What Happens In A Drug Addiction Recovery Program?
People start using drugs for many reasons. Most people who do drugs don't intend to get addicted. If you've realized you have a drug problem, there is help available. Drug addiction recovery programs can help you stop abusing substances. Here are four things that will happen when you agree to attend drug addiction recovery treatment with an addiction counselor:
1. You will attend a previously determined number of counseling sessions
Some people attend therapy for general mental wellness. Therapeutic sessions of this nature can be continued indefinitely if both the patient and doctor agree to it. Addiction recovery counseling is more focused. During your first counseling session, you will talk to your counselor about the problems you've been experiencing. Based on the severity of your drug addiction, your counselor will devise a treatment plan. Many people attend weekly counseling sessions for approximately 12 weeks when dealing with addiction.
2. You will learn how to identify relapse triggers
Achieving sobriety is an amazing feat, and your addiction counselor can help you get there. However, your work is only just beginning once you become sober. As a recovered drug addict, you will need to stay sober and avoid relapsing. Your addiction counselor has lots of experience working with patients with addiction issues, which means they know the common triggers that cause people to relapse. In therapy, your counselor will help you identify your relapse triggers, the situations, and stressors that make you want to use drugs. Once those triggers are identified, you can devise coping mechanisms that will help you avoid using drugs in those situations.
3. You will receive appropriate mental health diagnoses, if applicable
Some people turn to drug use because they struggle with their mental health. If you've never seen a therapist before, you may have a mental illness and not even realize it. If you often feel sad, anxious, or angry, you may suffer from an underlying mental health condition. Your drug addiction counselor can diagnose you with depression, anxiety, or any other applicable mental disorder. Having a diagnosis can help you understand your drug addiction. Once you understand your problem, you can find ways to solve it that don't involve drug use.
4. You may be offered treatment for comorbid mental health issues
Counseling can help people manage their anxiety and depression. However, talk therapy may not be enough to resolve your issues on its own. Some people can benefit from the use of SSRIs, also known as antidepressants. SSRIs don't have the high potential for abuse that street drugs and opiates do. If your counselor believes you can benefit from psychiatric medication, they will refer you to someone who can write you a prescription.
For more information, reach out to a local drug addiction recovery program.