Individual treatment for substance abuse is paramount for long-term recovery. Many people believe that all types of addiction can receive the same kind of therapy and treatment. However, the truth is that treatment isn’t “one size fits all.” Addictions vary just as much as addicts themselves. As a result, individualized treatment is vital for success.
What Does Individual Treatment for Substance Abuse Entail?
Treatment for substance abuse incorporates various therapies and evidence-based approaches that focus on behavioral change. Individualized treatment means that each patient’s needs are seen as unique and don’t follow a traditional cookie-cutter treatment path.
There are countless methods of ensuring someone gets individualized treatment. In many facilities, multiple approaches are available to address different populations and different needs. Some of these approaches for substance abuse treatment include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment – incredibly helpful for those struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Trauma-focused care – many recovering addicts struggle with non-addressed past traumas that can interfere in their recovery journey.
- Family therapy – addiction can destroy the family unit, addicts might have a more challenging time recovering without their family members and their unconditional support.
- Vocational development – many addicts lack the necessary life skills to become self-sustainable after treatment, enrolling in vocational development care helps them position themselves to face the realities outside of treatment better.
- Special population focus – some populations such as LGBTQ+, college students, and pregnant women struggling with addiction have unique challenges.
As we all know, no two addiction stories are alike. All of these variables make it virtually impossible for a single course of treatment to meet the needs of every client. The idea of individual therapy for substance abuse is to take into consideration all these factors and draft a comprehensive treatment plan.
Benefits of Individualized Treatment
Having access to individualized attention is key to the best outcome. Some of the benefits of individualized treatment for substance abuse include:
- Being able to identify and address chronic illnesses, health conditions, and underlying mental conditions that can contribute to the addiction.
- Treat addiction from a physical, mental, social, and spiritual standpoint.
- Provide a solid treatment plan that incorporates aftercare support to help individuals maintain long-term sobriety.
- Help lower the risk of relapse by giving individuals access to a reliable recovery network and support system.
What to Expect from Individualized Treatment
When it comes to substance abuse treatment, custom treatment plans are key. However, they all focus on addressing the withdrawal process, treat the addiction, and provide aftercare resources. The type of therapies and the ins and outs of the treatment process will, of course, vary from person to person.
Unique Detox Process
The first step to most treatment programs is detox. Here, patients stop using their go-to substances and can potentially experience withdrawal symptoms. Usually, medication-assisted treatment is part of this process. Medication is one area of therapy that individualized treatment is paramount.
Some clients might not need medication support, while others must incorporate it to address co-occurring disorders. Those struggling with severe withdrawal symptoms might respond better to medications to manage cravings and prevent relapse.
The Right Therapy Style
Most addiction treatment centers turn to different therapy styles. While patients try several types of therapies throughout the length of their treatment, having personalized sessions is key.
Some people might respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and the evidence-based approach commonly used in treatment for substance abuse. However, others might excel in group meetings setups. In some cases, people prefer a more holistic and spiritual approach to therapy. No matter what type of therapy someone responds to, it’s paramount to offer a tailor-made approach to help them progress in their recovery journey.
Benefits of Individual Treatment for Substance Abuse
Beyond individualized treatment, it’s key to provide individual and one-on-one therapy opportunities while in recovery. Individual therapy is one of the most commonly used in addiction treatment. It offers a unique set of benefits that cannot be compared to the group therapy setting.
The Luxury of Time and Space
When someone engages in individual therapy sessions, they have a private space with enough time to sort through their struggles. Individual therapy allows people to feel comfortable and trusting, there’s no added social pressure, and patients can take the time they need to discuss their problems. Feeling that you have your therapist’s devoted attention and time can be quite beneficial.
Unique Support
When people engage in individual therapy, they are more likely to notice the strong support from their therapist. Support from family members and friends is key for long-term recovery. But, feeling that you have the support from your therapist gives you hope and a sense of accountability that can help you achieve recovery goals.
Ongoing Care
Individual therapy doesn’t end with treatment. Many recovering addicts continue to work solely with a therapist after completing treatment. Having access to this level of support during aftercare recovery is highly beneficial and recommended. Patients can choose to find new therapists or explore the possibility of continuing to work with their addiction recovery therapist.
Getting Help Today
The reality is what works for one person may not work for another. Drug treatment centers should also recognize and honor the differences, experiences, and unique life stories that each patient brings to the table. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, one of the core values of our philosophy is treating each patient individually. Thus, allowing us to address specific needs and help our patients reach their goals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorders, don’t settle for cookie-cutter solutions. You know that your needs, desires, and goals are as unique as you are. We believe in offering comprehensive and personalized treatment options that continue to evolve as you progress through treatment. The journey to drug addiction recovery might be a long and tricky one, but our entire team will be here supporting you every step of the way.
