Millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds suffer from drug and alcohol addictions. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources out to help those who are struggling to throw off the chains of their addictions, so there is no reason for any addict to go struggle alone. Many treatment options exist in, and around, Central Texas. Read on to find an introduction to Substance Abuse treatment (rehab) options in Austin (Texas), along with a few tips that can help clients choose the right treatment programs to meet their unique needs.
Inpatient Programs
This form of intensive treatment allows physicians, therapists, counselors, and mentors to work together with their clients in a comfortable, residential setting to come up with detailed treatment and support plans to facilitate successful recoveries. Research performed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse has shown that addiction is a chronic illness, which is why long-term treatment is essential. Inpatient rehab is especially helpful for those suffering from co-occurring addiction and mental illness. For many, the high level of care of an inpatient program marks the beginning of a long-term treatment plan. Upon completion of the inpatient program, the client will graduate to a less intensive form of treatment.
Extended Care Programs aka. Supervised Structured Living
The battle against addiction doesn’t end when clients leave an inpatient program. Supervised, structured living programs are valuable resources for those who need added structure, beyond that of traditional sober living houses. These residential care programs help participants maintain sobriety with the support of dedicated counselors, therapists, and recovery managers. Some patients choose extended care as an alternative to inpatient treatment, while others transition from inpatient care into an extended care program on their way to sober living houses.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Clients who have safe housing and effective support systems sometimes find that an intensive outpatient program allows them more independence than inpatient alternatives. These programs typically include evening group sessions, weekly individual sessions and twelve-step meetings, vocational and educational support, advanced therapeutic process groups, and random toxicology testing. These intensive programs offer on-going support throughout the recovery process without requiring clients to give up their independence, which can be a perfect solution for those who need to continue everyday activities like school, work, and raising children.
Supportive Outpatient Programs (SOP)
Supportive outpatient programs are often used as step-down programs for those who have already completed more intensive outpatient treatment; however, clients who receive ongoing support from family, friends, case managers, therapy groups, and sober living facilities sometimes find that supportive outpatient therapy is sufficient to meet their needs. It offers many of the same treatment modalities as its more intensive alternative, but on a less strict time frame.
Sober living
Ongoing support and treatment are essential to maintaining a state of sobriety, which is why sober living houses have become such a popular option for those who have already completed a primary treatment program. These residential programs offer clients the opportunity to transition back into normal lifestyles while keeping distractions at a minimum to ensure that residents are able to focus on staying sober and reinforcing the lessons they have learned in treatment. Sober living houses offer clients who are serious about long-term sobriety the opportunity to network with others who are in recovery in an independent setting, helping them to create personal support networks and learn valuable skills that will help them transition back to a normal life.
Relapse prevention
The ultimate goal of all inpatient and outpatient treatment programs is to allow clients to return to their normal lives drug-free. However, the stresses associated with making this transition can, without adequate ongoing support, pose a risk of relapse. Relapse prevention programs allow clients to work directly with advocates who can help them develop healthier patterns of behavior that can help them break the cycle of addiction.
Creating a personal treatment plan
Research has shown that long term sobriety rates are greatly improved with longer term care. It is not uncommon for those seeking addiction treatment to participate in several of the sobriety support programs listed above. They will begin in a highly structured and supervised environment then move into less structure as they progress from detox to being comfortable in their sobriety. Individuals will begin rehab in a highly structured inpatient or outpatient program and step down over time into programs such as extended care, sober living or SOP, and eventually relapse prevention as their ability to function independently grows. Those experiencing a relapse may find the best fit is to start with an extended care program or intensive outpatient rehab. In other words, the best rehab program is one that fits the specific needs of the addiction sufferer.
Recovery support in Austin
Fortunately the Austin, Texas area is rich is resources for those working towards lifetime sobriety. In addition to a variety of addiction treatment programs, there are many groups that support those who have left more intensive treatment and who seek to surround themselves with other people working towards similar goals. There are many options for 12-step meetings, free family support groups, sober living for University of Texas students, sober social clubs, and much more. Reintegrating into society and living a happy sober life here is possible. Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers the entire continuum of care, offering all of these programs under the same medical and therapeutic team to ensure the highest level of continuity of care. Our admissions counselors can help personalize a treatment plan for you.