The basic premise of the 12-step model is that people can help one another achieve and maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The twelve-step treatment programs in Pennsylvania offer patients long-term or short-term rehabilitation options. Twelve-step treatment programs also incorporate other counseling methods like behavioral therapy. The process of searching for treatment in Pennsylvania does not have to be difficult. An addiction assessment is a good place to begin, and the assessment process could happen over the phone or in-person with a qualified professional. The purpose of an addiction assessment is to determine the extent of addiction and what treatment resources are available in the state.
The first phase of treatment is detox, and this cannot necessarily be avoided. Detoxification is essential to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When drug and alcohol use has been stopped, the body and mind experience withdrawal cravings. The severity of withdrawal determines what type of detox is required. Medically supervised detox programs treat heroin or pain medication addiction, severe alcoholism, or prescription drug abuse. Withdrawal symptoms are usually severe and difficult to manage with these substances. Conventional or traditional detox programs manage less severe detox like with cocaine, crack cocaine, or methamphetamine.
The next phase of treatment involves attending inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, and the extent of addiction determines what is needed. Residential rehabilitation programs are excellent options because the patient lives at the facility, and more counseling options are offered. Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs offer long-term or short-term options for patients. Outpatient 12-step treatment programs are common choices because they are affordable and accessible for most families. Outpatient treatment centers also make excellent aftercare support. A significant benefit of 12-step treatment programs is peer support or 12-step meetings after the initial treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Trends and 12-Step Treatment in Pennsylvania
Twelve-step treatment programs remain a commonly recommended and used treatment modality for various types of addiction. Many of these treatment programs incorporate the 12-step approach with other behavioral therapies. However, the problems connected to drugs and alcohol impact many families and individuals living in Pennsylvania. Opioids, in particular, continue to cause death and addiction, and 12-step programs have had an important role in helping former opioid users maintain their sobriety. According to reports, the heroin threat to the state is exacerbated by the unprecedented proliferation of clandestinely produced fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances.
The increased fentanyl availability and misuse contributed to a 65% overall increase in drug-related overdose deaths in the state between 2015 and 2017. Rehabilitation is essential, but getting a person to treatment is not always easy. Most families have to organize a professional intervention to help their loved ones. The best way to plan an intervention is by hiring a professional interventionist. Early intervention works, and the family should not wait to organize an intervention. Without proper help, an addiction becomes progressively worse, and the drug-addicted loved one drifts further away from their family and friends.
