Category: Addiction Treatment

Most people think therapy and medication are the only ways to treat depression, along with simply waiting until things start to look up. Though rehab is frequently associated with drug and alcohol abuse, rehab for depression is also available. Plus, if you are already struggling with substance abuse, getting treatment for your depression will intertwine with your treatment plan.

To learn more about rehab for depression and when you should seek it out, keep reading!

What Is Depression?

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States. This mental health disorder has various forms, including postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and substance-induced depression. Treating depression is different for everyone because everyone experiences it in their own unique way.

Some common symptoms of depression are:

• • Persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Irritability and frustration
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Unplanned weight changes
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Lack of energy and increased feelings of fatigue
  • Thoughts of suicide

Seeking help in a mental health crisis can be very intimidating because there can be a lot of guilt surrounding the disease. It can feel like you are being dramatic about your issues or that they aren’t as serious as you feel they are, but we are here to tell you that’s not true. Depression is a silent killer that can completely disrupt your life.

What Is Rehab for Depression?

Rehab for depression is the next step after trying individual therapy and group therapy, support groups, and medication as treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended for those dealing with mental health conditions like depression.

Rehab offers a more in-depth and monitored treatment for mental health issues like major depression. Many rehabilitation centers for depression will offer inpatient treatment programs where you can stay in the center and receive 24/7 care for even the most persistent types of depression.

Many rehabs that treat depression also treat co-occurring disorders, which include substance abuse with depression. Because these two so often go hand-in-hand, simultaneously treating them is essential to see improvements from effective treatment.

When Should You Go to Rehab for Depression?

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, you should consider entering a rehab center. Getting help from an experienced treatment team can be the thing that changes the trajectory of your life and gets you back to feeling like yourself.

A few signs might help shed light on the fact that you need to seek help.

1. Self-Medicating Frequently

People who struggle with depression often find that medication, therapy sessions, or support groups simply don’t cut it. Many people will turn to self-medication if these methods don’t seem to offer results. Coping by using substances can seem to alleviate symptoms of depression, but they only make them harder to overcome.

When you are depressed, you lack dopamine and serotonin in your brain, making it more difficult to feel any feelings of happiness. Some drugs and alcohol can trick your brain into feeling a rush of happiness.

This itself can become addicting, leading to the overusing of substances. In addition, many young adults and older adults self-medicate by developing eating disorders to gain more control over their lives.

If you’re self-medicating through unhealthy coping methods, an evaluation from a mental health professional can help. In many cases, professional intervention is necessary to help you break free from the spiral of addiction and move toward stability.

2. You’re Struggling in Your Relationships

Personality changes are very common when you struggle with depression. As a result, many stressors can add to your personal relationships as you suffer from the disease, decreasing your overall wellness. You may lose interest in hobbies you once shared with friends, and not be able to maintain romantic relationships, both old or new, which can result in frustration from your friends and family members.

Many people begin to feel isolated or lonely, despite whoever is around them during this time. In turn, they push people away and can damage bonds with people that care about them. Treatment is a way to show your loved ones that you are trying to get better, and sometimes being away from them can alleviate the guilt you feel for neglecting those relationships.

3. Having a Hard Time at Work or School

Whether you love or hate your job or school, depression only makes things harder. You might find that you are missing deadlines, not following up with emails, or forgetting tasks you must complete.

It might become apparent if you aren’t performing as well as you used to or can’t keep up with your peers. This could deter your life’s trajectory because you can miss great opportunities.

People who suffer from depression can still maintain jobs, but the quality of work they put in or the effort they can give will show. If you or a loved one has lost their job or is falling behind in school work, rehab for depression might pull them out of the darkness.

4. Feeling Like a Failure in Everyday Activities

When you suffer from depression, taking care of yourself and everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. If you have noticed that you cannot keep up with hygiene or chores, treatment might be a good option for you.

By leaving your normal environment and getting involved in a new daily routine at a depression treatment center, you might begin to feel like yourself again. Sometimes being in one spot with so much negative energy can make it difficult to get better. Leaving that space and starting fresh might be just what you need.

5. Thoughts of Suicide

Depression is a serious mental illness. If you or a loved one are beginning to feel suicidal or like you want to harm yourself, please seek immediate help. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to talk with them about what you are feeling.

Reaching out to someone you trust and asking for help is never the wrong answer, even though it might be scary. People love you and want to see you getting better, so don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not a burden.

Getting Help With Soba

People who struggle with both depression and substance use disorder might find Soba Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, a great place to start. We develop a personalized treatment plan that focuses on both aspects of your mental health. We understand that you can’t treat one disorder without treating the other.

From inpatient to outpatient services, we have treatment options that will be right for you. You don’t have to wait a minute longer before seeking help for your depression. You can reach out to a Soba representative to talk more about how we might be able to help you on your path to recovery.

Sources:

Depression | NIMH

Self‐medication With Alcohol Or Drugs For Mood And Anxiety Disorders: A Narrative Review Of The Epidemiological Literature | NCBI

Depression and Everyday Social Activity, Belonging, and Well-Being | NCBI

Entering into rehab for alcohol addiction can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It may not be a quick recovery that you go through, which means that losing motivation and momentum is very possible. Turning your life around from abusing alcohol takes a lot of effort, and recovery can be an isolating process.

Overcoming alcohol dependence may be difficult, but it is completely worth the struggle. Life after alcohol addiction is possible; you just have to put in the work and stay committed to your goals.

Getting help at a treatment facility, surrounding yourself with support, and setting reasonable standards for yourself can propel you into a successful recovery.

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapse disorder that makes it difficult for someone to function while staying sober. It is often referred to as both Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and alcoholism, and it can impact anyone.

People may experience alcohol addiction at different levels, with some having more severe addictions than others. At any level, suffering from alcohol addiction is no way to live, and getting treatment is necessary to live your best life.

Those that suffer from AUD aren’t consciously deciding to. Rather, their brains have adjusted to the amounts of alcohol being put into the body and therefore learn to need it in their systems to survive.

It Impacts People Differently

Anyone can suffer from alcohol addiction. Different factors contribute to someone’s path into addiction, like genetics, family history, societal pressure, and various environmental factors.

Sometimes it can be difficult for a person to see that they have issues with alcohol because not all of the tell-tale signs are there. Some people can retain a job or relationship while struggling with alcoholism, and others may not be able to maintain any form of stability.

For many, other people begin to pick up on the changes in their behavior and notice an issue before they can for themselves. There can be a lot of resentment toward treatment at first, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.

How Do I Recover from Addiction?

Overcoming addiction is going to look different for everyone who struggles with it. There is no one right way to overcome your addiction to alcohol. To see success, you have to be prepared to follow a very individual and specialized treatment plan.

You may be able to get advice from others who have gone through the process and are in active recovery, but how you find success for yourself is dependent on your own specific needs. That’s all to say that there is no one process that will help everyone overcome addiction; what works for you might not work for others.

However, you can go through a few steps to put you on the right path and help figure out your needs.

1. Confide in Someone You Trust

You may have heard it said that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. While noticing signs of an alcohol problem, like excessive drinking habits, alcohol cravings, diminished brain function, and co-relating health conditions, is a great first step, confiding your drinking problem to others is truly the beginning of recovery.

Figuring out your support system early on can be instrumental in your recovery process. Recovery can be isolating, but having people behind you showing support is very encouraging. Whether it’s your family members, your closest friends, a neighbor from across the street, or someone you work with, finding someone you trust to talk about your struggles is helpful in the recovery process.

For those that don’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone, there is a major benefit of entering into sober spaces or Alcoholics Anonymoussupport group meetings geared towards addiction. Here, you are both anonymous and understood. Building community in sober spaces can help you to open up and confide in those around you for support.

Going through alcohol-related addiction and drug abuse alone is heartbreaking, but it can be more difficult to uphold your goals without support in recovery.

Along the same lines, consulting your primary healthcare provider for medical advice is an important step. Even short-termalcohol misuse or an evening of binge drinking can lead to negative health effects and risk factors for other health conditions.

If you don’t feel like you have a trusted support group, you can always call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s helpline. While not a trusted family member, a SAMHSA representative can listen to your confession and guide you toward treatment providers and smart recovery options.

2. Think About the Positives and Negatives of Alcohol

You may be thinking: Positives? What positives?

It’s important to understand why you might associate alcohol addiction with positive things in your life so that you can get to the bottom of your reasoning. For instance, some might feel more confident and less anxious in social settings if they are drinking.

