Trends in Substance Abuse Treatment and Services

Substance abuse is the first step toward becoming addicted. When people are abusing substances, they're using them to feel a different way in order to deal with emotions and feelings or to simply fit in. The issue is that mind-altering substances like drugs and alcohol eventually make people become dependent on them. At a certain point, individuals no longer have the power of choice. Even when they don't want to use, they have a compulsion to drink or use more. They lose control of their drinking or using, and their life becomes unmanageable.

Why do People Abuse Substances?

The most common reason people turn to substance abuse is to deal with certain feelings or emotions. Many people who abuse substances have an underlying mental illness like anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD or another mood disorder. They may have never had this issue diagnosed, so they self-medicate with some sort of substance. When they drink or use, they begin to feel normal, and this is how the dependency happens. When individuals are turning to drugs or alcohol every time they feel a certain way, the brain relates the feeling with a specific action. This is why so many addicts are on autopilot, and the only way they know how to do to deal with how they feel is to turn to some type of substances. There is hope to recover from this situation, and it can be done through substance abuse treatment.

The Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment

According to statistics conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 90% of people looking to recover from drug or alcohol addiction go to outpatient treatment rather than inpatient. This is can be attributed to several reasons. One is that addicts have a difficult enough time realizing that they need treatment, and outpatient seems like an easier option because patients don't have to move out of state or out of their home. The other reason can be attributed to an addict's financial or insurance situation because residential treatment can be quite expensive. No matter which type of treatment facility individuals go through, detox will help clear their minds well enough for them to begin substance abuse treatment. The substance abuse treatment program may seem difficult at first, but it's because people are still heavily craving drugs or alcohol. Over time, while people learn about addiction, they'll also learn how to recognize and overcome their triggers. Through individual and group therapy, individuals will have a strong foundation of recovery for when they're ready to discharge. Freedom From Addiction can help you find the treatment center that's right for you. Give us a call so we can assist you with taking this crucial step in your life.