What Should I Expect from Substance Abuse Treatment?

The point at which one decides they are ready for substance abuse treatment varies from person to person. Some enter treatment after reflecting on the ways alcohol or substance use is detracting from their quality of life. They may notice their drinking or drug use is an obstacle to achieving their goals. Some people, however, seek treatment in response to negative consequences of substance use. These may include medical problems, legal or financial issues, problems with work or school performance, or difficulty in their relationships with family and friends.

Substance abuse treatment refers to the spectrum of services available to help people living with substance use disorder. The goal is to restore their health and well-being. Therefore, there are two main goals for entering an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. The first goal is to help you to stop using. The second is to develop the skills necessary to live your life without relying on alcohol or substance use. 

How is substance use disorder assessed and diagnosed?

A medical or mental health professional can make a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The diagnostic process involves a thorough assessment of several factors. Therefore, in order to make a diagnosis of substance use disorder, a clinician will evaluate your past and current substance use behavior and patterns. They will assess your medical, psychological, and social history. They will also evaluate your current condition. If you meet the diagnostic criteria, your provider will then recommend substance abuse treatment. 

What happens in substance abuse treatment?

 Most substance abuse treatment programs include specific elements. These include detoxification, assessment, treatment planning, medical and psychiatric services, individual and group psychotherapy, recreation and other support services, and aftercare planning.

Detox

If you enter treatment during or following a period of active alcohol or drug use, you will receive supportive treatment to stop using. Detoxification, aka “detox,” refers to the process of getting alcohol or drugs out of your body’s systems. Treatment programs facilitate this process through a combination of medical support and counseling. These treatments are intended to stabilize you physically and emotionally.

 Assessment

The treatment process then begins with a thorough assessment of your individual alcohol and substance use history. An assessment entails exploring all aspects of your life and any related problems. This helps you receive the most comprehensive and customized treatment support possible. 

Treatment planning

Treatment planning is the collaboration and partnership you will engage in when you meet your treatment team. Together you will begin structuring your services and establishing your specific recovery goals. Once you have established your goals, you will identify objectives you will pursue in order to obtain your goals. An effective treatment plan is clearly structured and the steps you take toward meeting objectives will be measurable. This will allow you and your treatment team to know how you are doing at any given point in the process. Once you meet your objectives and achieve your goals, you and your providers will know that you can consider completing the treatment program. 

Individual, family, and group therapy

You may participate in individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy during your treatment. Individual psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to explore the underlying causes of your substance misuse. Family therapy, on the other hand, offers you the opportunity to explore the way your family can understand and actively support you in your recovery. Group therapy supports you in feeling less alone by identifying and engaging with others who also struggle with substance use. Group therapy also helps to resolve problems in relating to other people that may have contributed to your pattern of abusing alcohol and drugs.

What is aftercare for relapse prevention? 

While you are in treatment, you will also be working to develop a long term plan. This plan will help you remain abstinent from alcohol and substances. Therefore, this is referred to as an aftercare plan or a relapse prevention plan. It involves identifying the steps you will take toward after treatment. An integral part of this is building a support system of relationships with others in your community who support your recovery. Considering this, it would ideally include family, friends, peers in recovery, and a psychotherapist.

Support groups

Participation in peer-led support groups such as AA or NA (aka twelve-step programs) or SMART Recovery will allow you to build and maintain relationships with others in recovery. The people in these groups can support you and share in your progress. They can also have a positive influence on you, and help you to stay motivated to maintain your recovery from substance dependence. Starting long term psychotherapy will also support you in addressing other mental health conditions. Other issues frequently co-occur and play a role in substance use disorder.

Read more about how psychotherapy can help with addiction recovery

Acknowledging that you are experiencing a problematic and disruptive pattern of using alcohol or other substances is certainly one of the hardest steps to take. Substance dependence is highly treatable once it is diagnosed and you are ready to start rebuilding your life. As a result, substance abuse treatment programs are designed to provide you with the consistent support and expertise you need to ensure your successful recovery. Finding the right treatment provider does not have to be overwhelming. 

Could you or someone you know use some extra support in your recovery from substance abuse? Book a free consultation with myTherapyNYC to find out which of our therapists would be a good fit for you!

How is the misuse of alcohol, prescription, or street drugs holding you back? Join the conversation in the comments below!