Isn’t it positive to be more outgoing? Yes, but not when you need alcohol to express that side of you!

The positives of drinking might be:

• • It helps to forget any stress.

• It is a way for you to relax and have fun.

The negatives of drinking are:

• It can cost a lot of money.
• You can wake up feeling very mentally and physically unwell.
• It gets in the way of jobs, school, or relationships.
• It can contribute to health problems down the road, like heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cirrhosis.

Then you can reframe the question as, “what positive things could come out of me not drinking?”. You might be able to hold onto your responsibilities better and feel better both physically and mentally.

You can save money and focus your time and energy on new hobbies and experiences. You can meet people who support you and want the best for you. The list goes on and on!

3. Cutting Back vs. Quitting

Not everyone has the goal of quitting using alcohol immediately. Quitting cold turkey can be very difficult and cause adverse reactions like alcohol withdrawal, especially when you try to do it alone and not in a treatment facility.

If your goal is to quit drinking alcohol, your best bet is to undergo the detoxification process inside a treatment center where you can be monitored and cared for properly. This is especially true for heavy drinking and long-term alcohol abuse, where the effects of alcohol withdrawal may be stronger.

It may be easier to start trying to cut back your alcohol consumption and go from there. You can remove alcohol from your house, so you aren’t tempted to have a drink on you at all times and limit the nights you go out to eat or to a bar.

You should record how often you drink to better understand how much you consume in a day, a week, and a month. This will help you come up with more attainable goals for your detox and recovery process.

4. Set Goals and Keep Them

When entering into alcohol rehabilitation, you will want to set goals for yourself that are actually achievable. If you set goals that are too big or premature, you may let yourself down, which can be very discouraging.

Instead, set small, realistic goals — as many as you want! Checking things off can feel really good, but boxes that go unchecked for too long can cause stress and feelings of defeat.

Consider some of the following goals and then create some that are specific and unique to you:

• I will stop drinking on weekdays.
• I will be able to hold a job for at least three months.
• I will spend X hours with my family/friends daily.
• I will limit my weekday drinking to two drinks a day.
• I will quit drinking by (date).

Share your goals with trusted people around you so that they can help hold you accountable. Don’t be afraid to ask for more support, and don’t feel discouraged if you don’t reach a goal. Instead, rewrite the goal and set out to try again.

5. Look Into Entering Treatment

You can begin recovery at any point, but it can be more difficult without entering a treatment center. The goal of many addiction treatment centers is to come up with personalized alcohol treatment plans that pinpoint your specific healthcare needs.

Treatment centers often provide an individual with around-the-clock care and various treatment options like behavioral health therapy and exercise. Plus, treatment centers are meant to help people who suffer from addiction, so getting help at one can help you on the path to recovery.

Get Help With Soba Recovery

Treatment centers like Soba Recovery in San Antonio, Texas, can help you get the treatment you need to overcome alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders. It may not be easy, but with the support from trained professionals who are there to help, it feels like you can accomplish anything.

Soba Recovery works to develop a plan specific to your needs so that we can help treat all aspects of your addiction. By providing services like detoxification to help with withdrawal symptoms, inpatient or intensive outpatient, and sober living, you can match with the right recovery method.

Everyone responds to treatment differently, so it’s important to look into both your mental health and physical health needs. With individual and group therapy sessions, you can build community and trust within yourself.

Reach out today if you or a loved one could benefit from the treatment services here at Soba Recovery. To find recovery from alcohol addiction, you should begin your journey today!

Sources:

The Cycle of Alcohol Addiction | NIAAA

Chapter 5—Specialized Substance AbuseTreatment Programs | NCBI

Benefits Of Peer Support Groups In The Treatment Of Addiction | NCBI

SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA

If you’ve ever been interested in helping people with substance abuse issues or have struggled with addiction, you might be wondering what a substance abuse counselor does. Whether you’ve come across one or want to be one, understanding their skillset and job duties can give you a better idea of their purpose.

Substance abuse counselors can wear many hats and be helpful in various settings. They must be prepared to deal with more than just substance abuse issues. Substance abuse is not often an isolated condition and has other co-occurring disorders that need to be treated accordingly.

A substance abuse counselor can bring a lot of good into your life and help you back onto the right track. Keep reading to learn more about what substance abuse counselors do and how they are helpful to society.

What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

A substance abuse counselor helps someone experiencing substance abuse disorder with treatment and support. They are trained to work with those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and help to come up with specialized plans to treat specific patients.

Addiction counselors can work in various settings, like inpatient care, outpatient treatment programs, case management, hospitals, mental hospitals, or private healthcare practices. Wherever they end up, the goal is to treat substance abuse and find ways to get a person back on track, happier and healthier than ever.

Substance abuse counselors never know what they will tackle in a day. Addiction is a very difficult and heartbreaking disease, so a counselor will have to be strong to endure the same pain every day.

It’s not all about coming up with treatment plans. Drug abuse counselors have many tasks, so a unique skill set is essential.

Skills Needed for the Job

To be successful and helpful as a substance abuse counselor, you must be patient and willing. The job is not easy and comes with many ups and downs. Every day could throw something at you that you’ve never experienced before, so being prepared and collected can go a long way.

Some skills that substance abuse counselors should possess are:

• Patience: Substance abuse counselors must practice patience every day. Addiction recovery is not linear, and plans get skewed frequently. People will relapse, but that only means they need their counselor even more, to show up for them.

• Empathy: Many people attach shame and guilt to their addiction, so you must learn how to be empathetic towards all people. The patient seeking help is likely embarrassed about needing help, but welcoming people as they are and giving them everything you have will be rewarding.

• Compassion: An addiction counselor should want to help others in need. This can’t be something that isn’t natural for you; compassion shows people that you really are putting your best foot forward. Someone seeking help for their substance abuse disorder doesn’t want to feel like an obligation or burden. They want someone who believes in them!

• Activelistening: Substance abuse counselors need to practice active listening skills. If you listen without judgment and focus on being as welcoming and open as possible, it’s easier for those struggling to open up about their issues. You have to listen to what is said to form your own opinions on how to treat them while also understanding what is being asked of an individual.

The History of Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counseling is a bit newer than other mental health counselors and medical practices. How society treats substance abuse now is much different than how it was treated 50 or 100 years ago.

People used to (and some still do) carry very negative connotations when it comes to substance abuse. Many people used to view it as a moral failure or flaw under control by that individual. It wasn’t until more recently that substance abuse and addiction became seen as mental and physical disorders that could be treated.

The need for substance abuse counselors came about once it became understood that society and those struggling with addiction would benefit. While therapists could be useful, someone specializing in substance use disorders would better understand the disease and how to best combat it.

Education Requirements

When someone wants to become a substance abuse counselor, they must undergo multiple years of schooling. They will need at least a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse counseling or a related mental health field.

Some counselors will go for their master’s degree or doctorate degree because it can help them climb the ladder and get into more professional developmental settings.

Different states have different requirements for this credential, so you will have to look into yours specifically by state. You usually need to be licensed by the state to practice mental health counseling of any kind.

Examples of state requirements for licensure may include:

• Graduation from an accredited alcohol and drug counselor degree program
• Coursework in addiction studies, human services, social science, and behavioral health
• Established work experience
• A set number of clinical experience hours
• References from other addiction professionals
• A certain amount of continuing education per year

Substance Abuse Counselors: What Do They Do?

To best understand what a substance abuse counselor does, you should know what some of the tasks they do. Substance abuse counselors might have a range of job functions, and not everyone does the same work.

Generally, a substance abuse counselor works to provide a patient with a specialized treatment plan, education surrounding substance abuse, and resources and support needed to have a successful recovery journey.

Education on Substance Abuse

There is a lack of education that becomes apparent when you discuss substance abuse in society. There are many negative associations it has, and though many know that it’s not a contagious disease, it is often treated as such.

Very vulnerable populations, like homeless people, people experiencing poverty, people experiencing abuse, and people with mental illness, find themselves struggling with substance abuse. One job a substance abuse counselor has is to educate these people about substance abuse and how it can impact their lives.

Counselors will inform about the effects of substance abuse on a person, sharing with people the risks of addiction. If there is a lack of education about drugs and alcohol and the impacts that they can have, it is more likely that substances end up being abused at some point in that person’s life.

