What Is a Substance Use Disorder?

A substance use disorder can include any use of drugs or alcohol that leads to dependency and negative health consequences. Substance use disorders can also affect finances, work obligations, and relationships. 

Alcohol use disorder ranks from mild to severe, depending on your or a loved one’s symptoms. It includes excessive drinking and an inability to stop even when it negatively affects your health or life. When you stop drinking, it results in several withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tachycardia
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Anxiety

Since alcohol is widely used, detecting alcohol misuse or abuse can be challenging. For starters, alcohol use disorder primarily revolves around wanting to stop. It can also lead to participation in riskier behaviors and distract from responsibilities, such as work. 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program in Southborough, MA

A SUD treatment program in Southborough, MA, addresses drug and alcohol abuse. The primary benefit of attending an alcohol addiction treatment program in Southborugh, MA, is that you can start participating in therapy and counseling that has proven effective.

Recent studies show that using cognitive-behavioral therapy or other therapies in conjunction with pharmacotherapy demonstrated the best results. Pharmacotherapy is a widely used treatment for opioid and alcohol use.

One of the most common medication-assisted treatments used is naltrexone. Medication can blunt alcohol’s effect, diminishing the pleasurable sensations.

In return, it can reduce relapse and dependency. However, other behavioral therapies can help you change thoughts and behaviors.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a gold-standard approach for treating several mental health disorders. A trained professional in CBT is crucial to milking its benefits. 

CBT helps you identify faulty thought patterns. It also challenges your current thoughts surrounding substance use disorder. The goal of CBT is long-term and positive thought and behavior changes. 

What Rehab Program Is Right for You?

The ideal rehab program will have vast experience working with alcohol use disorder. There are several recovery stages and programs, like:

• Detox facilities
• Residential programs
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Detox is the first step in recovery. Medical detox facilities help you safely withdraw from a substance. If needed, they can provide medication to minimize your symptoms and ensure your safety. 

Stays in detox centers are fairly brief. Afterward, you will likely need a residential or PHP facility. These are more intensive, requiring hours of therapy and counseling to help you stay sober. 

Depending on the facility, Medicare and other insurances could cover portions of a PHP. Usually, the facility must meet certain standards, and you must have a physician’s recommendation. 

The main difference between a residential program and PHP is that the latter doesn’t require you to remain overnight. If you are not at risk of harming yourself or others and have a lower relapse rate, you may be more appropriate for a PHP.

Compared to an IOP, PHP is slightly more intensive, encompassing the majority of your day. Some patients in an IOP either have a less severe substance use disorder or have transitioned from a higher level of care. 

It requires less time commitment than a PHP but more than outpatient therapy. Other patients may even hold part-time jobs and utilize their life skills in applicable situations. 

IOP vs. Outpatient Therapy

Say you have a mild alcohol use disorder or have completed several inpatient rehab steps. At this point, you may feel ready to transition back home and start reintegrating into the real world. This process might entail finding a job, rebuilding relationships, and working on your mental and physical health. 

Is an IOP or outpatient therapy right for you? While most tend to err toward outpatient therapy, IOP is a great bridge between intensive residential stints and outpatient. 

Treatment can vary based on the clinic. But you can expect upwards of nine hours of therapy weekly, helping you slowly wean from higher levels of care while avoiding relapse risks. 

Women’s vs. Men’s Rehab Program in Southborough, MA

Is there a difference between a women’s rehab program in Southbrough, MA, and a men’s? Yes, and sometimes, enrolling in gender-specific programs can help you with other co-occurring disorders such as trauma or past abuse. 

Additionally, men and women respond differently to substances. While men have higher rates of substance abuse, women are more likely to relapse. Some treatments have not had adequate testing on women, making it crucial that you enroll in a treatment program that offers highly individualized care.  

Enroll in an Alcohol Treatment Program Today

A substance use disorder treatment program in Southborough, MA, can help you with alcohol use disorder. Whether you have mild or severe alcohol use disorder, Southborough, MA, has an alcohol treatment program that fits your unique needs. A PHP or IOP are two excellent choices for those who do not need 24/7 care but may need more intensive therapy.

Many people can recover from substance use disorders with the right program and professionals on their side. Visit Northstar Recovery Center today and find out how you or a loved one can enroll today!