| Substance abuse treatment is the only real option for | | | | Some substance abuse treatment is directed solely |
| many people addicted to alcohol or drugs. Treatment | | | | at those addicted to alcohol. Issues around |
| can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis and | | | | detoxification are addressed and medication can be |
| there are advantages and disadvantages to both | | | | prescribed which lowers ones risk of drinking again. |
| types of treatment. Some programs are restricted to | | | | There are even medications that control the urge to |
| alcohol or other drugs, while other programs | | | | drink. Alcoholics can come together to discuss issues |
| incorporate both alcohol and drugs into the same | | | | related to their alcohol use and are encouraged to |
| program. | | | | attend AA and find a sponsor. Many patients are |
| Inpatient substance abuse treatment is more intense | | | | asked to attend alcohol treatment by a judge after |
| than the outpatient programs. The inpatient program | | | | they were arrested for a DWI or DUI. A court |
| can last for 30 days or can extend indefinitely, | | | | ordered alcohol treatment doesn't share the same |
| depending on the funding of the patient. People live in | | | | success as voluntary treatment. |
| a confined setting and are monitored for | | | | There are some who believe that narcotic substance |
| detoxification. They are often prevented from | | | | abuse treatment should be separate from alcohol |
| leaving the program and they attend group and | | | | treatment because the issues are so different. |
| individual therapy during the day. They may have | | | | Narcotic users can be given medication to help with |
| recreational programs but these are not part of the | | | | cravings. Users of other drugs have their own issues |
| actual treatment. Inpatients work hard on their issues | | | | with withdrawal and learning to stay away from |
| and try to find out the underlying problems that have | | | | drugs. Those who use drugs, particularly narcotics, |
| contributed to their substance use. If they graduate | | | | can transition into NA as an outpatient to get as |
| from this type of program, they often go to | | | | much support for staying clean as possible. |
| outpatient therapy, AA or NA programs. | | | | The goals of substance abuse treatment are (1) the |
| Outpatient substance abuse treatment is appropriate | | | | detoxification of the patient from their drugs of |
| for those who don't expect to have any problems | | | | choice, (2) managing withdrawal symptoms, (3) |
| with detoxification and who have a strong family | | | | learning new coping methods around drug abuse and |
| support. Many outpatient programs are day | | | | (4) reintegrating into society without drugs. If the |
| programs, with the bulk of the day spent in various | | | | person doesn't have a stable living situation or has a |
| group therapies, family therapies and sometimes | | | | lot of friends who use and abuse drugs or alcohol, it |
| individual therapies. AA or NA is often part of | | | | will be more difficult for the individual to recover |
| outpatient programs and the individual is encouraged | | | | completely from substance abuse. This is why |
| to find a sponsor. Outpatient programs can last for | | | | inpatient therapy is sometimes better for those who |
| up to a month as well but it depends on the program | | | | don't have the family or other support they need. |
| and the funding of the abuser. | | | | |