A-Z of Addiction Recovery: T is for Treatment

Treatment

People who are experiencing drinking problems or feel they are dependent on drugs need help. Professional help is ideal, either inpatient residential or outpatient office visits are available. Sober living can be used in conjuntion with an outpatient program or as aftercare after inpatient treatment. People who have been drinking alcohol or drugging for a long time or using daily may need more medical help and supervision during the detoxification period to treat symptoms of withdrawal. Detox is a place to start the process, and once stable, entering a treatment following once stabilization is reached. Treatment, otherwise known as Rehab, is a place to go for expert help with addiction recovery, where recovering people learn how to identify relapse triggers, reduce stress, learn about their drug of choice and how it affects brain chemistry, how to rebuild relationships with respectful communication and healthier boundaries, and self-care skills.

Treatment is the ideal way to get intensive of help quickly, however, some people prescribe "90 meetings in 90 days" as treatment for alcoholism or drug abuse at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or narcotics Anonymous (NA) when money is a issue or you are uninsured. County programs can also be helpful when funds are limited.

Many successfully sober people are checking into inpatient treatment for 30+ days then following up with outpatient and sober living for 90 days for aftercare and a firm foundation for lasting recovery. Don't go it alone, ask for help, and call around to find a treatment program that is right for you.