Individual or Group Therapy Sessions

Substance abuse counselors often lead both group and individual therapy sessions. A counselor is likely a part of a multidisciplinary team that aims to cover all of their bases. They often work with psychiatrists, law enforcement, the court system, nurses, and other therapists and counselors to come up with treatment plans that work.

Through these group or individual sessions, a substance abuse counselor can learn more about what each individual needs. Through therapy sessions, patients should be able to open up more and find what works best for them.

Creating Individualized Treatment Plans

One of the main things that a substance abuse counselor will do is create individual and specialized treatment plans for their patients. Individuals must be treated for their specific needs, such as chemical dependency or behavioral addiction. However, after just one meeting, you might not know what that plan looks like.

Being in touch and staying up-to-date with a patient’s progress, difficulties, and history can help a counselor make informed decisions when creating a treatment plan. These plans should include the specific goals of the patient and take into consideration a variety of different factors.

Depending on the kind of treatment the patient is undergoing, what kind of trauma they are working through, and what their home life looks like will impact their progress. A specialized treatment plan will be updated and changed as needed to continue to match the patient’s needs.

Referring Patients to Other Resources

Many people who struggle with substance abuse will find it hard to maintain a proper job or school. A substance abuse counselor can help find new spaces for their patients, whether a job, an activity, or a learning program. Knowing where to start to look can be difficult, but a counselor can help by providing those resources.

You can’t do all of the work for them, but you can provide them with the tools necessary to be more successful. You might be able to find treatment centers in the area for them, point them in the direction of support groups, or even share with them sober-friendly experiences, so they don’t have to seek them out themselves.

Setting Up Aftercare

Addiction recovery is not linear, so you must be prepared for relapses or prolonged needs for assistance. Not everyone will recover on the same timeline, so aftercare is essential. If you are working with someone impatient and nervous about returning to the real world, you can set them up with outpatient services or something like sober living.

Providing your patients with options during their recovery process can help them to transition better into their new lifestyle. Plus, coming up with answers to “What’s next?” is overwhelming, so doing the heavy lifting for your patients really pays off.

Teach Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Not only are you providing resources, offering support, and monitoring a person’s process, but you also have to teach your patients different coping mechanisms. Recovery from substance abuse is filled with many triggers and stressors, so identifying them is the first step. A person may not recognize a trigger as being such until they are experiencing it on their own for the first time.

If you can teach your patients healthy coping skills, they can be more prepared when confronted with reality. Identify the triggers and then help come up with a solution. This way, your patient is better equipped to handle whatever comes at them.

Part of your job may also be helping your patient establish a support system of family members or friends. You may also be responsible for providing them with referrals to mental health professionals or social workers.

Keeping Records and Providing Progress Reports

It’s not all fun and games. A large part of being a substance abuse counselor is keeping records, taking notes, providing progress reports, and entering data into a computer or filing system. Keeping track of your patient’s needs and progress will help you maintain their treatment plans more easily.

This part of the job is more tedious and less creative than when using problem-solving skills to come up with solutions. But at the end of the day, keeping track of your patients progress and recording any of their new struggles will help you down the line.

Where To Find Substance Abuse Counselors

Substance abuse counselors can be found in various settings. They are often found in treatment facilities and mental health practices. They have to specialize in substance abuse to understand their job duties fully, but they provide a lot of value in their workplace.

Substance abuse is a tricky and particular disease that isn’t treated like other mental health or physical diseases. It takes much more individualization to treat substance abuse and addiction successfully.

Besides rehabilitation centers and mental health practices, you might find substance abuse counselors in prisons, parole and probation agencies, detoxification centers, halfway houses, government agencies, and private practices.

How To Get Help With Soba Recovery

If you are struggling with substance abuse or have a loved one who is, seeking treatment from a substance abuse recovery center like Soba Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, it can bring you great success. Here, substance abuse counselors work with a team of other addiction specialists and medical professionals to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Getting help can be difficult, but it’s almost always worth it in the end. With the help of trained professionals, you can get around-the-clock care to work with your specific needs. Whether you want to enter into a more intensive outpatient program, stay with us 24/7 inpatient, or need to undergo the detoxification process, your substance abuse counselor will be there with you every step of the way.

To reach your goals, you need to seek help from people who can help create a plan and then assist you in maintaining those goals. For substance abuse, accountability can go a long way! We here at Soba aim to supply you with all the equipment you may need to succeed in your recovery journey.

Sources:

TAP 21 Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice | SAMHSA

Substance Use, Academic Performance, and Academic Engagement Among High School Seniors | NCBI

The Key to Individualized Addiction Treatment is Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring of Symptoms and Behavioral Change | NCBI

Addiction is a very isolating disease. Many people who struggle with addiction find that going through recovery alone is a very difficult task to complete. Building community and finding support from people around you can help you to overcome your addiction.

Asking for help is not easy for everyone, but it’s necessary for recovery. You can take advantage of many resources during your recovery process, including entering treatment centers or becoming a part of support groups. You may feel alone, but there are plenty of avenues to lead you to others struggling with similar issues.

If you’ve wondered how support groups work or can help, keep reading to find out more.

What Is a Support Group?

A support group doesn’t always have to be geared toward addiction or substance use. When a group of people comes together to offer emotional support and care to others struggling with a similar challenge, that is considered a support group.

You may have support groups for grief, mental health disorders, disabilities, or caregiving on top of groups dedicated to addiction. A support group offers a safe space for people who may be struggling with the same issues.

It can be hard for outsiders to fully understand the struggles you face with addiction, but others who have gone through or are going through addiction are more likely to relate. Here you can be offered support services, tips, anecdotes, and information about how addiction can manifest and how to treat it.

You may learn coping skills or methods from group members who have practiced them. It’s also a way to feel justified and comforted if one pathway doesn’t work out for you. You’d be surprised at how many support groups there are for issues you didn’t think anyone else struggled with!

Types of Support Groups

There are various support groups, and you might find some more helpful than others. The main three that you can enter into are a 12-step program, often geared towards drugs or alcohol, mutual support groups led by peers, or therapy groups led by mental health professionals.

Additionally, there is the ability to enter online support groups where you can find support from all over the world and build connections without leaving your house. Whatever works best for you and will help you on your path to recovery!

12-step Programs

Twelve-step programs are often associated with drug and alcohol rehab because there is an emphasis on the 12-step program created by Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups will sometimes be led by peers or sponsors who once struggled with addiction.

In these groups, you can work together to enter into recovery with the support of individuals searching for the same outcomes. This approach can be more structured, which might be helpful to those looking to get back on track. It allows you to follow a path and take your time getting to the destination.

Mutual Support Groups

In mutual support groups, you may not get professional advice from someone, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less invaluable. Mutual support groups are run by peers trained in how to facilitate and lead these groups but aren’t medical or mental health professionals. Instead, they are facilitators who are or have dealt with similar issues.

In these peer-led support group settings, members will share their stories, what their goals are, what has and has not been working for them, and work to inspire and uplift everyone else in attendance. Here you can form great connections with people struggling with the same issues and not feel pressured or judged by anyone in the circle.

Therapy Groups

If you attend a treatment facility, you might be entered into a therapy group led by mental health professionals and therapists specializing in mental health care. These groups are more geared towards specific issues, such as mental health conditions and mental illness, and are put together by a specific provider.

You may not be in treatment but still want to attend a group therapy session. This might be covered under your insurance, and you can talk to your primary care physician about finding a therapy group for your specific needs.

Online Support Groups

Not everyone can dedicate hours of their week to traveling and attending a group meeting, but they still want the benefits and social support that come with it. We have access to the wonderful world wide web in today’s society. Online support groups are gaining more popularity due to their flexibility.

This might not be the most preferred method of support groups because there can sometimes feel like a lack of connection due to being online, but do what’s best for you. Whether on chat functions or zoom, online groups are out there! If you cannot attend in-person meetings, doing the next best thing can still allow you to gain that sense of support in these online communities.

Benefits of Support Groups

Getting help for your addiction can be scary; the last thing you want to feel is isolation. Being vulnerable about your issues and opening up to others can help you to relieve stress and gain confidence. Addiction can lower your self-esteem but finding community is a great way to build it back up.

You can learn a lot from joining support groups that will help you on your path to recovery.

Building Community

An ideal part of joining a support group for your addiction is the community that you build from it. If you are the only person struggling with addiction in your friend group or among your family members, you might not always feel like they understand your struggles and where you are coming from. In a support group for addiction, you meet individuals with similar experiences who know exactly what you’re going through.

