Nowadays, many people are addicted to various substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. If you are addicted to a chemical substance, you may be seeking a way to break your addiction.
Here are a few things to consider as you attempt to free yourself from your chemical dependency.
Are You Willing to Consider an Inpatient Treatment Facility?
Many treatment options for people who suffer from substance abuse include an inpatient treatment facility. When a patient is admitted to one of these facilities, he or she has only limited access to the outside world. As a result, the patient is unable to access the chemical substance to which he or she is addicted. Additionally, many of the patient's stressors or triggers are eliminated in the controlled environment.
Upon admittance to an inpatient facility, you can expect to undergo a period of detoxification to remove any remaining addictive chemicals from your system. Due to the withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced, you may be offered nonaddictive medication to reduce any discomfort from the detoxing.
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Mental Illness?
People who suffer from a chemical addiction often have a concurrent mental condition. Addicted patients commonly suffer from mental issues, such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder. general anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Unless the mental illness and the addiction are treated simultaneously, the chance of the patient successfully overcoming the addiction is unlikely. Symptoms of mental illness, such as depression, mood swings, and anxiety, may encourage the patient to self-medicate with addictive substances. The self-medication promotes a cycle of substance abuse and mental health problems.
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized treatment option for addicted patients who also show signs of mental illness. The treatment, which is offered in an inpatient setting, addresses the patient's addiction and the mental concerns. The treatment combines the use of psychotherapy and medication therapy to promote healing. Patients are also educated about healthy habits, such as regular exercise and proper diet, to help stabilize the brain chemicals that affect the mood, such as serotonin.
Do You Have a Strong Support System?
When selecting a treatment option, it is important to consider the amount of support that you have. Family and friends who are willing to offer support around the clock may be necessary if an outpatient treatment program is chosen. Group therapy sessions that include family or friends are often used in inpatient settings and may also require strong support.
To learn more about the available individual addiction treatment options in your local area, schedule a consultation with a local physician or an addiction counselor.
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