Stages of The Addiction Treatment Process

Posted by Ella Wilson on April 11th, 2018

Deciding to begin the battle against addiction to drugs or alcohol can be a frightening decision, especially if you don’t know what to expect from the treatment process. By outlining the various stages of addiction treatment, it is possible to eliminate some of the uncertainty related to recovery and therefore shed some light on programs that, to many, seem shrouded in mystery. Knowing what to expect from a drug rehab facility in Arizona can improve the admissions process and program adherence, and further understanding can be guided by some simple research.

Choosing The Right Program

The first step to beginning a treatment program that will be personally successful is to determine the right drug rehab facility for you. Many drug rehab programs exist in Arizona, all of which cater to different populations or provide emphasis on particular aspects of recovery. For example, some treatment centers are for women only, while others approach drug and alcohol rehabilitation from a religious viewpoint. By picking a program that resonates with your beliefs and goals, you are already taking the first step towards success.

Program Establishment And Initial Assessment

Before the beginning of actual addiction treatment, time is dedicated to an individual's initial establishment into the program. Facility experts will assess the patient's needs, medical history, and details of their addiction to determine an appropriate plan of action for treatment.

Detoxification

The first part of addiction treatment is often the period of time feared the most—detoxification. The detoxification process can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous, so it is crucial to complete the necessary steps under medical supervision for the safest outcomes. This process will also vary depending on the substance of abuse.

Initial Recovery

After detoxification, the treatment process itself can vary widely depending on a person's particular needs and relationship to their addiction. A number of components come together to create an individual recovery program. Some measures taken to achieve the first milestones in freedom from addiction include:

• Family counseling, which can result in greater long-term accountability while fostering supportive relationships during addiction treatment
  
  
• Individual therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other methods designed to identify the cause of behaviors and then change these behaviors
  
  
• Group counseling, a tool to assist individuals in learning from their peers and engaging in meaningful relationships during their recovery process
  
  
• Skills training, adult education classes, or career development training
  
  
• Aftercare planning, where individuals can prepare for the future and develop a steadfast plan for their life post-discharge

Long-Term Maintenance

Unfortunately, addiction is not an issue that can be cured. Lifetime maintenance of addiction urges and continued therapy and support are necessary to increase the likelihood of long-term adherence to addiction recovery strategies and continued success. Many people struggling with addiction remain in support groups throughout their life so that they can be held accountable to continue applying the principles they learned during their initial rehabilitation program.

While the stages of recovery may look different for everyone, depending on their individual relationship with addiction, their co-existing medical conditions, and their personal goals, the basic stages of drug addiction treatment remain the same.