Community and support are key in the recovery process. People can confide in strangers who have undergone similar struggles and learn how to lessen their emotional burdens. You might have many unanswered questions, but you are encouraged to ask them in support groups. This is where you can learn a lot from other people struggling with substance abuse.

Learning Coping Strategies

You will likely try several coping mechanisms throughout your recovery to get through your addiction. Not everyone responds the same to each mechanism, so it’s about finding what works for you.

What’s great about support groups is that you are thrown into a space where other people have tried out things you’ve never even thought of to help you cope. You learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t work for others going through a similar issue. This allows you to try out methods that have worked for others.

Having this open dialogue and discussing what others have done to help their recovery process can open up a path you may never have tried to take.

Maintaining Momentum

Support groups are there for one thing: to support you. Many people think they have to go through addiction and addiction recovery alone. If you’re thinking this way, isn’t it likely that someone else out there is too? You can find these people and then work towards encouraging them and providing unwavering support. When you act this way for others, it begins to reflect back on your own journey.

Keeping up with momentum is really tricky when it comes to recovery. Relapsing is very real and happens to many people throughout their recovery process. Support groups help to maintain this momentum and encourage people to keep pushing forward.

Promoting self-care and advocacy

Support groups also promote self-care practices so that you can recover and live your life! These groups help to teach you about preserving yourself with self-care tips, organization and management tools, resources in case of emergencies, and other care services.

It can be difficult to advocate for yourself and your own happiness, but support groups teach you to be kinder to yourself. The outcome of a support group is to enter into the world confidently, knowing that other people have your back just as much as you have your own.

Getting Help at Soba Recovery Center

If this sounds like something you could benefit from, consider entering an addiction recovery treatment center like Soba Recovery in San Antonio, Texas. Along with other services like detoxification, inpatient, and outpatient, Soba Recovery offers therapy group sessions with other individuals struggling with similar addictions.

Here you can connect with people in your area who are looking to enter into recovery but just need more support to succeed. Building each other up and helping along the way is what Soba Recovery’s support groups aim for.

Reach out to a representative if you are interested in learning more about the recovery services offered here at Soba.

Sources:

The Effectiveness Of Support Groups: A Literature Review | University of Wollongong

12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview | NCBI

Benefits Of Peer Support Groups In The Treatment Of Addiction | NCBI

No two people will ever have the same experience, which is true for people who struggle with substance abuse. You can’t expect that addiction treatment for one person will have the same impact on another person.

This is what makes substance abuse treatment so specific and unique; each treatment must be geared towards the individual to see positive outcomes. A good addiction recovery center will offer these specialized treatment plans and various therapies and activities to help you work toward recovery.

Not everyone in the same treatment facility is being treated for the same addiction. Some struggle with alcohol addiction, while others struggle with opioids. Many people can benefit from all that addiction recovery centers offer, but it comes down to the individual and their dedication to recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider entering a recovery center to get treatment. Keep reading to learn more about the success that can come from these programs when you’re dedicated and supported.

How Do You Measure a Treatment Program’s Success?

Everyone defines success in their own way. Each person will have their own set of individual goals they are reaching for in their recovery process.

Some people might want to work on cutting back on their usage and working on coping skills when put in triggering situations. Others might seek complete sobriety and access to sober living to build more sober friendships.

Success rates will not be very straightforward because measuring success is difficult. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep track of clients over the years to see how they are doing. Due to this, other matters can indicate how successful an accredited addiction recovery center might be.

Quality Treatment Services Matter

One of the most important indicators of success in a recovery center is the quality of care each client receives there. Success will mean something entirely personal for you, which means you want to find an addiction treatment center that has your best interests and goals in mind.

If you want to go to therapy and delve deep into your past and why you are where you are, you will want to find a place that takes mental health seriously and incorporates it into the dependency treatment process daily.

Having the option to participate in group therapy, receive medication-assisted treatment options, have access to evidence-based medical treatment, and be offered 24/7 inpatient care or outpatient services is essential.

Drug Rehab Doesn’t Always Mean Sobriety

Often it’s assumed that recovery is equal to sobriety or that the only goal of drug rehab is sobriety. This is not the case for everyone!

While most inpatient programs start with a total detox, there are recreational drugs like alcohol and marijuana that can often be used without developing an addiction. Drug addiction rehab might still be extremely beneficial if your goal is to limit your use, cut back some, and find new hobbies and avenues for happiness.

Better Coping Skills

Drug rehab programs can be really helpful as they prepare a person for the real world. Being in rehab can feel like a bubble: there are no drugs or alcohol to get access to, everyone is there to support you, and you may meet others in support groups who are struggling with the same things as you.

To succeed in the real world, you must develop coping skills to combat addiction. Saying “no” isn’t always as easy as you think, but there are ways to work towards staying sober or doing what’s best for you.

When you enter back into everyday life, you might come across people who are not a great influence in your life, situations that involve drugs or alcohol, or stressors that can disrupt your mental state. Coping skills learned in rehab can be used to fight back against the triggers and make the right choice a bit easier.

Personal growth

Another way to measure success is to note your personal growth. If you were someone who went out every night to the bars and then found that after rehab, you have no desire for that activity, that means that you’ve experienced growth in your addiction recovery process. These moments may seem small, but they mean everything when it comes to progress.

Personal growth is becoming aware of how you no longer crave substances, feel more confident being yourself in social settings, and find joy in safer and more wholesome activities. All of these moments result from what you’ve learned about yourself during addiction treatment and can be major milestones in your personal addiction treatment journey.

Mental and Physical Health Care

A goal of addiction treatment is to improve both your mental and physical health. Addiction can have a detrimental effect on the mind and body, so you might begin to see progress in your journey as your mental and physical health improve.

Though addiction recovery centers offer mental and physical health services, these are usually just the first steps. Therapy sessions can help you understand why you might be struggling with addiction, and improving your physical health can encourage you to fight back harder against addiction.

It’s not uncommon for individuals who enter residential treatment to receive a dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this case, behavioral health therapy administered by licensed and qualified providers can be integral in inpatient care at the rehab center and outpatient aftercare.

All aspects of your body are connected and will influence your addiction, but you have to work every day to maintain this kind of success. Exercising daily and seeking mental health help after exiting a recovery center can prolong your success and motivate you to get better.

Relapses Happen

Relapses will happen, and are not to get discouraged by. The first time you enter an addiction treatment facility may not be the only time.

You might get treatment the first time that helps but doesn’t stick. Addiction is a difficult and scary disease to live with, and it can be very difficult to overcome all of the pressures of addiction treatment.

If you’re not ready to aim for sobriety, treatment centers are still a good place to get preliminary help that could benefit you in the future. You might learn how to work towards preventing relapses and ways to identify triggers. You might meet someone in rehab who you look up to and can reach out to them when you’re feeling down or like you might use.

It’s important to understand that relapses do not mean you are a failure and should give up on treatment. It just means that you’re one step closer to finally getting it.

Learn Ways To Prevent Them

Addiction treatment professionals are fully aware that addiction treatment doesn’t work overnight. Many people with addiction will struggle for years before they can become sober and enter into recovery. Treatment facilities will often teach you ways to prevent relapses before they even happen, knowing that they are very likely to occur,

Being embarrassed by a relapse will do nothing for you in the long run. Learning from it, asking for help, seeking treatment, and trying again is the best way to feel confident in your mission. Understanding your specific triggers and avoiding negative people in your life can eliminate the ability to relapse.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and people who want to ensure you are healthy and happy is another easy way to prevent relapses.

If you have a relapse, many recovery centers also have outpatient treatments that can help. And if you’re ever worried about relapsing, there are plenty of helplines you can call to receive support and encouragement from others in the community.

Find Support in Community

At recovery programs, you will likely meet others who have similar goals. They might be aiming to cut back on their use, enter into sober living, get into school or hold a job, or find other people to build a sober community with.

Drugs and alcohol have become so embedded into our culture that finding people who are not only okay with but also supportive of your sober lifestyle might not be so easy. In addiction recovery centers, you will likely build bonds with people seeking the same thing as you — a safe and happy lifestyle free from the shackles of addiction.

You can look to these people when you are struggling and who can help you continue to be successful after exiting treatment.

Get Help With Soba Recovery

If you can enter an addiction recovery center, you will want to build a community and better understand your mental psyche. You will learn to define your own version of success while in addiction recovery, and you should feel confident that you know what’s best for you.

