Today, millions of people are affected by addiction globally.
Studies show that over 64% of people use illegal drugs worldwide, which accounts for over half of the global population!
Despite what you may have heard, substance addiction doesn’t just affect a specific type of individual or community; drug and alcohol addiction is prevalent worldwide, affecting people from all backgrounds and life experiences.
Addiction is a profoundly complex disease. No single cause for substance abuse or other forms of addiction exists, and no single treatment cures it.
In our experience, addiction treatment programs that address each individual’s needs, preferences and goals are the most effective and result in better treatment outcomes for those in recovery.
This article explores individualised treatment programs, including how effective they are for those in addiction and mental health recovery and the benefits of enlisting in this type of treatment.
Let’s begin!
What is individualised treatment?
Addiction is a multifaceted disease. Therefore, treatment programs must address all the various parts contributing to a person’s substance use for recovery to be effective.
For example, studies show those with a drug or alcohol addiction typically also have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Those in the clinical field use the term ‘co-occurring disorders‘ when a person simultaneously has a mental illness and substance use disorder.
Individualised treatment considers all the various components of addiction, including any underlying mental health issues a person may be experiencing.
Individualised treatment programs provide an integrated approach to addiction and mental health recovery, allowing treatment providers to create a customised, personal treatment plan to address your unique needs, challenges and requirements.
These treatment programs offer a combination of therapies and approaches to ensure you get the best out of your recovery; they include:
- Medical detoxification
- Evidence-based therapies, including group and family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Behaviour modification techniques
- Holistic therapies, such as mindfulness and meditation
- Aftercare and support
Individualised treatment programs are proven most effective since they address all the various aspects of a person’s journey with addiction, which are likely to be as unique as they are.
What do individualised treatment programs involve?
Individualised treatment programs differ depending on the substance used, the duration of addiction, any co-occurring disorders, and other factors such as a person’s history and genetics.
However, typically, individualised treatment programs address the various challenges and factors that may be involved in a person’s substance use, including:
- Co-occurring disorders
- Other mental and physical health needs
- Withdrawal
- Support and aftercare needs once the program has been completed
What can I expect from an individualised treatment program?
As mentioned earlier, co-occurring disorders are common in those with addiction.
Additional mental health challenges pose a significant risk to those with substance use disorder; these health challenges can also make treatment more complicated.
Studies show those with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder have a higher rate of substance abuse than those who do not have these conditions.
Patients with multiple health needs require a more intensive, structured approach to addiction recovery, which an individualised treatment program can provide.
These programs typically involve a combination of the following:
Medical detoxification
Medical detoxification is usually the first step in substance addiction treatment.
A medically supervised detox helps rid your body of toxic substances under the care and guidance of experienced professionals.
Evidence-based therapies
Behavioural therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are highly effective treatments for various addiction and mental health disorders.
Cognitive therapies help those in recovery identify any maladjusted thought and behavioural patterns that may have led to their addiction in the first place.
In addition, behavioural treatments teach healthy coping mechanisms, helping individuals to identify their addiction triggers, thus preventing relapse.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Depending on the type of substance use disorder you have, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be recommended to help reduce drug or alcohol cravings.
Centres for Health and Healing provide Sublocade treatment, a medication-assisted treatment for those with opioid addiction and opioid use disorder.
Unfortunately, opioid addiction is prevalent worldwide, particularly in countries like Canada, where the opioid crisis is fast becoming an epidemic.
For example, studies show that since 2016, approximately nine thousand Canadians have lost their lives due to opioid abuse.
Canada’s opioid crisis has led to widespread loss and devastation for countless individuals and their families. However, these devastating outcomes can be prevented, provided people seek early treatment and support.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid use disorder (or any other addiction), contact us at our Toronto treatment centre for further advice and support about our rehab and addiction programs.
Trauma treatment
Trauma-informed treatment is effective for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, a leading cause of substance abuse and other addictions.
In addition, trauma treatment helps individuals to understand the connection between their addictive behaviours and past traumatic experiences, allowing them to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Group therapy
Group therapy involves discussing your addiction and mental health challenges with peers with similar experiences.
This treatment is usually facilitated by one or more trained professionals who treat several clients simultaneously.
Family support
Family support is an essential part of any individualised treatment program.
We know that clients with stable family support systems are more likely to experience better treatment outcomes than those without this level of support.
Family support provides individuals and their families with the necessary education, resources and tools to better understand addiction.
In addition, it allows family members to support each other, thus increasing their knowledge of how addiction impacts each person in a family unit.
Aftercare and support
Aftercare and support programs are a vital part of any addiction treatment.
These programs help you stay on track with your recovery after completing a rehab program.
Continued aftercare and support can help reinforce the vital principles learned during treatment, such as practising healthy coping skills and recognising your addiction triggers.
Such programs can also strengthen your knowledge of relapse prevention, allowing you to maintain lasting sobriety.
The benefits of an individualised treatment program
Individualised treatment programs benefit those seeking recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
Some of the benefits of individualised treatment include the following:
- Offers multiple treatment options, customised to accommodate each individual’s treatment needs and requirements.
- Addresses all aspects of substance abuse, including physical, mental, spiritual and social factors that may contribute to or worsen addiction.
- Gives those in recovery a robust support network, allowing individuals to be part of a sober community.
- Provides aftercare support measures to help clients maintain recovery and manage any challenges they may face after treatment.
- Delivers a more rewarding type of care since it addresses each person’s unique needs, leading to increased confidence, self-awareness and empowerment.
- Empowers clients with the necessary tools and resources needed to prevent relapse.
Life after rehab
Treatment doesn’t end once you leave a rehabilitation facility. In fact, the opposite is true; your journey to lifelong recovery has just begun.
After completing an addiction rehab program, clients require ongoing aftercare and support to help them maintain recovery and live an independent sober life.
Studies show that long-term aftercare helps those in recovery adjust more easily to life after rehab. It is a vital component of any successful treatment plan and plays a significant role in the long-term success of a person’s recovery.
These supportive measures give individuals all the tools they need to manage their addiction triggers and build confidence around abstinence.
Post-treatment care may also involve assisting clients with other matters such as housing, employment and financial issues, helping them maintain long-term recovery from addiction.
Each person has their own story of addiction
Each person has a unique story that may have led them to addiction.
For example, an individual may have a history of trauma, abuse or mental illness and began using substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with painful emotions or other challenging symptoms.
On the other hand, someone experiencing chronic work stress may have suffered burnout symptoms and began self-medicating to help them continue performing at an optimum level.
These coping mechanisms may work in the short term. However, if left untreated, these coping strategies may quickly become an addiction where a person can no longer control their substance use.
Seeking help and support for addiction sooner rather than later can help you avoid the health risks associated with chronic drug or alcohol abuse.
Individualised addiction and mental health treatment at Centres for Health and Healing
Centres for Health and Healing offer personalised treatment programs for various substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, and mental health conditions at our recovery centre in Toronto, Canada.
Our individualised treatment programs include a combination of various therapies and approaches to help you overcome addiction, including medication-assisted treatment, behavioural therapies, group therapy, family support and medical detoxification.
With our mixed therapeutic methods and staff with decades of knowledge and experience, Centres for Health and Healing provide the setting and necessary tools and resources to help you achieve lasting sobriety and wellness.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with substance addiction or other mental health issues, an individualised treatment program can help address all the essential components needed for effective, lasting recovery.
To learn more about our individualised treatment program, contact a specialist at our treatment centre in Toronto today for further information and support.
Now is the time to get help and support for addiction.
We are here and ready to help.
