i m p o r ta n t THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN

CHOOSING A DRUG & ALCOHOL

TREATMENT PROGRAM

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

EXTRAS & AMENITIES

TYPES OF TREATMENT

Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Drug & alcohol TreaTmenT Program

After making the decision to enter a rehab program, whether for a drug or alcohol addiction,

individuals will find many options available to them. While it may be tempting to choose the first

facility they come across, it is important that they choose a good match for their personal situation and

preferences. Participating in a program an individual believes in can greatly affect his/her ultimate

success in the program and afterward with a lifelong commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle.

type of treatment

There are many Types of TreaTmenT available To Those fighTing To overcome addicTion.

D E TOx I f I C AT I O N is the process of cleansing a person’s body of drugs and toxins to rid it of its chemical dependency on the addictive substance. Clients may experience withdrawal symptoms during this time depending on their previous level of substance use. Detoxification alone is not intended to treat addiction, but it is often the first step in a treatment program.

R E S I D E N T I A L , or inpatient addiction treatment, involves the client residing at the drug and alcohol treatment facility for the duration of the program, usually for a period of three weeks to three months depending on the approved level of care. During this time, participants often take part in supportive counseling sessions as well as other therapeutic interventions. These can include individual therapy, group therapy, life skills counseling and various communal activities. Adult inpatient programs are divided by gender to better focus on gender-specific issues. Other programs are designed specifically for adolescents and teens to address the personal and academic challenges youths often face today.

Studies have shown that the longer a person is in a residential treatment program, the better his/her chances of avoiding relapse after completion of the program. With these findings, addiction treatment centers have created special long-term treatment programs for particularly complicated cases of addiction, especially when there has been legal intervention. In general, these follow

the same model as residential addiction programs, but for a longer period of time.

O U T PAT I E N T t reatment opt ions may sometimes follow a residential program as a form of ongoing counseling. However, clients may be eligible for outpatient services without participating in prior treatment programs. First, a program staff member will conduct an assessment of the client’s condition to develop an appropriate plan of action. Outpatient programs vary in length depending on the individual’s type of addiction and existing commitments. Activities may resemble those of inpatient rehab programs, including group therapy, individual counseling and life skills workshops.

Clients who have completed a residential rehab program may not be ready to immediately reintegrate into their old communities. For these individuals, halfway houses may give them the supportive and sober environment they need to reenter society responsibly. In a halfway house, individuals live in a single residence with others who have completed residential programs. Residents are usually expected to take part in household chores, group support sessions and periodic drug screenings.

meDIcal SupervISIonParticularly during detoxification, severe health consequences can occur as the result of suddenly depriving the body of the chemicals

it has become dependent on. For example, serious alcoholism can lead to the reduced production of a vital neurotransmitter which the alcohol itself replaces. If this has occurred, suddenly depriving the body of alcohol can result in chronic health problems or even a fatal medical event. Detoxification and other forms of alcohol and drug treatment should take place under medical supervision to prevent any long-term harm to the client. It should be noted that medical supervision does not mean hospitalization. Programs are located in a comfortable environment with medical staff on hand at the premises for consistent client monitoring.

BehavIoral ServIceSPsychological and behavioral services are a critical aspect of an addiction recovery program. Even after the chemical dependency is treated, the emotional dependency on a substance can still cause an individual to relapse. That makes the behavioral services of a rehabilitation program an essential component to a client’s recovery. This includes psychological or behavioral assessment, counseling and the possibility for dual diagnosis treatment for compounded drug and alcohol addictions.

extraS & amenItIeSGenerally, different facilities will follow similar guidelines for their rehabilitation programs, so it’s worth it to look into the supportive services they offer their clients. These can be very telling about the general level of care and personalized attention the programs are willing to give to clients who seek them out.

TH IS CAN INCLUDE:

• Facilitating transportation to and from the program

• Accepting insurance coverage as payment

• Working with uninsured individuals to supplement funding for participation

• Offering alumni support services

• Providing teenage clients with educational courses and standardized test preparation

• Managing unique programs, such as housing assistance

• Holding respected certifications or recognitions

• Aftercare provision

Ultimately, the most important factor in any rehabilitation program will be the participant’s comfort and trust in the care provided. Rehabilitation facilities and staff should make every effort to make clients feel supported and valued. Entering a drug and alcohol recovery program is a major decision and should be well-researched before making a commitment.

Pyramid Healthcare offers a continuum of care to individuals coping with drug and alcohol addiction. We guide adults and teens through a wide array of behavioral healthcare and substance abuse issues, including co-occurring disorders. We are fully licensed and hold Joint Commission certification as a demonstration of our dedication to client safety and well-being. For information on admissions to drug abuse treatment centers in Pennsylvania, contact Pyramid Healthcare 24 hours / 7 days a week by calling 1-888-694-9996 or visit us online at www.pyramidhealthcarepa.com.

other programS are DeSIgneD

SpecIfIcally for aDoleScentS & teenS

to aDDreSS the perSonal & acaDemIc

challengeS youthS often face toDay

1-888-694-9996pyramidhealthcarepa.com