Taking each day slow will only benefit your addiction recovery journey. Figure out what suits you, what you need to avoid, and how you can accomplish your goals, and you will understand just how difficult measuring success can be. It’s not something you can generalize, and it’s deeply personal to each individual who enters treatment.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, this kind of individual and specialized treatment is used to improve the chances of personal success. Not only do we do an in-depth intake process that helps us better understand your needs, but we constantly work with you to update them accordingly and keep you on track.

Reach out to a Soba representative today to better understand how a recovery center can work for you.

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Assessing Success—A Commentary On The Necessity Of Outcomes Measures | NCBI

Focus: Addiction: Relapse Prevention And The Five Rules Of Recovery | NCBI

Whether you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it can be challenging to come to terms with the reality of the situation. You may not want to admit that you are struggling, and asking for help might be out of the question.

Recognizing that you need help is one of the hardest parts of struggling with addiction, but it is the first step toward recovery.

But what about when you suspect a family member has an issue? Some signs may become apparent when someone is dealing with substance misuse. Knowing what to look for may help you determine if an issue deserves some recognition.

Of course, no two people will have the same journey regarding substance abuse. Therefore the signs may vary.

For people that have been dealing with addiction for a while, it can be difficult to seek substance abuse treatment, but it’s completely worth it. Keep reading to learn more about substance abuse and how you can recognize a person struggling.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse can cover a broad spectrum, with addiction falling at its most challenging end. Some people might dabble in drugs or alcohol use recreationally and never experience an addictive cycle.

Others are not so lucky. Of course, other factors are often at play. Developing a substance use disorder can be a slow and steady process.

Substance abuse can be defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder that involves drug-seeking behaviors that tend to neglect any harmful consequences that come with the usage. People with substance abuse problems tend to not care about what happens following drug use — and might be using the substances as an escape.

Despite any adverse outcomes, this person will continue to use the substance to sate their cravings.

People with drug abuse often struggle with mental health disorders and other substance-related health issues. To best treat a substance use disorder, both your physical well-being and mental health must also be treated.

What Is Substance Dependence?

Substance dependence is when substance use continues even though the negative consequences of substance use have begun to show. So, the person using these substances knows there have been adverse side effects but cannot stop on their own.

You might be dependent on a substance if:

• You have built up a tolerance so that the substance hardly affects you unless you take larger doses or more frequent doses
• You spend most of your time using, recovering, and then finding more of the substance to repeat the cycle
• You begin to stay away from family, friends, and coworkers
• You experience withdrawal symptoms that make you feel sick
• You continue to use the substance even though you are aware of the issues

What Substances Are Often Abused?

Most illegal drugs can become addicting. Many substances that we associate with a “quick” relief or “numbing” effect have the potential to become very dangerous — and faster than some people think.

Substances like the following can end up in abusive cycles that are difficult to break:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
• Amphetamines
• Opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and morphine
• Prescription drug
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Methamphetamines

Not all of these drugs are addictive the first time you use them, but the slope sure is slippery. It’s important to recognize when a recreational activity you sometimes participate in becomes an everyday obsession.

What Causes Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is not caused by one specific thing. Many factors can lead you to drug or alcohol abuse, including trauma, genetics, and your environment.

Some people begin experimenting with various substances when they are young adults and don’t quit. Their experimentation quickly turns to addiction or drug misuse, as they seek new and different ways to get a “high.” Others turn to substances to numb their pain or to deal with past trauma.

Some factors that influence substance abuse are:

• Environmental stressors
• Social pressure
• Genetics
• Psychiatric problems

It might not always be obvious when someone is struggling with substance abuse. It’s important to check in on your friends and family if you think there is a reason to be concerned.

Signs of Substance Abuse

Many new and different behaviors might arise if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse. It’s important to keep an eye out for sudden changes in how a person acts. These changes can hint that something is going on underneath the surface.

A person with substance use disorder might show a variety of signs, both physical and behavioral, that point to substance abuse. To get help, sometimes you need someone to show you that they care about you and notice that you are having difficulties. It can be hard to ask for help yourself.

Physical Signs

People may begin to show signs of substance use disorder in how they look and hold themselves. Different drugs and substances will impact everybody differently, so you might be unable to tell what exact drug is involved immediately.

Some physical signs that someone is dealing with substance abuse are:

• Abrupt weight changes, either losing a lot of weight fast or gaining a lot quickly
• Dental hygiene issues
• Changes in texture and health of the skin (dryness, acne, itching)
• Fatigue that results in oversleeping or sleeping too much
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Sunken-in face with dark under-eye circles
• Sudden health problems

Behavioral Signs

Substance abuse can impact your behavior and turn you into someone you may not even recognize. Changes in a person’s behavior are a great sign that they might be struggling with substance abuse.

Illicit drugs can have a rough impact on a person. They can have a serious impact on the brain and how it functions.

Some behavioral signs that can help you to recognize drug abuse are:

• Inability to focus or think clearly, or other mental impairments
• Lethargy and confusion
• Aggression and irritation
• Changes in attitude
• Changes in social network
• Changes in habits or priorities
• Abnormal social media activity
• Becoming involved in dangerous activities and crime
• Lack of empathy towards friends and loved ones
• Hiding away from people close to them

You know yourself and your loved ones best. Are you seeing any of these worrying signs? If a behavior change becomes concerning, it might be time to look into the kinds of addiction treatment options out there.

You can also provide your loved one with resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline or take advantage of this helpline yourself. There are also other public health or human servicesinitiatives that may be available in your area.

How To Treat Substance Use Disorder

Treating substance use disorder looks different for everyone. No two people have the same story and will require different treatment and care. It’s important that you seek treatment to begin your path to recovery.

There are different levels to both substance use and substance use disordertreatment programs. Some people struggle more severely than others regarding substance use disorder and may require more help. The point of treatment is to work with healthcare professionals to develop a plan that can work with you to meet your needs.

Most treatment facilities will offer various addiction treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient, to ensure that everyone can receive the treatment they need. Inpatient treatment might seem more intense than outpatient treatment because there is a strict timeline to follow each day and 24/7 monitoring.

During these programs, you will attend group and individual behavioral therapy sessions and support groups. You’ll have a chance to understand your behavioral health and why you have substance problems in a supportive, friendly environment filled with people with similar stories.

Many other treatment services are provided for someone struggling with substances, like detoxification, which is fully monitored by staff and meant to provide a safe space for someone to come off of a substance.

Getting Help With Soba Recovery Center

If you are someone who thinks they might be struggling with substance abuse, it’s better late than never to seek treatment. Recognizing that you need help is a huge step in your journey to recovery. When you enter a recovery center, you can take your life back, one day at a time.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we can offer you a variety of treatment services so that you can find your perfect fit and work towards recovery. You will be treated by health professionals, health careproviders, and addiction specialists who will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.

You’ll be able to work on your recovery in a safe, supportive environment. With locations in San Antonio, TX, and Mesa, Arizona, you can be assured of professional and intentional care.

Don’t wait any longer and get help with your substance abuse. Reach out to a Soba Recovery representative today if you have any questions.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance Use Disorder Defined by NIDA and SAMHSA | State of Wyoming

Commonly Abused Drugs | University of San Francisco

It can be overwhelming when looking to enter a rehabilitation center, whether for yourself or a loved one. Various rehab treatment centers might specialize in different addiction recovery treatments.

Some centers might offer more treatment options than others, but it’s important to go with one that will work with you or your family member to meet your needs better. Not every treatment option is going to fit. It’s important to get your questions answered to find quality care.

We will go through the few substance abuse rehabilitation treatment options out there and help you determine which might be right for you.

What Is a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center?

A substance abuse treatment center is where people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction receive specialized treatment. To better understand and treat an addiction, you have to understand the deep complexities that come with it.

In a rehab program, those looking to break the bonds of their addiction can work on their mental health, physical health, and emotional health with the experienced aid and support services of healthcare professionals.

There are solo and group therapy sessions to attend during your time at a rehabilitation center to help you progress towards recovery. You may stay overnight at the rehab center or choose an outpatient rehab program.

Many services are provided at an addiction treatment center to help you successfully overcome opioid or other drug abuse.

Finding the right rehabilitation center doesn’t need to be complicated. A substance abuse assessment can help determine what kind of recovery treatment services you need.

What Treatment Programs Are in a Rehab Center?

Not all drug rehabrecovery programs are going to be the same. Some might offer different services than others, so research the treatment facility. You can do so by looking online at the website or by reaching out to a representative and discussing the current drug addiction treatment options.

