The number of deaths due to drug overdose more than doubled from what was documented in 1999 to those in 2013. In less than four years, more than twice as many people died as did in the initial year. Another scary statistic is that in 2012, drug overdose was the most common kind of injury death. In the US, there is a huge problem when it comes to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2011, it was estimated that up to 22 million Americans would greatly benefit from treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. Only 2.3 million of those people actually got treatment.
The good news is that treatment is available. Inpatient, as well as outpatient, centers can be found in almost every community. If you are seeking treatment, and want to make sure to succeed, you need only follow the three steps below.
Treat Your Addiction
Each addiction is a little different and should be treated differently. Some addictions, such as opioid addiction, respond very well to a combination behavioral and pharmacological treatment. Some medication used to assist cocaine addicts are beneficial to alcoholics, but may not benefit heroin addicts.
Look for someone who recognizes your addiction and knows how to treat it. Blanket statements about how all addiction is alike are wrong. Just as each person is different, even though we are all human, addictions may share similarities, but still differ from each other. A knowledgeable addiction counselor will see the differences and have ideas that will work for your addiction.
Address Your Mind, Body and Soul
Today’s top holistic recovery centers take the traditional treatments like onsite, on-demand medical care and detox, and group and individual therapy with holistic services to offer their clients the perfect blend of healing opportunities. Such services can include acupuncture, exercise, massage, nutritional and spiritual counseling, and even yoga, meditation and tai chi.
Your addiction isn’t simply physically based; your body is not the only part of you that needs have the addiction addressed. When you realize that your mind must also be treated, you will be on your way to succeeding. Your soul also needs attention. Seek out a center that will address the addiction that all parts of you face.
Build a Strong Support Network
Recovery means not putting yourself back in the familiar situations that made it easy to use your drug of choice. Sometimes that means you must disconnect from your peers and start fresh. To succeed at treatment, you need to look for individuals that will support you in your struggles, celebrate with you in times of success and above all understand your addiction.
Look for AA or NA groups; continue to meet with peers from your treatment facility. Add your treatment professionals to your support network and call on them when you need help. Recovery communities can offer assistance through connections to community support like housing assistance, education and employment. They can also provide important social activities in safe environments.