The first step in drug abuse treatment or drug addiction treatment is the recognition by the individual that they have a substance abuse problem. The second would be an addiction professional providing the individual with a comprehensive addiction and mental health evaluation. The mental health evaluation is particularly important because if the individual has an untreated dual diagnosis or dual disorder, drug addiction treatment will not be very effective. Both the mental health issue and substance abuse problem must be treated concurrently to avoid relapse.
Drug abuse may or may not require the individual to access inpatient substance abuse treatment. This determination is made based on a number of factors ranging from the severity of their substance abuse problem to the quality of their support system. Many individuals in the early stages of substance abuse or drug abuse may do quite well in outpatient substance abuse treatment program. This is a decision that must be made by a trained professional as outpatient substance abuse treatment is not for everyone. Generally speaking, if a person has a dual diagnosis, they are usually a candidate for a residential drug addiction treatment program or dual diagnosis treatment center.
The individual in the midst of drug addiction is almost always headed for inpatient or residential substance abuse treatment. Drug addiction treatment and a residential substance abuse treatment program as mentioned in this article are exactly the same.
A residential drug addiction treatment program or dual diagnosis treatment center should be; licensed by the state it is located in, have their own drug detox program, provide quality care by licensed individuals and have individualized treatment plans to direct group therapy, individual therapy, experiential and cognitive therapy and family therapy. If the person has a dual diagnosis, medication management and relapse prevention become critical elements of the substance abuse treatment program.
For HELP locating effective substance abuse treatment for drug abuse or drug addiction CALL 1-800-231-2950 NOW! The call is toll free and confidential.
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