Addiction is characterized by uncontrollable or compulsive actions despite harmful consequences and long-term negative effects on the brain.

Addictive disorders can include addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex, food, video games, the internet, porn, gambling, shopping, etc. Identifying these disorders and receiving the appropriate treatment is crucial for breaking down this vicious cycle.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 8.1% of the US population require or receive addiction treatment for substance abuse. Once a person identifies the negative impact of their addiction on daily life, a wide array of treatments are available.

Addiction is treatable, but it is by no means a simple journey. It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured by simply not consuming the addictive substance. Most patients require repeated or long-term care for permanent recovery. The right addiction treatment center in New England should essentially help the individual with the following aspects:

• Stop them from using drugs and alcohol
• Help them stay drug and alcohol-free
• Enable them to become productive members of their family, society, and relationships.

What to Look for in an Addiction Treatment in MA?

With thousands of addiction programs to choose from in Massachusetts, it can become quite challenging to select the right one that aligns best with the patient’s needs. Here are 5 important things to remember when selecting the right addiction treatment in MA.

1.     A program closely aligned with your Specific Needs

A reliable addiction treatment center in MA will tailor the program closely to the individual’s needs. It will depend on the addictive substances being consumed, for how long they have been used, and the intensity of the consumption. It is common for patients to underestimate the amount of guidance they need, which could mean that they will soon become overwhelmed and relapse back to their old habits. A good treatment program should begin with a thorough patient screening and look for any mental or physical health conditions that could explain the addiction. The facility should clearly explain the program’s components to the individual so they have a clear idea of what they are getting into and are not faced with any surprises later on.

2.     Accredited and Licensed Staff

It is important to ensure that addiction treatment is provided by licensed and accredited therapists, clinicians, and directors. Doing a thorough background check on the treatment center is a must. For further questions and clarifications, it is best to visit the center in person and speak with the staff in person. Moreover, make sure that the treatment methods, therapies, and exercises involved in the program are properly researched so that there remains no room for ambiguity.

3.     Comprehensive Science-backed Addiction Treatment Methods

The right addiction treatment program in MA should include well-rounded methods that directly tackle co-occurring psychological issues in the patient. These include anxiety and depression and other medical conditions like STDs, liver disease, or hepatitis C. Treating the individual in all aspects will significantly minimize the possibility of relapse and improve the pace of their recovery.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the addiction treatment facility uses methods that are properly researched and backed by sufficient credible sources. Using scientific therapeutic techniques will deliver the most high-quality care, thereby encouraging fast and positive results that are also long-lasting. It also minimizes the risk of a technique going wrong and producing negative results in the patient.

4.     Individual and Group Therapy in a Dignified Environment

Ongoing care is critical for a successful addiction treatment program, including recovery-related therapy and social support. The right program should provide ongoing care rather than simply handing out a list of numbers to call. Rehabilitation for patients is never an easy journey, and it often subjects them to feelings of loneliness, low self-worth, and simply giving up. Individual and group therapy in a respectable, clean and supportive environment with a licensed therapist can help them correctly process positive and negative emotions. One-on-one sessions with the individual can help them talk about their deepest fears or secrets they might not feel comfortable sharing in front of others, thus helping their detoxification process. On the other hand, group therapy sessions can allow them to flaunt their progress, make new friends and help them realize that they are not alone in this journey.

Having a respectful and therapeutic environment is very important for addiction treatment to be successful. A bright, clean, happy, and comfortable environment can dramatically accelerate the healing process as compared to an environment that has something so ‘off’ about it. Addiction patients often feel inferior and suffer from low self-esteem, which is why creating an environment that respects rather than looks down upon them is integral.

Allowing the involvement of a friend, family member, or partner in group therapy can drastically help make the environment more welcoming for an individual. However, the facility should only do this with the patient’s consent to ensure maximum comfort and feelings of security.

5.     Proper Aftercare Planning

The right addiction treatment program is not one that only focuses on the detoxification process but also on the patient’s aftercare. This involves discussing their health, lifestyle, habits, social circle, diet, and overall environment. Returning to normal life after spending months in rehab can be a jarring experience. If there is no supervision or accountability, the patient is likely to return to old habits.

Aftercare planning will involve teaching the individual the right habits and holding them accountable through continued interaction through personal visits or video meetings. Follow-up appointments that gauge their progress are also very important steps that will help them relearn how to function outside without supervision.

Conclusion

The success of addiction treatment largely depends on the kind of addiction treatment program you choose in MA. The right program will build a solid foundation for future habits and lifestyle choices. For this reason, it is important to do extensive research and go with a center that uses evidence-based methods with the help of licensed and professional counselors in a safe environment.