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Drug Treatment Programs in South NJ
Drugs affect the chemical structure of the brain and the changes are present long after an individual has stopped using. Why people get addicted to substances differently is not fully understood but one of the explanations is that brains are wired differently even though they function based on the same basic principles.
Furthermore, person-specific stressors and triggers increase the risk of addiction and relapse even after treatment. Thus, individuals dealing with drug addiction are treated uniquely based on their circumstances. What works for another person will most likely not work for you but it is important to have an idea of the drug rehabilitation process.
Types of Drug Treatment Programs
Drug addiction can be treated successfully, but it is not simple. As addiction is a chronic disease, a chemically-dependent person cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. These are some of the treatment programs available at most rehab centers.
- Medical Detox
Every treatment must start with detoxification as the first stage of treatment. The detox process helps the body rid itself of drugs and other noxious metabolic wastes. It is designed to manage the acute and potentially dangerous effects of stopping drug use. There is a need for continued treatment because detox does not typically produce lasting changes necessary for recovery. It does not address the mental, social, and behavioral problems associated with addiction. Withdrawal symptoms during detox are often managed with medications in the form of medically-assisted treatment (MAT). Medications are available to assist in the withdrawal from opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, nicotine, and barbiturates.
- Residential Programs
Residential treatment is designed to provide care 24 hours a day. Generally, it takes place in non-hospital settings. Residential programs use the program’s entire community including other residents, staff, and the social context as active components of treatment. Treatment is highly structured and can be confrontational at times. Activities are designed to help residents to self-reflect and examine damaging beliefs, self-concepts, as well as destructive patterns of behavior. They are encouraged and helped to adopt new, more harmonious and constructive ways to interact with others and avoid drugs. Residential programs are usually recommended for individuals with special needs, homeless people, and co-occurring disorders. A residential program can be long-term or short-term. The usual length of long-term stay is between six and twelve months while short-term programs provide intensive but relatively brief treatment and last up to 3 months.
- Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs help to reduce the risk of relapse once a person leaves the residential setting. It costs less than residential or inpatient treatment and often is more suitable for people with jobs or extensive social supports. There are several outpatient models, such as intensive day treatment, that offer similar services and effectiveness as residential programs.
- Individual Psychotherapy
Also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the focus of therapy goes beyond just stopping drug abuse. It addresses related areas of an individual’s life that have been impaired —such as employment status, illegal activity, and family/social relations. It also helps the patient develop coping strategies and tools to abstain from drug use and maintain sobriety.
- Group Counseling
Group therapy leverages the social reinforcement offered by peer discussion to help promote drug-free lifestyles. Group therapy is often done along with individual therapy to achieve the best positive outcomes. Group therapy sessions are standardized and several meetings are accessible to within the individual’s local community.
Find a Drug Treatment Program in South NJ
The type of South NJ drug treatment program depends on the individual’s specific needs. The major advantage of committing to a drug treatment program is that addiction professionals will be able to apply a combination of approaches to help you beat drugs and stay sober. If you need help finding a rehab center in South NJ, we can help. Call our helpline now.