There are stages and symptoms of addiction that you can look for if you fear someone you love has a substance abuse problem.  The stages start with use.  Not everybody who uses drugs or alcohol has an addiction problem, but you may suspect something is wrong if you notice somebody slide into the second stage of misuse.  At this point, one may want to start considering the possibility that the person they love is headed for danger.  By the last stage, abuse and dependency, it is time to consider getting your loved one into recovery.  You know they’ve reached dependency if you notice they have an inability to stop using drugs or alcohol regardless of the negative impact it has on their life.  It is at this point that intervention may be required.

 

Intervention 

Despite what you may have heard, it is not necessary, or wise to wait for the addict to “hit bottom.”  The idea behind intervention is to confront the addict with the reality of what their situation has become.  Often times, family and friends are involved.  By bringing in the people most impacted by the addict’s behavior, it truly hits home the damage that has been done to both the addict and the people around them.

 

If the addict is convinced to seek treatment, it is vital to get them to go immediately.  For this reason, experts advise that a treatment center is chosen before the intervention takes place.  This way the addict can be taken straight from the intervention to the treatment facility before they change their mind.  This is the point where the real recovery begins.

 

Treatment/Recovery 

There are many approaches to treatment and recovery, the best one is a matter pf preference.  What works for some may not work for others.  Some of these different options include:

·        Out-patient treatment

·        Residential treatment

·        12-step programs

·        Alternative treatment methods

 

The type of treatment that is sought may also depend on how severe of an addiction the person has, and the amount of money they have to spend on their treatment.

 

Out-Patient Treatment 

There are two options when seeking out-patient treatment:

1.      Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs-in this model the addict will attend treatment four to five evenings a week for two to three hours

2.      Partial Hospitalization and Day Treatment-in this model the addict spends all day, every day, in treatment and then returns home overnight

 

Residential Treatment 

This option is a much more intense program.  It deals with treatment on several levels:

·        Withdrawal/Detoxification

·        Aftercare

In aftercare, the addict is still seen by the personnel after they complete the residential portion of their treatment.  This helps to ensure a smoother integration into society.  It also helps the addict deal with all the temptations they will face once they live the cocoon of the facility.

 

12-Step Program 

This was the model that started them all.  It was developed 65 years ago by a group of alcoholics.  It worked so well that it was adapted in the treatment of other addictions.  The basic principle in a 12-step program is redefining one’s values and principles and relying on other recovering addicts for help and support.  In yet another type of treatment, a more spiritual and emotional approach is taken.

 

Alternative Treatment Methods 

Alternative methods include a holistic approach to recovery, however; they work best when accompanied with one of the mainstream treatments.  Alternative treatment methods are helpful in dealing with reducing stress and improving mental and physical health.  Some holistic approaches that work well are:

·        Acupuncture

·        Aromatherapy

·        Bioelectricity

·        Biofeedback

·        Creative Arts Therapy

Those are just a few of the alternative methods that are having success.

 

Whatever method of recovery you feel will help you or the one you love isn’t as important as the fact that you go.  There is no need to feel shame, and just because one of these methods hasn’t worked for you in the past doesn’t mean you can’t get clean, it just means you may need to try a different method.