the treatment program will be introduced, and the counselor will work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan. Continuous abstinence during early alcohol treatment is significantly associated with positive treatment outcomes. To determine which drug addiction treatment is right for you, you will go through an admissions process prior to your arrival. While there is no cure for substance use disorder, specialized treatment can help manage addictive behaviors successfully. Substance addiction treatment is a safe place to understand and accept your impotence and that your life is unmanageable.
During this stage of treatment, interventions that work well early on may be ineffective or even harmful if applied later on. Addiction is a complex brain disease that requires both expert clinical treatment and an evidence-based program to develop ongoing, lifelong skills to navigate lasting recovery. To summarize, in the first step you will understand what addiction is, why you have no power over it, and you will grant to your innermost self that you are truly powerless over your addiction. Understanding the first step of drug addiction treatment can help you prepare for the road to recovery.