There may be short-term or long-term care options to help improve the quality of life for someone with a substance abuse addiction. Usually, a drug rehab center will offer, at the minimum, a detoxification program, inpatient treatment, and an outpatient program.

From there, sub-programs might exist depending on specialized needs, like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP).

Detoxification

Not everyone who enters a rehab facility will need to undergo the detoxification program. Detox is for people who may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and need extra assistance and monitoring to stay safe during the process.

Detoxing from drug use like heroin can be extremely dangerous. Your body has already adapted to having these substances in your body. Entering into treatment and ending the substance abuse behavior can sometimes cause your body to go into shock.

You might experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion. The right substance abuserehab center will ensure the proper safety procedures to help you safely get through this rough patch.

While detoxing is essential on the road to recovery, it can be dangerous. For those with a history of heavy substance abuse, it is recommended that you seek residential treatment for 24/7 care by trained medical professionals.

Inpatient Programs

Inpatient programs can range in how they are run, but they are typically highly structured. Inpatient treatment providers allow patients to stay overnight and undergo constant monitoring and treatment to help overcome their addiction.

People who would benefit from an inpatient program might have severe substance abuse problems and perhaps another dependency, like alcohol abuse.

Inpatient programs allow you to release all outside triggers and stressors contributing to your addiction. You do not have to think or worry about the outside world while working on your recovery.

During inpatient, you go through evidence-based treatment that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, building community with other patients, and working on coping skills. You’ll have the right tools to assimilate into the real world while gaining the resources necessary for life-long sobriety.

Inpatient programs are strict and thrive off of a schedule. You will learn about time management and how to function properly in society. For severe struggles with day-to-day function and the ability to press pause in your life, this type of treatment might be a great option for you to get back on the road to recovery.

Outpatient Programs

On the flip side, not everyone can drop what they are doing to get treatment. For less severe substance abuse addictions, outpatient programs come into play. Outpatient programs do not require you to stay in the facility overnight. After your treatment sessions, you get to return to your home or sober living arrangement.

There are different intensities of outpatient programs, and they can change depending on your needs. If you require intensive outpatient care, those programs are available. This might be good for you if you need all the support you can get but cannot commit to 24/7 care.

Sometimes outpatient programs are a great stepping stool to return to society after being inpatient. You might come from an inpatient program, enter partial hospitalization, and then head into a standard outpatient program.

A substance abuse assessment can help the addiction rehab team decide on what program is the best fit for your situation.

Support Groups and 12-Step Programs

Additionally, rehabilitation centers will often have support groups and 12-step programs. No one can handle recovery alone. These groups help people feel a sense of belonging and community. You’ll meet other people struggling with similar issues and want to see you thrive.

Addiction can be very lonely, but you are not alone. These kinds of mental health treatments focus on sticking to sobriety long after you have undergone any kind of addiction treatment program.

You will meet like-minded individuals who want to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This group setting can boost accountability and give you the support you need to stay healthy.

Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorder Programs

Some rehabilitation centers have specific programs for treating dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. Sometimes people who struggle with addiction and substance use also struggle with mental health disorders.

You might find that people dealing with addiction can sometimes suffer from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or even depression and anxiety. In these cases, you will receive relevant medication-assisted treatment.

To work on your addiction and enter into recovery, you also need to help heal your other traumas. If you have untreated mental disorders, these might negatively affect your addiction.

Programs that safely and effectively treat both disorders can be extremely beneficial to those that need them.

Which Treatment Program Is Best?

The short answer is: it depends. Everyone is different and requires treatment that is specific to their needs. There are many types of programs. It’s an important point to remember when looking into rehab centers.

What works for you might not work for the next person, and that’s okay. You should consider what your needs are and what you’re capable of agreeing to. Not everyone can commit to 24/7 inpatient care, which is why there are multiple outpatient treatment programs to choose from.

The great thing about a rehab center like Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, is that the staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. You don’t have to stress about picking the best one.

Once you have gone through the substance abuse assessment, the medical team can help you understand your options. They will let you know your treatment options and discuss length, timing, pricing, and insurance provider coverage (if applicable).

Whatever you choose to do will be the best choice for you. You can reach your sobriety goals as long as you put in the work and dedication towards recovery.

Getting Help at Soba Recovery Center

If you want to begin and maintain your sobriety, Soba Recovery Center of San Antonio, Texas, is the place for you. With multiple treatment programs available, including intensive outpatient, inpatient, detoxification, partial hospitalization, and sober living, you have many options to help you get healthy and happy.

The goal at Soba Recovery is to provide professional care that puts your needs first. With a personalized treatment program, you don’t have to worry about what’s best for you because the professionals at Soba have taken care of all the details.

Working towards recovery is difficult, but we can help make it easier. Reach out today to a Soba representative if you have any questions about our services and care. Recovery takes a community. Look at our rehabilitation facility to see how you can get the help you need.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance AbuseIntensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence | NCBI

Group Interventions | NCBI

When you look into addiction rehab services, it might not be clear right away what type of treatment would be best for your specific needs. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

The best way to figure out what treatment would suit you or a loved one is to talk about your addiction with someone at a rehab center. At treatment centers like Soba Recovery Center, you will always undergo an intake before entering any treatment. This allows for an addiction specialist to better understand your needs.

There are other options for people who don’t have 24 hours and seven days a week to spend in treatment. This option includes outpatient rehab, which allows you to remain somewhat independent and responsible in your daily life while you are receiving treatment. Let’s take a closer look at outpatient rehab and the services offered.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehabilitation is a treatment type for substance abuse that doesn’t require overnight stays. It provides individuals with a more flexible option for treatment, as not all people can press pause on their life to get treatment.

If you are participating in an outpatient treatment program, you will likely come to treatment services for a few days out of the week. You’ll typically arrive at the treatment facility in the morning and leave for the day in the afternoon.

Unlike inpatient rehab, you will go home after completing your treatment and continue your normal life. For many with families to take care of and a job or school to attend, this kind of treatment style allows them to work on their sobriety in a supportive environment.

Why Might You Choose Outpatient Treatment?

An outpatient treatment program allows people to continue with their responsibilities while also getting help. Just because you have a lot on your plate and can’t commit to 24/7 care doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the time and attention to devote to recovery.

In addition to the other benefits of outpatient rehab, it can also be a more affordable option. Inpatient services can be more expensive due to the around-the-clock care. If you work nights and need to keep your job, an outpatient treatment option can provide you with a way to work and maintain sobriety.

Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs

There are several different programs that you might look into when considering outpatient addiction treatment services vs. inpatient treatments. Some people might require more structured and intensive care than others.

Others might be transitioning out of inpatient programs and are looking for a program that will provide the coping skills and continuing care and act as a bridge back into sober living and everyday life.

When you chat with someone from Soba Recovery, you can devise the perfect treatment plan for you. If you require outpatient care, we can review our options to best determine the right fit for you.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

For those that can and need to, partial hospitalization programs are wonderful for providing intense structure and daily treatment. You would typically spend your days in this program and return home each night.

During the day, you’ll find that the schedule of a partial hospitalization program is packed pretty full. Each person is getting 20 hours or more per week of care to help them on their path to recovery.

While in a partial hospitalization program, you would attend different therapies and group activities and receive any medically assisted treatments if needed. People who enter a PHP likely need the most supervision compared to other treatment options, but not necessarily the around-the-clock care of other treatment options.

The structure that the PHP gives allows the patients to really focus on building routines and discipline in their lives.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are the next step down from a PHP. While you typically spend between 10 and 20 hours receiving treatment, it might feel a little less structured and with less medical support, though they are still available.

Though it might feel a little less structured than a PHP, if you are an IOP, you will still be monitored strictly to ensure that you make the strides needed to immerse yourself into society again fully. The IOP can be catered to your specific needs to help you get and stay sober.

Standard Outpatient Program

With a standard outpatient program, you might be at the last stage of your treatment but need a little extra support. Take all the time that you need.

You may only come to the center a few days a week for a couple of hours to participate in therapy, medically-assisted treatment, or group activity. The treatment varies and focuses on your re-entrance into society based on your specific needs.

Outpatient Services

When undergoing treatment through an outpatient program, you will be offered various services that could help your recovery. Everyone’s needs are different, so you might not require all of these services during your treatment program.

Each service has its own value and might not be the right fit for you. That’s why it’s good to know about the options, so you have a good idea of how your recovery can look.

