There are many paths to recovery designed to meet an individual where he or she IS on the path. Not every individual with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) will require treatment. Refusal to enter into treatment should not be viewed as an unwillingness to be free of drugs. If you have ever been in a relationship that was unhealthy, you may remember thinking about ending the relationship long before you do it. And when you finally end the relationship, you may grieve over the loss while at the same time you are aware that ending the relationship is what is best for you. Individuals that are imprisoned by their drug addiction are often ambivalent - they are motivated in two opposing directions at the same time. Recommended reading: Beyond Addiction
If you love someone with a SUD, you play a crucial role in their change process. Patience is key. Like any learning process, recovery takes trial and error. Slips or lapses to old behavior patterns are common and should not be viewed as starting over or indicate that treatment has not "worked." This attitude can be defeating to someone in recovery and send them to a full blown relapse. Most of us can identify with "falling off the wagon" when dieting. We grieve over the food or nicotine that once made us feel better. Relapsing into old behaviors does not mean that we don't want a healthier diet. It means that something is missing and food is filling the void.
We believe that kindness and compassion (which is backed by scientific evidence) should replace the old attitude of detachment and allowing someone to "hit bottom." In many cases, there is no time to wait for the bottom.
Remember, people don't just get sober, they learn to be sober. - Center for Motivation and Change
Treatments Available
This following is a sample of treatments available for someone who wishes to be drug free. The list is constantly evolving and we will do our do diligence to keep it updated.
Detox - Before beginning any course of detoxification, consult with a medical professional. In many cases, undergoing detox should be supervised by a physician to ensure health and safety throughout the process. Fatalities can occur if a person quits "cold turkey" after long-time abuse of: alcohol, benzodiazepine or high amounts of methadone. Immediately discontinuing the use of drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines or nicotine can produce severe difficulties but rarely fatalities. Remember: Detox is necessary but not sustainable for long-term recovery. Other steps should be taken to ensure successful recovery from inpatient to group support - depending on the severity of addiction.
Inpatient - High intensity treatment/intervention. Sometimes referred to as acute hospital setting. Treatment may be provided in specialty units of hospitals or medical clinics. Inpatient treatment is generally 3 days to a week and intended to stabilize the patient before his or her next step which could be PHP, IOP or residential.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) - For individuals with a physical dependency on certain drugs, primarily heroin or other opioids, medication is provided in a specialized outpatient setting in combination with counseling and other treatment services. Learn more at the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Short-term Residential - Length of stay varies, but is typically 30 days or less. Clients remain at the facility during the treatment period. (Modalities include Evidenced Based, Faith Based, Refuge Recovery, 12 Step, Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT)
Long-term Residential - Length of stay varies from weeks to months to a year. Typically residents complete phases as they progress through the program. (Modalities include Evidenced Based, Faith Based, Refuge Recovery, 12 Step, Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT)
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) - Clients attend four to eight hours of treatment a day (20 or more a week) while continuing to live at home. Most families use these types of programs when their child needs an intensive and structured experience. Day treatment can be appropriate for individuals with co-occurring mental illness.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) - Clients attend 10 - 20 hours of treatment a week (slightly less for teens) at a specialty facility while continuing to live at home. Many programs make services available in the evenings and on weekends so individuals can continue to work or stay in school. A better option for individuals who need multiple services, have accompanying medical or psychological illnesses or have not been successful in outpatient treatment.
Outpatient - Treatment is typically at a treatment facility and can vary from a few hours a week to several hours a week. Many facilities offer programs at night and on weekends to accommodate work and school schedules so that the individual can continue to live at home.
Individual Counseling - One-on-one counseling to explore personal problems that an individual may not be comfortable discussing in a group setting.
Group Counseling - Usually consists of several people with similar issues and goals. One or more counselors facilitate discussions which may include struggles, experiences and common issues impeding sobriety.
Recovery or Sober Living Homes - Transitional residences for adults who have completed a more intense level of treatment (inpatient, short or long-term residential program). Homes usually have a small number of residents that are supervised by staff who are typically in long-term recovery. Structure and rules should be clear and enforced to ensure the safety of all residents.
Support Groups (AA, NA, CA, Refuge Recovery, etc.) - Very effective in building a sober community of friends with similar goals. Different styles and formats are available including 12-Step and non 12-Step groups. People come together to share experiences with addiction and provide support to one another.
Please use this page for reference only. None of the programs listed below are specifically endorsed by Not One More Alabama (NOMA) and no representation is made that the quality of services from the providers listed is greater than the quality of services performed by other service providers. This listing is far from a comprehensive list of treatment programs in Alabama and the surrounding area. It also may change due to openings, consolidations and closures. We strongly recommend that you perform your own research before using any service provider and work with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate level of care for you or your family member.
NOMA is not a referral source and does not refer to any specific program. Our purpose is to share information and provide education for families that are considering treatment services in the state of Alabama and surrounding areas.
Directories
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a complete list of treatment and support options throughout the United States. Use filters for the interactive Treatment Finder to search for various types of treatment programs in our area and throughout the country. Another excellent resource is Psychology Today which also uses filters to identify providers in your area and articles on mental health and substance use disorders.