Navigating the Landscape of Addiction Treatment in Orange County

When we talk about "addiction treatment," many people might think of detox or staying in a rehab center. However, detox only deals with the physical symptoms of withdrawal, and residential programs are just one type of treatment for addiction.

Treating substance use disorder can happen in different places (either in a facility or at home) and with different levels of focus. The plan for treatment is usually created to help with physical, psychological, emotional, and social issues, along with addressing substance use. This can include using medications for opioid problems.

Before you decide on anything, take the time to understand what treatment really means, what it doesn't include, and the various choices you have.

Different Kinds of Treatment Programs

Outpatient:

Low to Medium Intensity

People attend these programs for about nine hours a week (a bit less for teens) at a special place while still living at home. Many of these programs have services in the evenings and on weekends, so individuals can go to school or work.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Medium to High Intensity

Clients go to these programs for 10-20 hours a week (a bit less for teens) at a special place while still living at home. Services are often available in the evenings and on weekends, making it possible for individuals to keep working or going to school. This option is better for people with medical or psychological issues who need more services or haven't succeeded in outpatient treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Medium to High Intensity

Individuals attend these programs for four to eight hours a day (20 or more hours a week) while still living at home. Families usually choose these programs when their child needs intense and structured treatment. Day treatment can be suitable for individuals with mental health issues, too.

Residential (Rehab)

Medium to High Intensity

These programs provide treatment in a place where individuals stay, and it can last from one month to a year. Residents go through different phases during the program, and there might be limits on contact with family in certain phases. Ask about the program's rules, procedures, and any extra services like education or job training.

Inpatient:

High Intensity

This treatment happens in special parts of hospitals or medical clinics that offer both detox and rehabilitation. It's typically used for people with serious medical conditions or mental disorders.

Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

For individuals who are physically dependent on certain substances, like alcohol, nicotine, or opioids, medications can be helpful when combined with counseling and other treatment services.

Different Kinds of Help

When someone is getting help for their problems, it's crucial that they get a variety of services to tackle the whole issue. If the place where your child is getting help doesn't offer a certain service, the staff should be able to help your family find it somewhere else.

• Talking to Someone Alone

Sometimes, a person might not want to talk about their personal problems in a group. That's when they can have one-on-one counseling to explore their issues privately.

• Talking in a Group

In group counseling, a small number of people get together, usually around six to ten, with one or two counselors. They talk about their struggles, experiences, and problems together.

• Learning Services

Teens who are still in school or those who dropped out can get help with classes that match their grade level or prepare them for a GED. This helps them keep up with their education.

• Job Help

Some people need assistance figuring out what kind of job they might be good at. Vocational services help with that. They also provide support in developing job skills, creating a resume, and learning other work-related skills.

• Everyday Skills

Life skills focus on teaching tools to handle the challenges of daily life. This helps teens and young adults deal with stress and build self-esteem, making it easier for them to recover.

• Mental Health Support

For individuals dealing with both substance use and mental illness, it's important to treat both together. Just addressing one won't solve the other. Treating them together in an integrated way is the best approach.

• Help for Families

In many cases, families play a big role in helping teens and young adults. They learn about addiction, set realistic goals for treatment, and improve communication and overall family functioning.

• Ongoing Support

After finishing a structured program, it's important to have a plan for continued care. This might be called aftercare or follow-up care. It ensures that the tools learned in treatment can be used successfully in real life.

How to Find the Right Treatment for You

When you're trying to find the best drug and alcohol rehab for yourself, it's crucial to ask the right questions. While fun activities and fancy amenities can make you more comfortable, they shouldn't be the only things you consider. Here are five important questions to help you figure out the right treatment program for you.

1. Does the rehab facility use treatments supported by scientific evidence?

Find out if the treatment program you're considering uses scientifically-backed treatments. According to NIDA, effective methods include behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Behavioral therapies may involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Incentives, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Group Therapy.

2. Does the rehab tailor treatment to the needs of each individual client?

Ensure that the treatment program offers personalized care based on your unique needs. Factors like age, cultural heritage, gender, severity of substance abuse, mental health history, and history of trauma can influence the most effective treatment approach for you.

3. How do 12-step or other aftercare recovery programs fit into the treatment plan?

Explore how aftercare recovery programs, such as 12-step programs, are integrated into the treatment plan. The support and encouragement from others in recovery play a crucial role in maintaining long-term sobriety. Being part of a recovery program helps individuals stay sober and build prosperous lives. Remember that addiction is not curable, so having a solid aftercare plan and ongoing involvement in a recovery program is essential for a lifetime of sobriety.