Interventions for Alcoholism & Drugs

Around 22 million Americans are struggling with some form of addiction. Whether it’s alcoholism or drug abuse, the effect is usually the same.

These individuals will have a tough time managing their responsibilities and may not be in full control of their actions while under the influence. Because of that, their quality of life will take a major hit.

While chemical dependence can be dangerous, you can overcome addiction with the proper treatment. Luckily, there are countless options when it comes to interventions for alcoholism and drugs.

Many treatment programs can help people struggling with addiction kick a substance abuse habit. So, if you’d like to learn more about these treatment options, we can help at Allure Detox. Our facilities are equipped for various types of addiction and offer customizable programs that can address your individual needs.

Addiction Treatment Overview

According to the Addiction Center, over 21 million people in the US have at least one addiction. Of those, only around 10% get the help they need. 

This is exceptionally low considering that substance abuse issues can have fatal consequences. That’s most likely because of the social stigma surrounding addiction.

When a person admits they have a chemical dependency, they may face judgment, leading to overwhelming guilt and shame. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting help.

Seeking treatment is a brave act that’s essential to getting better.

Overcoming addiction can be a challenging and tedious process. This is especially true when a person struggling with substance abuse chooses to get clean on their own.

They’ll find it difficult to manage withdrawal symptoms along with drug cravings. That’s why they need a proper medical treatment plan.

These are programs designed to guide people on the road to recovery.

You should keep in mind that addiction treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Doctors will work with the person suffering from a substance abuse disorder to create a plan that addresses their needs and comfort. 

Types of Addiction

Since alcohol is readily available, alcoholism is the most common type of addiction. However, it’s far from the only one. There are several other addictive substances on the market, such as:

• Opiates
• Stimulants
• Marijuana

While these drugs all have different effects, the treatment plan is similar, no matter the type of addiction.

Symptoms of Addiction

The symptoms of addiction can vary based on the user’s drug of choice. With alcoholism, the side effects may include:

• Lowered inhibitions
• Mental fog
• Impaired memory
• Slurred speech
• Chronic headaches

As for illegal drug abuse, the symptoms are:

• Tremors or shakes
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations
• Extreme mood swings
• Insomnia

Depending on the severity of the addiction, a user may experience some or all of these symptoms.

Alcohol and Drugs Addiction Treatment Options

At Allure Detox, we offer several programs that can help you kick a substance abuse habit, no matter what addiction you’re dealing with. Here’s a look at some of our most notable treatment options:

1. Detoxification

From the outside, it may seem like overcoming addiction is simple; you just stop taking the drug. However, that’s rarely a good idea.

Quitting an addictive substance cold turkey can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that’ll be impossible to manage. So, we recommend you gradually reduce the dosage over an extended period.

Figuring out how to lower your intake while managing signs of withdrawal can be tricky. That’s why you need a detoxification program. This treatment plan takes all the guesswork out of eliminating drugs from your system.

That way, all you have to do is focus on getting better.

2. Residential Programs

Overcoming addiction is usually an uphill battle. Even after a successful detox process, the person struggling with the substance abuse disorder isn’t in the clear.

They need to come up with new coping mechanisms to curb drug cravings and avoid triggers. This can be a tall order if the person dealing with addiction doesn’t change their environment.

They should remove themselves from situations where drugs and alcohol are easily accessible. A simple way to do that is to enroll in a residential program.

This treatment plan offers people a change of scenery that’s crucial for their recovery. Patients will stay at a rehab facility, surrounded by doctors and a team of medical professionals.

3. Military Programs

While serving in the army is a great honor, spending an extended period in combat can wreak havoc on your mental and physical well-being. This can cause several health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to addiction.

In this case, soldiers need specialized substance abuse treatment that addresses any underlying conditions they may face. Thankfully, they can enroll in a military program, where they can get the help they need.

Depending on the severity of the mental health problems, this treatment plan can take anywhere from a month to a year to complete.

4. 12-Step Programs

12-step programs are arguably the most accessible form of addiction treatment on this list. Many of us have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.

These are large gatherings of people who struggle with addiction. There, they can meet other former addicts and learn from their mistakes.

This will make the road to recovery much more straightforward. Plus, with this program, you can track your progress based on which step you’re on.

Here’s a quick look at what this treatment plan will include:

• Step 1: Admit you have a problem and your addiction is out of control.
• Step 2: Submit to a higher power.
• Step 3: Decide to turn your life around.
• Step 4: Examine your past errors.
• Step 5: Admit to the exact nature of your wrongdoings.
• Step 6: Figure out your negative habits.
• Step 7: Accept help to correct any destructive patterns.
• Step 8: Make a list of all the people you’ve harmed and how you’ve affected their lives.
• Step 9: Make direct amends to people and ask for their forgiveness.
• Step 10: Continue to take personal inventory of your actions.
• Step 11: Improve your connection with people around you.
• Step 12: Practice all of these steps in your daily life.

Finally, 12-step programs are also a great place to meet a sponsor. This is a former addict with several years of experience with sobriety.

They will help you identify and address issues on the road to recovery and can be an excellent shoulder to cry on.

5. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many people use illegal drugs and alcohol to self-medicate mental health issues, like depression. Unfortunately, these substances can’t cure psychological problems; they only mask the symptoms.

On top of that, addiction can change your brain chemistry and lead to conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When that happens, treating the substance abuse disorder becomes a delicate balancing act.

You need to eliminate the addiction while treating the mental health issues. We call this dual diagnosis treatment.

During this program, people who suffer from addiction will go through extensive therapy to uncover and manage any underlying mental health issues they may have.

6. Medication-Assisted Treatment

Sometimes, the symptoms of withdrawal can be overwhelming. The person suffering from addiction may have a hard time focusing on simple tasks, like taking a shower or eating.

This can result in many health issues, such as malnutrition, which will complicate the road to recovery. To ensure the detoxification period is manageable, you can enroll in medication-assisted treatment.

In this plan, doctors can prescribe certain medications to treat nausea, aches, and excessive drug cravings. Plus, they can even give you a vitamin supplement to help you get back on your feet faster.

7. Acupuncture

Medication isn’t the only way to reduce the effects of withdrawal. If you prefer natural treatment, you can opt for acupuncture as a way to manage detox symptoms.

The traditional medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into various stress points around the body. This can stimulate the flow of energy in your system and restore its inner balance.

On top of that, acupuncture can alleviate stress and reduce drug cravings.

8. Holistic Therapy

Addiction treatment isn’t just about treating your physical and mental symptoms. Once the side effects of detox wear off, you have to deal with cravings and triggers in the real world.

So, you need to strengthen the connection between your body, mind, and soul. Through holistic therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of your addiction and how your brain works.

Not only will this help you stay on the wagon, but it should also reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and improve emotional well-being.

9. Teletherapy

Talking to a complete stranger about your addiction can allow you to take a step back and examine your life decisions. However, not everyone has the time to drive to a therapist’s office every week.

A simple workaround for this issue is our teletherapy program. With this plan, you can schedule online meetings with qualified therapists who can guide you on the road to recovery.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for interventions for alcoholism and drugs, we can help at Allure Detox. We offer several programs that can facilitate the road to recovery, regardless of the type of addiction.

Some of the most notable options include detoxification, residential treatment, 12-step programs, and dual diagnosis treatment. Besides that, if you want a more natural approach to sobriety, you can opt for acupuncture or holistic therapy.