Tackling addiction is the biggest challenge people face in their lives. Although we have become more aware of the consequences of using drugs, a lot of us still enjoy these illicit substances.
The good news is that there are so many treatment options nowadays. Besides the traditional addiction recovery, we can also tinker with various alternative methods. Whether you choose to start meditating or visit an ibogaine treatment center, there are a lot of ways to address the issue.
It’s worth mentioning that each person will have their unique journey toward full health. This is why it’s vital to create an abuse treatment plan that will guide your choices along the way.
Why Create a Substance Abuse Treatment Plan?
These plans outline every step of your recovery journey. They are made by addiction abuse recovery experts and take into account a person’s goals, finances, and timelines. It’s worth mentioning that substance abuse treatment plans work for anything, whether we’re talking about alcohol, nicotine, or drugs.
By using a recovery plan, you maximize your chance of recovery while preventing potential relapse. Keep in mind that these documents aren’t static; a medical expert will make changes along the way based on your progress.
Goals of a Recovery Plan
As you could guess, the ultimate goal of a recovery plan is to make a person sober. However, clinics go about this in different ways. When creating a substance abuse recovery plan, a medical expert will take into account a person’s preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs.
Here are a few ways professionals create customized plans:
- The patient’s overall health
- The patient’s current mental state and outlook
- The addiction severity
- Emotional, social, and personal needs
Considering Non-Physical Aspects
Addressing the physical aspect of an addiction isn’t as hard as addressing mental cravings. On top of that, medical experts have to consider emotional and social upbringing and other factors.
The provider’s main goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that will take into consideration every aspect of a patient’s personality. Besides providing medical support, an abuse recovery expert should schedule and oversee therapies and introduce lifestyle changes, all while providing social and emotional support.
Basic Elements of a Substance Abuse Treatment Plan
Both the patient and their medical provider should have a keen understanding of different plan elements. These components can be added and removed based on a person’s preference and progress. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that will improve a person’s odds of recovery.
Some of the plan’s main features include:
- Initial Assessment
During the first phase, experts from a substance abuse recovery clinic will diagnose your issue. After that, they’ll make an assessment of your physical and mental health. The main goal of the initial assessment is to determine the duration and severity of substance use.
An expert will check your mental well-being to determine if you’ve developed a condition through abuse. People from the clinic will also take into account your emotional state and preparedness to tackle such a big challenge. It is vital that the initial assessment is on point as it will guide all other actions during the recovery.
- Customized Goals
A medical expert will create customized objectives for a patient’s treatment. Each of these goals will be unique and tailor-made for an individual, according to their needs and preferences.
In almost every situation, the main goal is to remove the damaging substance from a person’s life. However, many people are also looking to improve their physical fitness level and improve their quality of life. If a person developed a mental health condition, they might look for ways to address this problem, as well.
- Medical Detox
When you’re first received into a substance abuse clinic, the first thing you’ll do is to remove all the toxins from your body. You’ll be sent to an area that is constantly monitored, where you’ll go “cold turkey.” The medical detox is quite arduous, but a necessary step nonetheless.
It is worth noting that some people might not require the standard medical detox used for strong drugs. The withdrawal is usually accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, etc. The only good thing is that you’ll have medical staff nearby to help you with all your needs.
- Therapies
A lot of people start using addictive substances as a way to escape reality or address trauma in their lives. So, simply doing a detox will not help in the long run. You must also confront the demons from your past to make sure you won’t relapse.
Whether you’re living in an addiction recovery clinic or you’re recovering from home, you’ll have various therapies at your disposal. This includes dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, among others.
- Pharmacological Treatment
In some cases, these plans might include different beneficial drugs. Medication is especially important during withdrawal, when a patient is super sensitive. However, they might also be used to address medical conditions that a person developed due to substance abuse. Some of them can even reduce cravings, which makes them vital for preventing relapse.
- Medical Support
Our strength of will usually isn’t good enough to get us out of prolonged addiction. We need other people to help us out on our road to recovery. Here are some types of support you might receive during your journey:
- Professional support
- Case management
- Housing assistance
- Educational services
Most people are a hot mess when quitting their addictions. Some of them are in a very sensitive stage of their lives, not finishing school or still seeking jobs. In these situations, you’ll need professionals who’ll get you on your feet, hook you up with housing, and other necessities to survive these trying times.
Last Thoughts
The recovery process is often hectic, with many things that can go awry. It is vital that you introduce some sense to the chaos by introducing a substance abuse treatment plan. By having a meticulous, well-structured process, you’ll increase a patient’s recovery odds and prevent relapse.
Also Read: How To Begin Your Recovery Journey With Intimacy Addiction Treatment In Utah
