Substance use disorders affect millions of people in the United States each year. Without appropriate intervention, living with an addiction can produce devastating consequences that continue to worsen over time. Thankfully, there are effective substance abuse recovery programs in Arizona that can help.
Understanding Substance Abuse and Recovery
Addiction is not a choice. When a person turns to substance abuse, they experience long-lasting brain changes that reduce their ability to stop on their own. These changes are primarily seen in the brain’s dopamine reward network, causing people to:
- Lose interest in activities outside of substance use
- Experience invasive drug cravings
- Have intense physical and mental health withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop
But while addiction isn’t a choice, recovery can be. Decades of research and clinical practice have shown that there are effective and evidence-based techniques that can help people overcome a substance use disorder. Indeed, evidence indicates that most people will recover if they seek the right treatment.
But what differentiates effective substance abuse recovery programs in Arizona from less effective options? And how do you sort through the hundreds of Arizona rehabs that claim to be able to help?
Effective Substance Abuse Recovery Programs in Arizona
Effective substance use treatment follows a few key principles. For instance, it:
- Primarily uses evidence-based treatment methods to help people recover
- Recognizes the role of family involvement and support in substance abuse recovery
- Treats mental illness and substance use disorders simultaneously
- Provides long-term support for people after they finish a treatment program
Evidence-based treatment is perhaps the most important component to assess when looking for effective substance abuse recovery programs in Arizona. Therapies and treatments are considered evidence-based if they have substantial scientific support, have proven themselves in both clinical and research settings, and make a meaningful difference for people looking to overcome a substance use disorder.
Examples of evidence-based treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention programs
- Group therapy
- 12-Step facilitation
These treatments have stood the test of time in helping people break free from addiction, learn how to overcome the side effects of substance use disorders, and build lasting and worthwhile lives in recovery.
Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs
Another component that can make a meaningful difference in your treatment program is whether the facility of your choice caters treatment to each client. A truly individualized treatment program means that each treatment plan is made specifically for you rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.
In practice, individualized treatment can take many different shapes. For instance, a person struggling with both alcohol addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment options that treat substance abuse concurrently with PTSD. Dual-diagnosis treatments understand the importance of addressing underlying trauma in recovery programs.
Alternative treatment options can also be included for people who want a more holistic approach to recovery. This includes treatments and therapies such as:
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Yoga
- Art therapy programs
- Nutrition counseling
- Spiritual approaches to recovery
These alternative therapies don’t necessarily replace evidence-based treatment methods. However, they can be used in conjunction with them to provide a more holistic approach to physical and mental health. Such alternative programs can help people overcome common challenges and barriers in the recovery process. They may also simply better align with your unique preferences for treatment.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Aftercare and relapse prevention programs are two more effective ways of ensuring you have all the tools needed for a lifetime of recovery. Both approaches can reduce the risk of relapse, help people overcome drug and alcohol cravings, and provide much-needed support in the recovery process.
Aftercare
Aftercare programs are an essential component of effective treatment. Research has repeatedly shown that aftercare can substantially increase the likelihood of long-term recovery, as these programs help extend the support and accountability of substance abuse treatment after people have completed a conventional program.
Relapse Prevention
A relapse prevention program is a tool designed to help people stop relapse before it ever occurs.1 At the core of a relapse prevention program is the recognition that relapse isn’t a single event but a process that occurs in several stages. The idea is that identifying the early stages of relapse can help you stop yourself from drinking or using drugs in the future.
Relapse prevention programs offer education about the relapse process, high-risk situations where relapse is a real possibility, and strategies you can use to stop relapse in its tracks.
Find Effective Substance Abuse Recovery Programs in Arizona at Wolf Creek Recovery
At Wolf Creek Recovery, we focus on providing the best and most effective substance abuse recovery programs in Arizona. This means using the best evidence-based practices for treating addiction, true dual diagnosis care for people with co-occurring disorders, and a variety of alternative treatment options that can enhance your overall treatment experience.
To get started with treatment at our Arizona rehabs, call our team or fill out our confidential online contact form. We know how difficult overcoming addiction can be and have a wealth of experience helping people overcome their early challenges in recovery. And you can recover — you just need to make the call.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6760427/
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
