There are now different kinds of programs available for those that have problems with substance abuse. Each program would differ in terms of length, setting, and approach. For patients that are still able to take control of their behavior, they can be treated as an outpatient. They will be allowed to go to work and other activities provided that would attend therapy or counseling a few times in a week.
Aside from attending therapy, there are also local support groups that one could get help from. These groups have hotlines that people could call if they need to talk to someone about their condition. They also offer free group therapy sessions that a person could attend if he needs help.
However, patients whose condition has become worse are not recommended for outpatient programs. In this case, it is important that they be confined to get the help that they need. They have to be placed in rehabilitation centers where they will always be monitored and treated by doctors and other kinds of health professionals.
There are also institutions called sober houses that are also built for patients suffering from substance abuse. People that placed in sober houses are those that are almost ready to go back to the outside world. These places serve as halfway houses where patients can slowly become used to living a normal life.
For the therapy, there are different kinds of therapies counselors and therapists use to treat their patients. The common ones being used are cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and motivational interviewing. It is up to the counselor to decide which therapy would be best for the patient.
There are also times when therapy or counseling alone would not be enough. In these situations, specialists would intervene by prescribing certain types of medication. Drug therapy is usually recommended for patients have become psychologically or physically dependent on alcohol. Taking drugs like Antabuse prevents them from ingesting anything with alcohol. Other drugs would include acamprosate and topiramate.
In cases of addiction, the earlier that treatment could be administered the better the outcome. Loved ones have to intervene right away if they feel like the person is slowly slipping away from reality. They should always watch out for signs of substance abuse in order for them to take the necessary action the soonest possible time.
Drug and alcohol counseling pa would only be effective if a patient would want to be treated. One still needs to admit that his addiction is a problem that he should solve himself. Becoming addicted to these substances is a very serious matter that should not be taken lightly. When nothing is done, it could cause death and crime.