The illicit drug market nets $700 billion annually and costs the US alone millions and millions of dollars just to treat. As bad as those numbers may seem, it’s hard to grasp the severity of the problem in its entirety — until you or a loved one fall victim to the addiction.
Some addictions can be handled at home, either by way of cold-turkey or a tapering program laid out by a doctor. Other times, the cravings are just too powerful, and inpatient treatment is necessary.
What You Need To Know
There are a variety of treatment programs out there. Determining the best one for your needs depends on you as the individual and your financial situation. The big ones to consider are:
- Counseling (individual, group or family)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization
- Residential treatment
- Sober living
Don’t Panic
Above all, stay calm and collected. Having an addicted loved one is a tender situation, and you’re bound to take a misstep if you rush this process. Make a conscious choice to be thorough and to think positively.
Communicate
It’s in everyone’s best interest that everyone in the family unit works extra hard to be open and honest with each other, even the people who act that way normally. Many people struggle with this, for numerous reasons, which is a good reason to try out family counseling sessions.
Consider Logistics
How much does your insurance cover? How much can you allocate for program expenses? Don’t ignore the finances. Don’t be swayed by them, either. Treatment is always affordable somehow. The most expensive option isn’t always the best option for your friend or family member, so don’t feel like you’re buckled down to “Can I afford anything good?”
Rehabilitation
At minimum, addicts generally require 3 months to jumpstart a lifetime of continued sobriety Some need longer; others, less. The aftercare should be worked out months before the recovering person completes their inpatient treatment. 12 step meetings, therapy sessions, family meetings are some services to consider. Most rehab facilities can direct you to these services or even provide them. All you have to do is ask.
Rehab should help addicts heal within a reasonable time frame, and without taking on too much debt. To hear about some options at Sustain, browse our website or give us a call at 949-637-5499.
