The Hard Stats on Staying Sober
The Hard Stats on Staying Sober
Northstar Recovery CenterPHP and IOP Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
Recent statistics show that more than 10% of adults used drugs or alcohol to help cope during the COVID-19 pandemic! Drug overdoses increased by 30% from 2019 to 2020, concerning many experts and health professionals.
Treatment centers are the best tool when managing alcohol abuse and other disorders. Not only can a rehab center provide a safe setting for treatment, but health professionals can help teach people coping tools.
Long-term success depends on a person’s willingness to participate in therapy and the type of rehab program. Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on how someone can start their sobriety journey and find success towards a healthier and happier life.
Keep reading on for more information!
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
When searching alcohol abuse, a person may come across different terms such as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder. These two definitions are slightly different since a substance use disorder can entail drug abuse or alcohol abuse.
Over 14 million adults in the United States are dealing with alcohol abuse symptoms, including at least three drinks a day for women and four drinks a day for men. What are some of the symptoms of alcohol abuse?
- Unable to stop drinking
- Hiding alcohol use
- Denial
- Risky behaviors
- Impaired thinking or cognition
Unfortunately, alcohol can also lead to several adverse effects on a person’s health and relationships. Alcohol can increase a person’s risk for:
- Injuries
- Chronic illnesses
- Cancer
- Missed work or school
- Violence
For females, it can result in fetal alcohol syndrome if they become pregnant. Getting a diagnosis and helpful alcohol treatment are two ways that an individual suffering from alcohol abuse can start on the path of sobriety.
Alcohol Recovery Treatment
Alcohol is one of the highest abused substances in the United States. Alcohol recovery treatment programs can help identify triggers and prevent relapse. In Southborough, MA, there are several benefits of an alcohol recovery program, including:
- Recognizing how alcohol affects the brain
- Managing and identifying triggers
- Tips to avoid relapse
- Addressing obstacles during the path to sobriety
- Peer support
- Coping strategies
- Developing life skills
- Individual treatment programs
- Multiple therapeutic options
- Access to ongoing support
Using an inpatient recovery program can give a person access to health professionals who have the expertise and guidance to direct an individual plan of care. There are three main programs that Northstar Recovery Center offers: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient program (IOP), and individual or group counseling.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
If a person does not qualify for an inpatient hospitalization program or they do not want to admit into an inpatient facility, the partial hospitalization program is an ideal choice. It provides intensive alcohol recovery therapies and a drug treatment plan if needed. Partial hospitalization programs also have greater time commitments than an IOP.
In a partial hospitalization program, a client can expect up to six hours a day and five days a week. These are safe and trigger-free environments that facilitate staying sober. It also teaches tools to prevent relapse.
Treatments last weeks to months at Northstar Recovery Center. Some of the treatments a person may receive there include:
- Individual therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy)
- Group therapy
- Peer support groups
There are three keys to success regarding drug abuse or alcohol abuse. These include managing withdrawal symptoms, staying in treatment plans, and learning strategies that prevent relapse.
Luckily, partial hospitalization programs can help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They can also teach people useful and long-term tools that prevent relapse.
Research shows that stress cues and direct contact with a substance can cause relapse. Therapies focused on identifying triggers can facilitate long-term success with alcohol recovery.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An IOP is a step-down from partial hospitalization. It requires less time commitment and could be a progressive step if a person had previously attended inpatient or partial hospitalization programs.
Patients with less severe substance use disorders could also go directly to an IOP. Studies found that more intensive treatment equates to better outcomes. For that reason, Northstar Recovery Center focuses on longer time commitments while still allowing a person to have other commitments outside of therapy.
IOP can also help them put their skills to the test in the outside world. What can a person expect when choosing an IOP program in MA? Time commitments are five hours a day for three to five days a week.
Peer Support Groups
Unfortunately, there is no single cure for alcohol abuse disorders. Scientists have found that individualized treatment plans and support groups can facilitate sobriety and healthier lifestyles.
Peer support groups help a person find commonality with others and share experiences. They can be valuable tools for those who need added resources and support systems.
Dual Treatment Programs
Mental health illnesses can increase a person’s risk for substance abuse disorders. Finding treatment programs that address mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety can help substance use disorders.
Approximately 50% of patients with a substance use disorder have a mental health illness. Depression is one of the most common diagnoses, and self-medication is one of the risks a person has to develop alcohol or drug abuse problems.
During the pandemic, these rates increased even more. One solution is getting help through a certified substance abuse treatment program in MA.
Finding Help for Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a mental health illness that affects millions of people globally and in the United States. Mental health illnesses and co-occurring disorders can worsen their symptoms.
Finding an alcohol treatment center can reduce a person’s risk for injuries, illnesses, and more. It can also help rebuild relationships and improve their quality of life.
At Northstar Recovery Center, we are one of the leading treatment facilities for alcohol and other substance use disorders. Don’t wait any longer to get help.
Contact us today to get started on a healthier life!
WHO WE ARE
Northstar Recovery Center in Southborough, MA is made up of a team of experienced, dedicated, and compassionate addiction treatment professionals. We want to see our community heal from the effects of the opioid epidemic, alcohol addiction, and other substance use disorders.
Day Treatment Program in MA
Our day treatment program in Massachusetts, also referred to as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), is the highest level of health care offered at NorthStar Recovery Center. This outpatient addiction treatment option encompasses comprehensive clinical health care and behavioral health therapy services. In the initial stages of addiction recovery, it's crucial to have robust support to navigate both the physical and emotional challenges that come with pursuing long-term sobriety.
Our dedicated team at NorthStar Recovery Center, located in Southborough, MA, and West Springfield, MA, is committed to assisting you in establishing a solid foundation for a lifelong recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Clients typically visit our outpatient addiction treatment center in Massachusetts each weekday for several hours, engaging in counseling sessions and other necessary interventions. This intensive outpatient therapy approach ensures a balanced and effective recovery process, tailored to individual needs within the framework of day treatment.
Individual, Group, and Family Counseling in Massachusetts
Addiction thrives in isolation, which is why group counseling sessions are a foundational part of our addiction treatment services. In group sessions, you’ll gain perspective on your struggles with substance use disorder and can connect with others who understand your experiences.
Family counseling can help your loved ones understand the disease of addiction, navigate conflict, develop better coping tools, and build healthier relationships. In individual counseling sessions, you’ll be able to work through personal issues like past trauma with the help of experienced therapists at our alcohol and drug treatment centers. Improve your quality of life and pursue lifelong sobriety now.
Contact Northstar Recovery Center
Let us guide you on your journey to recovery from addiction. Connect with our team today.