Medically-Assisted Treatment

You can be provided with medically-assisted treatment during your outpatient program for those still undergoing withdrawal symptoms from their substance use.

You may be provided with medication that can help you better deal with withdrawal symptoms and help wean you off your drug. Not everyone requires this level of care. It depends on the substances you’ve been putting into your body.

Individual Therapy

During your outpatient stay, you’ll attend individual therapy. Mental health and addiction go hand-in-hand. Individual counseling sessions are a great way to help you get to the bottom of your addiction. It provides healthy outlets to cope with triggers and stress while working through past trauma.

Addiction doesn’t just happen randomly; many factors can lead to drug abuse, such as relational tension with family members and mental health conditions. Therapy can help you better work through it.

Addiction recovery might be difficult if you can’t heal yourself from trauma and get to a good place to love yourself openly. During these sessions, you can work with your therapist to find ways to stay sober when you leave treatments.

You can also specifically go through types of therapy that are relevant to your recovery, like trauma therapy, eating disorder therapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Group Therapy

On top of individual therapy, you will also attend group therapy meetings. These support group sessions serve as a great way to build a community. In these group therapy sessions, you will have access to other individuals who are struggling with similar issues.

Group therapy allows you to build relationships with others trying to treat their addiction. It can often bring a sense of accountability to your treatment and help you feel less alone in your recovery.

Everyone in group therapy wants to see everyone else doing well and succeeding in their treatment. This therapy provides people with a support system, the motivation to be better, and a way to help others just by their presence.

Struggling with addiction can be isolating and lonely, but when you are surrounded by other people dealing with the same thing, it’s easier to feel supported and nurtured.

Education and Planning

On top of therapy, during outpatient treatment, you will receive education and planning that will help you when you re-enter society. When on the outside, you could face triggers, stressors, peer pressure, and bad situations.

You will need to know how to manage those situations and your reactions to those situations to work on harm reduction.

Getting Help at Soba Texas

You don’t need to know what kind of treatment is right for you before entering into treatment. The whole point of an addiction rehab facility is to provide you with all the help you need, from start to finish.

At Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we will build a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific needs. We can assess your addiction and requirements and put you into the proper program.

Getting help may feel overwhelming and scary. If you have any questions about Soba Recovery Texas and the treatment options available to you beyond outpatient, don’t be afraid to reach out to a Soba representative today and get some answers.

 

Sources:

Substance Misuse And Substance Use Disorders: Why Do They Matter In Healthcare? | NCBI

Substance AbuseIntensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence | NCBI

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | SAMHSA

There can be a lot of guilt and shame surrounding substance use disorder. No matter how you may feel, the truth is that you are not alone. Rehabilitation treatment facilities exist to provide treatment and support to individuals who want to get better.

Entering into drug rehab is the first step toward addiction recovery, but it’s quite a step to take. There are many different forms of rehab programs that you can enter into, so finding the right fit for your specific needs is critical.

Luckily, at rehab centers such as Soba Recovery, we are here to help find that fit with you so that you can work towards a happier life. Learn more about what to expect from drug rehab and the kinds of treatment programs you or a loved one can encounter on your path to recovery.

What Is Drug Rehab?

Rehab is a substance abuse treatment process that people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction can undergo to enter recovery and sobriety. This process is different for everyone.

It will encompass various therapies to get to the heart of the addiction and provide the best foundation for full sobriety.

Addiction is not a choice. It takes a severe mental and physical toll on people and affects every facet of their lives. Drug rehab offers assistance with the help of trained medical professionals and addiction specialists to create a treatment plan catered to your specific needs.

At an accreditedresidential treatment rehabilitation facility, you will find yourself supported by people with your best interests in mind.

How Long Does Rehab Take to Complete?

Depending on your substance abuse level, your treatment needs may differ from others. You might benefit from detoxing before entering inpatient or starting with outpatient for five days a week.

This will all be sorted out when you come in and go through an intake form with someone at the rehab facility.

The goal of a rehab center is to help you beat your addiction. However long that may be, addiction treatment programs will work with you to give you the care you need.

What Can I Expect from Drug Rehab?

Entering a drug rehab center is truly different for everyone. It’s normal for an addiction treatment center to seem like a scary place. But, for those ready to take the next step, a rehab center is where you want to be. It’s a safe place for you to sort out your addictive habits.

Most drug rehabs will offer different drug addiction treatment options, including a detoxification process, inpatient drug rehab, outpatient, and even aftercare, like sober living opportunities.

Before you can figure out what treatment you will receive, you have to meet with the medical professionals on staff to help them better understand your needs.

Intake During Check-In

You must first undergo an intake assessment before you check yourself into a drug rehab facility. This helps to determine if you need treatment for alcohol addiction and drug abuse and if you have other mental health issues to address.

During this time, the center will discuss your treatment options. They may advise you to undergo a medical detox or medication-assisted treatment to safely detox from the substance you are using before further treatment.

Depending on your health insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses may vary. While completing the intake process, discuss insurance coverage and treatment expenses with your provider. Treatment elements like partial hospitalization and prescription drugs can affect your out-of-pocket costs.

Detoxification

People struggling with alcohol abuse or drug abuse may be dependent on it. To begin the path to recovery, you must quit all substance abuse. Unfortunately for many people, trying to stop using their substance can prove incredibly difficult. The reasons vary.

Some people worry about what their life will be like without the substance, while other people fear potential withdrawal symptoms. These fears and the potential for uncomfortable situations can cause some people to give up on recovery before they ever begin.

At rehab centers like Soba, you can receive 24/7 care as you undergo medical detox. You’ll be in great hands with frequent monitoring and check-ins during this emotional process. You won’t have to do this alone.

Inpatient

An inpatient program comes after the detoxification process. Inpatient programs are monitored 24/7. These intensive programs stick to a schedule to help give you a sense of structure and routine as you adjust to sobriety.

You will have required therapy sessions, individually and as part of a group, with activities and medical treatment available if needed.

If you struggle to take care of yourself, inpatient treatment services might be a great fit. You’ll have the structure you need to get your recovery on firm footing while being surrounded by like-minded individuals.

If you want support and to feel less alone, this is where you can find it.

The focus in inpatient is to help you regain your confidence. Heal your trauma and work on the decisions that led you to addiction in a safe place like Soba.

Inpatient treatment can last for however long you need, with some staying for several weeks before transitioning into other less intense programs. Whatever your journey, you are supported and encouraged to take the time you need to heal and improve.

Outpatient

There are other options for those struggling with addiction who cannot afford to take time off work for weeks or have children and pets that they need to be responsible for, there are other options out there. Just because you can’t drop everything to get help doesn’t mean you don’t deserve it.

Outpatient services are also for people who aren’t ready to return to society after completing inpatient. Outpatient treatment still requires you to commit to attending and participating, but they are more flexible to allow you time back with friends and family and at work.

Dip your toe into the real world while still retrieving consistent treatment.

With outpatient rehab, you might need to come into the treatment center at 9 AM and be part of group therapy for two hours before a break and your individual therapy session. This might happen twice or five times a week, depending on whether you’re in an intensive outpatient program.

Therapy

There are a variety of different types that you could encounter. Depending on your needs, you might want to pursue marriage therapy and counseling, family therapy, trauma therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, therapy for other co-occurring disorders, or group therapy.

Therapy is a great way to understand some of the roots of your issues with addiction by working on your mental health, analyzing your behavioral health, and addressing any existing mental health disorders.

It can help you heal and move on so that you can focus on your future. Group therapy is great because it helps you build a community with other people who are going through similar struggles.

Therapy is essential in the recovery journey; you will receive it at all points of your experience with a quality rehab center.

Sober Living

Once you have completed your drug rehab journey, it’s not actually over. Committing to your health, mental well-being, and sobriety is a difficult task. It can feel impossible if you aren’t surrounded by people supporting you.

With support groups and sober living programs, you can continue to be around other sober individuals who can help hold each other accountable as you all work through your addictions.

Aftercare is so important because addiction and substance cravings don’t stop overnight. Some days will feel easier than others. Having a relapse prevention plan in place, and knowing the resources you have at your disposal to help you get through those rough patches, can go a long way in helping you maintain your sobriety.

Finding Help With Soba Recovery Center

We understand that getting help at a drug rehab center can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Here at Soba Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we want to make it as easy as possible for you.

There is no shame in asking for help, especially when the help you are asking for is to fight for a better life. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

The best thing that you can do for yourself is to start the process of getting help. Reach out to a Soba representative if you have questions regarding the services we offer for addiction treatment.

