How Do I Know Which is the Best Addiction Treatment Program for Me?

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How Do I Know Which is the Best Addiction Treatment Program for Me?

Deciding to get sober is difficult enough as it is, but it can become even more overwhelming when you’re trying to decide which is the best addiction treatment program to enter. There is a broad range of programs out there, and it’s hard to know which one is best for you. It’s imperative that you know what is the best addiction treatment program for your needs because sometimes you only have one chance to get sober. You can discuss the different options with a specialist who will help you find which is best for your needs.

The ASAM Criteria

The two main types of addiction treatment centers are inpatient and outpatient programs. Before you go to either one, you need a professional evaluation to help you make the right decision. You can do this by speaking with an addiction specialist who uses the ASAM Criteria. The American Society of Addiction Medicine has created this criterion to help medical professionals gauge how severe a person’s addiction is by looking at multiple aspects of their using habits.

The ASAM Criteria:

  • Withdrawal Potential – Are you dependent on substances? If so, this can affect whether or not you need some detox method at the treatment center.
  • Biomedical Conditions and Complications – Drug and alcohol abuse causes a variety of different health issues, so it’s important to see how healthy you are when you go into treatment. Pre-existing conditions and family history of illnesses also play a role.
  • Emotional, Behavioral or Cognitive Conditions and Complications – This is a psychological evaluation to see how your mental health is doing. Substance abuse often causes symptoms of depression, anxiety and other disorders that must undergo treatment as well.
  • Readiness to Change – How badly do you want to get sober? Was this your decision or someone else’s?
  • Relapse, Continued Use or Continued Problem Potential – What is your history of relapse?
  • Recovery and Living Environment – Your home life, work life, and neighborhood may be playing a significant role in your addiction.

As you can see, recovery from addiction is a complicated process that requires a professional approach.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient may be the best addiction treatment program for those who have lesser forms of addiction. You’ll typically go to an outpatient program three to five times a week. During this period, you’ll still be able to work, go to school and spend time with friends and family. If you’re in between the early stages of addiction and severe addiction, or your home life is a big trigger, then it may be recommended that you move to a sober living home while you’re attending outpatient treatment.

Is Inpatient the Best Addiction Treatment Program for My Needs and Me?

If you’ve been struggling with substance abuse and relapse for a long time, inpatient is your best addiction treatment program. This type of addiction treatment will allow you to live in the facility where you’ll receive the attention and care that you need to recover. Remaining in the inpatient residence may seem like a scary thought, but the situations in your normal life are more than likely the reason why you’re not able to stay sober.

Inpatient programs can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days, but it will give you the chance to focus on your recovery without the stresses of the outside world. By your time for discharge, you’ll have a sense of confidence that will allow you to transition back into regular life without the fear of relapsing.

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