If you or a family member have a problem with drugs or alcohol it can be hard to accept that help is needed, at least initially. As time goes by and the problem worsens you may begin to consider a substance abuse treatment program. Good for you! This is an important and encouraging sign. Wanting to do something to free yourself of your addictive tendencies is a step in the right direction and a sure sign that you want to take control of your life. You should never feel embarrassed about having a problem and don’t feel bad if you didn’t recognize the warning signs early on, all that matters is that you are now committed to getting help. If you are wondering how to get substance abuse treatment for yourself, a relative or a child, read on.
Why Do People Become Addicted?
Children and teens feel intense pressure to try alcohol, tobacco, and drugs but adults also use these to socialize or escape from their problems. Our society is one in which experimentation is encouraged and we are constantly bombarded with messages that encourage the use of alcohol and prescription drugs. Try not to blame yourself or your child if you or they have a substance abuse problem. There is some evidence that the tendency to substance abuse is inherited.
Some options you may want to consider to combat substance abuse are listed below:
* Your local substance abuse or anti-drug coalition can refer you to a treatment provider. If you want to find one in you area, go to http://www.helpyourcommunity.org for a list of options.
* Your county probably has substance abuse treatment services linked to the health department and will be a good source of information about treatment centers in the area as well as free programs and services. Search the agencies under ‘alcohol and drug programs’ or ‘behavioral health’ or ‘mental health services’ to see what is available.
* A website like http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/faq.htm (Frequently Asked Questions page) will connect you with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
This site also includes a quick search to help you obtain details of substance abuse treatment programs in your area.
Assuming you find a program in your area that appeals to you or addresses the needs of your specific problem. You need to ask yourself a few questions before you sign up. (Remember the number of people in need of help far exceeds the availability in most cases, so there may not be room at your first choice).
1. How does the program meet the needs of adults or – in the case of a child or teen – people under age 18?
2. How does the Substance Abuse program assess problems?
3. If medication is required, is it offered as part of the treatment plan?
4. As the patient progresses, how does the program review/update its treatment plan?
5. Is the family included in the treatment experience and process and how?
6. What does the substance abuse treatment program do to help adults or children and teens stay in program?
7. What qualifications does the staff have? Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed, or trained professionals and what clinical supervision is given?
8. Are the premises clean, organized, and efficiently managed?
9. Does the substance abuse treatment program cater to all the needs of the patient (medical i.e. infectious diseases; psychological i.e. concurrent mental illness; social i.e. vocational and legal matters)?
10. Does the program allow scope to address sexual orientation and physical disabilities and provide age, gender, and a culturally relevant substance abuse treatment program?
11. Does it provide for counseling (individual or group) and other behavioral therapies with a view to improving the child’s or adult’s level of functioning in the community or family context? Are single-sex groups, as well as co-ed groups, offered? Are counselors of both genders?
12. Is follow-up care provided after the substance abuse treatment program is completed by the patient? What strategies does the program employ to involve and keep the adult or child in longer-term treatments that increase the likelihood of success?
13. Is there evidence to show that the program works?
14. What does enrolling in the substance abuse treatment program cost and what types of insurance coverage are granted? Are there any “scholarships” or sliding-scale fees granted to patients?
If you decide that your questions have been answered satisfactorily, take immediate steps to fight your addiction by:
* Contacting the facilitators of the treatment program.
* Enquiring about criteria for enrolment.
* Enrolling yourself in a substance abuse treatment program.
* You may also decide to visit a private facility if your budget allows. Either way, it is important to act now, before the addiction changes your mind for you.
Substance abuse is an illness like any other and like all medical problems the key to successful treatment is early intervention and treatment. The sooner you or your family gets help and guidance the sooner the damage from drug and alcohol addiction is minimized. In this way you will have the best chance of having a drug-free lifestyle that is healthy and productive. It is important to be aware and pro-active towards a substance abuse treatment program as this gives you the right attitude. A good attitude is an important foundation for success. Don’t be afraid or doubtful, get substance abuse treatment now and change your life for the better.