Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. While every individual’s case should be treated as unique, with its own set of obstacles or accompanying co-occurring disorders, there are a number of evidence-based approaches to SUD treatment. In this article, we will discuss the fundamental principles of these varying SUD treatments and how our practice at American Treatment Network stands out among our peers.
Key Principles of SUD
While it remains true that every patient’s case should be treated as unique, and not every case will require inpatient care and intervention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment identified 14 principles of intensive outpatient treatment that all providers should adhere to. These principles work to establish an industry standard for swift and effective performance. It is important that barriers to care be as minimal as possible so that once the decision to receive care has been reached, institutions will be able to act quickly and provide clients with the help they desperately need. Clients who sign up for inpatient care and intervention may only need minimum levels of care and service along with the safe, disinhibiting environment the treatment centers can provide. Many others, however, will require more intensive and delicate treatment.
Types of SUD Treatment
Detoxification may be required for severe cases where quitting “cold turkey” can be dangerous. Gradually weaning the patient off the addictive substance will limit withdrawal symptoms as well as help normalize their brain chemistry to reduce any damaging or traumatic side effects such as confusion, depression, agitation, exhaustion, shaking, and intense cravings. The detox process is typically performed in a treatment center, with professional supervision. It is highly discouraged to attempt detoxing on your own, without professional aid, since the withdrawal symptoms, as well as their severity, can be unpredictable.
Another form of intervening SUD treatment is medically-assisted treatment (MAT). This involves the use of medication to help the recovery process and restore the brain’s natural chemistry by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids or alcohol during a relapse, combat their less severe withdrawal symptoms, and help the patient reduce their cravings for the substance.
The American Treatment Network Difference
As mentioned, however, there are numerous ways other treatment centers approach SUD treatment, and the treatment plan used is not always the most effective. Many clients with severe addictions will go in for inpatient care and intervention while they go through severe withdrawal symptoms. This is a vital step in the recovery process, but it is only the beginning.
At the American Treatment Network, our treatment plan includes multiple layers of mental health screening, counseling, and a thorough evaluation process to ensure that all issues and ailments are considered before treatment begins. The goal behind this approach is to not only help our clients recover from their substance addiction but to also help with identifying and treating any other co-occurring disorders that fuel the substance use disorder. We firmly believe that if SUD patients receive the additional mental healthcare they need, aside from the standard medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and detoxification procedures, they will not only free themselves from their chemical dependence but will also be far less likely to relapse and return to their substance abuse habits.
SUD Treatment Center in Dover, DE
If you or someone you know is dealing with opioid or alcohol addiction and is in need of SUD treatment, American Treatment Network can help. Our locations in Dover, DE, Havertown, PA, and Newark, DE, are fully equipped with an expert staff and the medical knowledge you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible. Call to find out more or schedule an appointment today!
