Choosing Treatment
Inpatient and outpatient treatments are the basic treatment choices for the chemically dependent caregiver or disabled person. Primary concerns surrounding treatment programs are:
- Who will take care of the disabled individual if the primary caregiver is the alcoholic/addict who seeks in-patient treatment for addiction?
- If the person seeking treatment is the disabled person, can the treatment facility meet the physical care needs of this individual?
Finances, physical care needs, or other personal concerns may dictate the choice of a treatment program. Be informed, consider choices carefully, and make the best choice based on what is available to meet your unique needs.
Obviously, alcoholics/addicts, whether caregivers or the disabled, are individuals. Their problems may require special responses. Financial, emotional, psychological, or injury- related problems may require specific attention before or during treatment for addiction.
Unique circumstances may require special attention and understanding in treatment, or perhaps referral to additional resources that are familiar with the situation. It is important to note, however, that the general format and direction of treatment must be based on an understanding of the nature of addiction and proven techniques to fight it.
As has been stated, there are many treatment options available. Not all may be advisable for the alcoholic/addicted injured person or caregiver. It is not recommended to accept psychotherapy (in- or outpatient) as the only treatment for addiction. Psychotherapy can certainly be helpful for a person with a diagnosis of alcoholism/addiction along with other emotional problems, but psychotherapy alone is not addiction treatment.
Other components of effective treatment programs are:
- Family treatment or counseling, so that family can play an active part in the recovery process.
- Nutritional and life style therapy, because both are a part of the holistic approach to recovery.
- Aftercare plan, including outpatient counseling and follow-up care
Regardless of the treatment modality chosen, the goals must be
- long term abstinence from alcohol or other drug use,
- education for the alcoholic/addict and the family regarding the behaviors necessary to obtain and maintain sobriety,
- healthy family dynamics, and
- a satisfying, productive lifestyle.
Finding Information about Treatment for Alcoholism/addiction
- Consult with professional caregivers already involved with the injured or disabled person. Ask the social worker, medical doctor, or other member of the care-provider team.
- Local mental health or alcoholism/addiction boards should be able to provide lists of local treatment options.
- Consult yellow pages of the phone directory.
- Contact Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Search the Internet for information about chemical dependency and treatment.
Web Sites
The following Web sites might prove helpful in gathering further information about alcoholism and addiction:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/
http://www.jointogether.org/
http://www.tcu.edu/
http://www.samhsa.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/
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