Substance abuse treatment can be scary. No matter your addiction history, mental health history, and medical health, recovery is a process of change. It’s never too late to seek the recovery services you need, and live a life free of substance abuse.
If you’ve never attended treatment facilities, you may be wondering what addiction recovery really looks like. You may think that people define recovery as being fully sober. However, true addiction recovery is a process that doesn’t happen overnight.
Facts About Drug Addiction
You may often feel like you’re alone in your addiction. However, there are millions of Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction each day and it is important to seek help from the many resources available. Here are some facts about substance abuse that you may not know.
Substance Use Disorder Statistics
–Around 22 million people in America are currently addicted to at least one substance.
–In 2020, drug overdoses have tripled since the year 1990.
–Addiction treatment and overdoses cost the economy around $600 billion every year.
–Roughly 90% of addicts used drugs or alcohol for the first time before the age of 18.
–Addiction is most common in young adults aged 18 to 25.
–Addiction professionals estimate only 10 percent of active users receive addiction treatment.
–The Mental Health Services Administration estimates that over 20% of those with mental illness also struggle with substance abuse.
With millions actively using and millions in long-term recovery, you are not alone in your struggle.
How Addiction Affects Your Physical and Mental Health
The addictive behaviors of substance abuse affect not only your mental health but also your physical health.
Mental Health Effects
- Using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to exacerbation of mental illness symptoms.
- Excessive substance use can lead to permanent eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
- Witnessing friends and others overdosing can lead to trauma that develops into PTSD.
- Lack of relationships due to drug use can further develop symptoms of anxiety and major depression.
Physical Health Effects
- Over time, excessive drug and alcohol use can contribute to a lowered immune system. This means that you are susceptible to severe illness.
- Heart conditions are common due to collapsed veins and restricted blood vessels. These can lead to heart rate abnormalities and even heart attacks.
- GI changes also occur due to drug abuse and alcohol abuse, leading to risks of permanent nutritional deficiencies, GI cancers, and other GI disorders.
- Alcohol abuse can lead to strain on the liver, which could cause irreparable liver damage or liver failure.
- In severe cases of drug use or overdose, you can run the risk of having seizures, strokes, and permanent brain damage and memory loss.
Types of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Options
When you first enter a treatment facility, you will begin by completing the intake process. Here you will discuss your substance abuse history with the team, and develop a care and recovery process plan. Here are some common options for treatment that may be available to you.
Inpatient Treatment
Once arriving, you will likely need to detox first and have monitored. In inpatient treatment, you will be given the option to detox in a safe environment before you continue through the treatment process.
Inpatient treatment facilities allow the patient to live there while they attend intensive therapy both individually and in groups. You may also be offered the option to do various therapeutic activities.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
This is a unique option for those who may have additional disorders along with substance use disorders. Commonly, these include eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
In dual diagnosis treatment, you will be able to attend behavioral therapy sessions that will work to address both concerns.
Outpatient Treatment
If you have a strong support network at home, you may be able to complete outpatient addiction treatment. This allows people to live life at home while they receive the full recovery potential.
You will likely have a set schedule of days to attend programming at the facility. Usually, it is for multiple hours per day, multiple days per week for a set period of time. These programs will include individual therapy, support groups, and other addiction support and wellness resources.
After Treatment
You may be wondering what will happen after you leave a treatment center. Since recovery is a lifelong journey, you will still be working on it even after you leave.
Usually, as you plan to discharge from your treatment facility, you will meet with a discharge planner. Here, you will get to discuss your aftercare plan. An aftercare plan will vary depending on your specific substance use disorder but will allow you to have continued resources even after you leave.
Usually, these resources will include support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, referrals for family and individual therapy, and possibly resources for employment and financial planning.
As a treatment center alumni, you will still be able to contribute to the therapeutic work at your former treatment center, either by attending events or speaking to current addicts.
Recover With Enlight Treatment Center
Recovery means returning to a better life and a normal state. Getting treatment can be scary, but you deserve to live life sober and with self-esteem and healthy relationships.
At Enlight Treatment Center, we work with you to find the best path to recovery. We want our patients to achieve long-term sobriety and live self-directed lives on their own terms.
Our treatment team can answer any questions you may have, verify insurance benefits, and provide you any additional resources you may need. Contact us today to begin your better future!