Whether you need to start with detoxification or jump to an outpatient program, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for your substance use. Don’t put it off any longer if you want more structure and assistance.

You could be living your best life sooner than you think.

 

Source:

Substance Misuse and Substance Use Disorders: Why do they Matter in Healthcare? | NCBI

Pathways to Long-Term Recovery: A Preliminary Investigation | NCBI

Continuing Care Research: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going | NCBI

In recent years, the term “Xanax” has been popularized in modern culture to a point where many people are desensitized to it. Xanax is not just a random street drug, and it’s definitely not something to laugh about.

Xanax, a benzodiazepine, is a prescription drug that helps anxiety but can sometimes be abused by the patient.

Spotting a drug addiction to Xanax can be difficult if you aren’t sure what you are looking for. Understanding the signs and learning ways to help someone struggling with a Xanax addiction could be the difference in them living a long and happy life.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (aka benzos) that can help people with behavioral health issues like severe anxiety disorders or panic disorders because of the calming effects it can have. The generic name for Xanax is alprazolam.

This drug is characterized as “fast-acting” and is classified as one of the most highly addictive drugs because of the brain alterations that it makes in such a short period of time.

That’s why this drug is only recommended for short periods of time — to help keep someone from experiencing a physical dependence on the drug. Even with this risk, it’s the most prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States because its effects are so impactful. With supervision and open communication, Xanax can be taken safely and does help many people overcome their everyday anxiety.

Many people who are prescribed Xanax do use it properly. This means the right amount of Xanax is taken for the right amount of time. Xanax works as expected and may never become an issue for the person. But that’s not always the case.

Some people take Xanax for the short-term yet fall into addiction quite easily, while others might have used it once or twice and began seeking it out from illegal sources.

What Are the Potential Positive Effects of Xanax?

Using Xanax produces many different effects to help support mental health, all of which aim to relax your body.

Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that helps to slow your body down. This prescription drug works by increasing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA promotes calmness in the body by decreasing the excitement in the brain that triggers panic attacks or anxiety.

Some effects that prescribed Xanax may have are:

• Easing of muscle tension
• Help with insomnia
• Feelings of calm
• Anxiety relief

What Are Some Unintended Side Effects of Xanax?

Like with any addictive drug, there are unwanted side effects that can come from using too much of the drug for too long or, as with any drug, from taking higher doses or too much in one sitting.

Some side effects to look out for are:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Blurry vision
• Lack of coordination
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Appetite changes
• Loss of interest in sex
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive sweating
• Constipation
• Issues with memory
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Decline in mental health

Of course, not everyone will experience these side effects, but the more often you use Xanax can influence these reactions.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax?

When someone is using Xanax, it is never a good idea to quit it cold turkey. This can be very dangerous for the user as your body has become accustomed to your benzodiazepine use. Some who quit Xanax without tapering off might be sent into shock without it.

Someone who is withdrawing from Xanax may experience:

• Insomnia and trouble staying asleep
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps
• Stomach cramps
• Headaches
• Irritability and anger

Some even more serious withdrawal symptoms that someone might experience are:

• Delusions and delirium
• Psychosis
• Severe anxiety

If you are someone who has been prescribed Xanax, you should talk with your healthcare providers about coming up with a plan to reduce your usage instead of quitting on your own.

For those that get their Xanax illegally, you still generally not quit cold turkey. It might be more difficult to lower your dosage if you don’t have it readily available to you, so reaching out to addiction treatment centers can help you with the process.

Xanax and Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder

If Xanax abuse becomes prolonged, it can eventually lead to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. In order to be diagnosed with this disorder, you need to exhibit at least 2 out of 11 of the symptoms.

These symptoms include:

• Repeated issues showing up for important events due to Xanax usage
• Using Xanax in a hazardous setting
• Wanting to stop using it but being unable to
• Using Xanax even though it brings you distress and frustration
• Spending a lot of time trying to obtain Xanax
• Using Xanax for longer than prescribed or needed
• Using despite one or more negative personal outcomes
• Craving Xanax
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Stopping participation in work, family, or social events
• Building up a tolerance to Xanax so that you need more to feel the effects

These symptoms need to co-occur within a 12-month period for someone to be diagnosed with this disorder. It’s still classified as a substance use disorder. Fortunately, there is Xanax addiction treatment.

How To Recognize a Xanax Problem

Trying to recognize Xanax addiction is not always easy, as is with any substance abuse issue. If you don’t know what to look out for, you may never see the signs. If you are aware that someone you know is being prescribed Xanax, and you know they have addictive tendencies, don’t be afraid to reach out to see how they are doing.

As helpful as Xanax may be for mental wellness, it can become a slippery slope into addiction for some people.

Xanax is commonly prescribed to people. It’s typically easy to get, which makes it that much easier for it to potentially cause a problem.

College-age students are at higher risk of coming into possession of Xanax without having a prescription. Some people might think that it is a “fun” drug to use and mix with other substances, but it can be deadly to combine Xanax with other drugs like opioids and alcohol.

Signs of Xanax Abuse

There are different ways for you to recognize whether or not someone is struggling with Xanax addiction. No two people will present their symptoms or issues in the same way, but Xanax has certain effects that might be prevalent.

If you think that someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, consider reaching out to representatives at Soba Recovery Center to voice your concerns and come up with a plan for treatment.

Find others who love and support this person and try to have a safe and open conversation about your concerns and their wellbeing. Choose friends or family who can contribute to a judgment-free zone to better encourage someone with a benzodiazepine addiction to seek help.

Withdrawn From Family and Friends

Someone who is struggling with Xanax addiction might find that they are avoiding facing their friends and family. They might begin to feel intense shame or guilt over their usage and don’t want to face their loved ones.

Sometimes facing people who know you best is difficult because they know what to look out for. It’s harder to pretend everything is okay. A person who is addicted to Xanax may become defensive about their addiction. Loved ones without the right tools or resources in place may unknowingly create more tension.

Needing More Xanax To Feel the Effects

As someone becomes more dependent on Xanax, their tolerance will go up. If you notice that someone is using more Xanax than they are prescribed or using it every day without a prescription, they may have a problem.

A person’s body adapts to Xanax. Over time, someone might find that they need more Xanax to feel the same way. This pattern can lead to an addiction.

If you or someone you love begins to take more Xanax without medical supervision, it could lead to an addiction. Tolerance is one of the easiest ways to determine whether or not someone has an addiction to Xanax.

Experiencing Financial Issues

Someone who is struggling with Xanax might need more Xanax than they are prescribed, which could lead to illegal sourcing. This can be dangerous for many reasons. Many Xanax pills that are bought off the street aren’t actual Xanax pills, which could lead to a dangerous situation. Additionally, it can be quite expensive to keep up with a Xanax addiction.

A loved one might ask you for money or show signs of financial distress when using Xanax improperly. It’s important to pick up on these subtle signs to determine whether or not someone is in need of addiction treatment.

Having Erratic Emotions

A sign of Xanax abuse is emotional instability. A person who has a Xanax addiction might have intense mood swings, become easily irritable, and sometimes become aggressive. Someone who is using Xanax may be emotionally unpredictable, which can be alarming.

You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, trying to anticipate their next mood swing.

Someone struggling with their addiction might also experience severe depression and suicidal thoughts, especially if they are trying to cut back on their usage and stop altogether. The process is not easy, and it can feel isolating. Showing support to your loved ones who are struggling can help encourage them to seek treatment.

Getting Help with Soba Recovery

Xanax addiction is not something people can typically overcome on their own. They need a safe place to detox, find support, and get the right addiction treatment.

At Soba Recovery Centers in San Antonio, Texas, you’ll receive professional addiction treatment geared specifically to your personal needs.

If you are struggling with Xanax withdrawal symptoms, you can enter into a detoxification treatment that will safely allow you to come off of the drug. Afterward, there are both inpatient and outpatient services available, depending on your treatment needs.

Whether you are looking for sober living in a supportive community atmosphere or need intense treatment that allows more freedom like partial hospitalization, we have got you covered.

Addiction is not a choice. It’s scary, difficult, and debilitating. Get back to feeling like yourself again. If you or a loved one need assistance overcoming Xanax addiction, reach out today and learn more about what Soba has to offer.

 

Sources:

Alprazolam (Xanax) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal | NCBI

Sedative, Hypnotic or Anxiolytic Drug Use Disorder | Harvard Health