How Have Substance Abuse Treatments Changed in the Past Two Decades?

Substance abuse is an epidemic that is plaguing the entire nation. Each year, millions of adolescents and adults alike become addicted to drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications. With millions of individuals suffering from their addictions, finding the right treatment programs and resources for recovery is imperative.

Today, substance abuse treatments are much less limited and more widely available than in the past. Understanding how substance abuse treatments have changed in the past two decades can help with finding a substance abuse treatment program or facility that is right for you or someone you know.

How Substance Abuse Treatments Have Changed

In the past two decades, substance abuse treatments have drastically changed. Not only have substance abuse treatments become more widely available and accepted in the mainstream, but they have also become more helpful and resourceful.

In the past, substance abuse treatment options may have been limited to outpatient sponsor meetings in most areas that were not well-funded. Today, there are many more types of outpatient programs available in addition to intensive outpatient programs and inpatient treatment facilities.

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The Evolution of Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs are no longer limited to traditional sponsor meetings and meetings with groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. While those groups and meetings are still widely available and extremely beneficial, there are additional outpatient and intensive outpatient programs available today.

Outpatient Programs

Some of the most common types of outpatient programs that are available today include:

  • Sponsor Meetings: Sponsor meetings and meetings with groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are highly effective and beneficial
  • Individual Counseling: Meeting with a counselor who specializes in substance abuse can help with identifying root triggers and causes of your substance abuse disorder.
  • Group Therapy: Spend time with others who are currently struggling with substance abuse to gain perspective. Learn how to face your substance abuse triggers head-on by gaining strength in numbers.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs are comparable to both inpatient treatment centers as well as traditional outpatient programs. An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, offers features and services from inpatient facilities in an outpatient environment. Individuals enrolled in an intensive outpatient program are not required to relocate or quit their current job, but they will be provided with necessary features and services that are traditionally only offered with inpatient rehab programs. Some IOP services may include dual diagnosis, a case manager, medically-monitored detoxing, and therapy.

Learning about today’s substance abuse treatment programs is a way to find the necessary resources for yourself or to help friends and loved ones in your life who are in need of guidance. When you have a complete understanding of the various types of substance abuse treatments that are available today, find an inpatient treatment center and the aftercare outpatient resources that are truly right for you.

Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

Long-term substance abuse treatment is possible with an inpatient rehabilitation center. Inpatient substance abuse treatment centers house individuals who are seeking long-term recovery solutions for alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders.

With an inpatient rehab treatment facility, you will be required to live within the treatment center for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your chosen or designated program. Inpatient programs are optimal for those who are in need of medical care, counseling, and environmental support. Some of the added benefits of an inpatient rehab facility include:

  • Drug-Free Zone: Enjoy a drug-free and zero-tolerance atmosphere with an inpatient rehab facility. All inpatient rehab centers prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol. Keep temptation at bay in a zero-tolerance environment.
  • Routine: Living with routine is essential for a healthy and productive life. Learn how to live each day with a set structure and routine in place. Routine and structure help prevent boredom and giving into surrounding temptation, even after completing your inpatient program.
  • Aftercare Resources: Even after completing your inpatient program, aftercare resources are important. Aftercare resources include outpatient and intensive outpatient programs in your local area.

Do you want to learn more about substance abuse treatments that may be right for you or a loved one? Are you in need of guidance when it comes to selecting a substance abuse treatment? Our counselors are available 24 hours a day and are ready to hear from you. Call 800-411-8019 to learn more about the substance abuse treatments we have available near you and to discover how you can get started on your journey to sobriety today.