What can we expect at a substance abuse clinic ?

A substance abuse clinic assists addicts and personswith substance dependency issues to manage and deal with their compulsive addictive conditions. Frequently you will find a substance abuse clinic working alongside an alcohol rehab center as often patients present a dual diagnosis of both drug and alcohol dependency, and the two work very closely together.

You will find a wide range of professional and counseling services available in a substance abuse clinic, including medical doctors and psychiatrists who specialize in the treatment of addiction. A substance abuse clinic will also have unique therapies to handle addiction to a range of substances and drugs, as each will present different treatment challenges for the recovering patient.

For those who have moderate to severe addictions, a substance abuse clinic will offer inpatient residential treatment programs and the period of stay may be considerable. Longer stay intensive therapy is usually found in a substance abuse clinic situated in a medical facility such as a hospital, or even in a prison where treatment for the addiction has been mandated by the sentencing court. Treatment in these facilities tends to be very rigorous and focuses on clinical methods to break the cycle of addictive behavior and the compulsion to return to substance use

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Outside of hospitals, substance abuse clinics are available that offer a more relaxed approach to the treatment of the addicted patient. Often such facilities are situated in out of the way locations in order to remove the patient completely from the environment in which substance abuse occurred. This is done for several reasons, not least that the underlying cause of addictive behavior is likely to be present in the old environment. Further, response to treatment at the substance abuse clinic in such circumstances, tends to be greater for theh patient as the pressure of everyday existence is also removed. This may include removal from the family and the barring of contact with loved ones and associates, some of whom may also be involved in the use of drugs and contributors to the patients addictive behavior.

Lengths of stay at this type of substance abuse clinic tends to last no more than six months, and is usually for a period of thirty days or so. Funding may be through insurance or medical coverage, or indeed there are a number of federal and State funded programs that can be found by using the SAMSHA facility locator service that is available online.

Outpatient facilities and outreach functions may be provided by a substance abuse clinic delivering services to support recovering addicts who have been discharged from an inpatient residential facility but who nevertheless still require follow up sessions and monitoring. Such a substance abuse clinic will also function as a source of support and emergency assistance for the patient in the event that the treatment for the addiction fails to counter the compulsion to use a substance, or indeed if there is a complete breakdown and a relapse occurs. Outpatient facilities are also used to treat patients who’s addiction is only very mild and there is no need to interfere with the ability to continue with employment or remove a patient from a harmful environment while maintaining family life.

The numbers of young children and adolescents that fall victim to substance abuse often requires a dedicated approach to delivering treatment for them. Children and adolescents do not generally respond well in an adult environment, particularly given the therapeutic nature of post detoxification treatments used. In these instances, a substance abuse clinic that handles only children or adolescents may be used where child and adolescent psychiatrists can also provide the specialist care these patients demand. Other services that are peculiar to young patients may also be delivered at these facilities, such as continuing education while receiving treatment.

A substance abuse clinic will provide counseling for both the patient and their families, and should try to help all involved of the nature the addicts condition. Very often simple education on the condition is not sufficient as behavioral problems of the addict may have already damaged family ties and so there is a role in helping rebuild these bonds. This is not just beneficial from a social perspective, but rather it is also an important safeguard against relapse post discharge. After inpatient treatment, the addict will require a support network to assist them ease into a more productive life that does not include the use of drugs or other substances. It is essential that not only the addicted person but their support network of family and friend are aware of what may happen after the patient is discharged and what contingency plans are ready to tackle situations that may result in relapse.

Issues of payment with a private substance abuse clinic will arise, but they should be in a position to assist you with any queries. They certainly should be able to help you find out if your medical coverage will handle the cost, and what is likely to happen if the limits are reached during treatment but before completion and discharge. They will also be able to assist you with finding sources and programs that provide assistance for a patient with a particular condition, particularly if the treatment at a substance abuse clinic has been mandated by a court as part of a sentencing arrangement.

Whenever you are assessing a substance abuse clinic you should be prepared to ask questions about the nature of the treatments available, the accreditations and experience of the professional staff delivering the treatment and how things such as deciding on when to discharge a patient will occur and who will be making that decision. Do not feel that you cannot ask such questions and certainly do not be afraid to seek help elsewhere if you do not feel you have been given proper information. It is the job of the substance abuse clinic to explain and help you understand what is happening and how things will be conducted in future so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.