Having an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is a chronic disorder which can have negative effects on both the user and their family and friends. Fortunately, substance abusers have a range of treatment center options available to them in Los Angeles. The type of treatment you seek depends on a variety of things, such as the stage at which treatment is sought, the severity of your dependence and your personal preference in treatment protocols. It is important to understand by choosing one particular treatment center it does not mean you won’t receive all of the required stages of treatment. For example, some treatment centers are Christian oriented while others may be non-medical. The types of treatment are typically split into counseling (therapy) and medical (detoxification/diagnosis). The stages of treatment are usually: diagnosis, detoxification, inpatient or outpatient programs and then aftercare.
Addressing Your Needs
It is essential you keep in mind everyone has different needs when evaluating the various types of substance treatment center options available in Los Angeles. Typically the longer and more intense the drug and/or alcohol use, the longer and more intense the treatment will be. Regardless of the length of the program you decide on, one of the most important aspects of treatment is the follow-up or aftercare, which is crucial for your recovery. A quality treatment center will not only address your drug abuse, but it will also address your emotional pain and the life problems which contributed to your addiction.
What to Look For in a Treatment Center
When you begin your search for the best treatment center in Los Angeles, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the options available. While it is great to have amenities such as scenic views, tennis courts and spas, the most important thing to focus on is what is really important; the care. Things you should check to ensure you are getting professional, trusted care include:
*Licensing and Accreditation – It is important all of the treatment centers you are considering are accredited by the state of California to ensure the programs are operated by licensed and well-trained professionals.
*Treatment Methods and Effectiveness – Most treatment centers will be happy to discuss the statistics on their success rates. Some facilities have greater success in specific areas, while others may offer gender specific treatment so individuals feel more comfortable discussing sensitive subjects.
*Aftercare Services – Aftercare is essential for your total recovery, so the treatment center you select should provide an aftercare program as well as referrals to other support groups and recovery services in your community.
Ending your substance abuse means you will be going through many different stages of treatment. The first stage is stopping the use of your substance of choice, which may require medical support to properly manage the withdrawal symptoms. Although coming off of light drug or alcohol abuse may not require medical supervision, it is recommended you not attempt to detox on your own, as the withdrawal symptoms are the number one cause for relapse and can sometimes even be fatal. It’s important to understand addiction isn’t something to be ashamed of; it is a vicious self-destructive cycle which is difficult to break free of without professional help. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, don’t hesitate to confer with a professional treatment center, like the Gooden Center in Los Angeles, to discuss personalized treatment options and create a plan to regain control.
