Branford Addiction Treatment Resources

When a person has a substance use disorder, it can lead to problems at school, home, or work. In addition, it can also cause a wide range of mental and physical health problems. Addiction is a disease that can be hard to control because repeated substance use can cause changes in the brain that have a negative impact on self-control, learning and memory, and motivation and reward.

While individuals can develop a substance use disorder regardless of age, sex, and economic status, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder that include a family history of addiction. Individuals who have a blood relative with an addiction are at a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder. Another risk of developing a substance use disorder is using at an early age.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Though sometimes it is very difficult to tell if a person has a substance use disorder, there are signs to look out for that may help you determine if there is a problem. Here are some of the things to be on the lookout for:

• Using the substance everyday
• Spending more time alone
• Feeling sick when trying to quit
• Participating in dangerous activities like stealing or having unprotected sex
• Substances that are commonly misused in the United States include:
• Opiates, heroin, opium, and pain medications that contain narcotics
• Stimulants that include cocaine and amphetamines
• Depressants that include barbiturates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines
• Hallucinations such as LSD, mushrooms, and PCP

There are also many stages that can lead to a substance use disorder:

1. Experimental Use – This is usually done for recreational purposes, and it typically takes place with peers.
2. Regular Use – During this stage, an individual may worry about running out of the substance and may show an increased tolerance.
3. Problem Use – An individual may lose all motivation during this stage. Relationships may suffer, and behavioral changes could occur.

Substance use disorder occurs when a person isn’t able to handle daily life without using. Supporting a substance use disorder can also lead to financial and legal problems.

Types of Treatment

There are important principles of effective treatment for substance use disorders that include:

• Understanding that addiction is a chronic but treatable disease that changes a person’s behavior and brain function
• Treatment should be easily accessible
• No single approach to treatment is right for everyone
• The most effective treatment is tailored to the many needs of the individual
• Staying in treatment for an appropriate amount of time is necessary for lasting sobriety
• Behavioral therapies that include family, group, and individual counseling are the most commonly used methods of treatment
• Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be effective

Treatment programs for a substance use disorder can take place in residential or outpatient settings. While outpatient programs are more accommodating to those with work or school obligations, inpatient programs have proven to be a more effective way to treat addiction.

Residential vs. Outpatient Treatment Programs

Evidence has shown that residential treatment programs may improve the severity of substance misuse. Moreover, residential programs have also been shown to be more effective than other forms of treatment. With residential programs, clients are provided with around-the-clock care by medical professionals. Individuals in residential programs are relieved of work, school, and other personal obligations so that they can focus on recovery.

With outpatient treatment programs, individuals live in their homes and visit the facility multiple times per week for treatment. As treatment progresses, visits may become less frequent. Individuals with co-occurring disorders can participate in outpatient programs if they don’t need medical detox.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Individualized treatment plans are vital for substance use recovery. Each person with a substance use disorder has unique needs, and treatment won’t be effective with a cookie-cutter treatment plan. While it is a rigorous process, tailoring a unique treatment plan for each client can ease the physical and mental stress of the recovery process. Healthcare professionals will evaluate their clients’ individualized treatment plans throughout the recovery process and can make adjustments to ensure that each client gets the best treatment.

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Some individuals with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. This is common and is known as a co-occurring disorder. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 9.2 million individuals in the United States had a co-occurring disorder in 2018. Studies have shown that individuals with a co-occurring disorder should receive treatment for both conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals with co-occurring disorders learn how to cope and to change their patterns of thinking.
• Detox: Detox is the first step of most addiction treatment plans. Detoxification clears the body of toxins that have accumulated in the blood due to substance use. While the process varies based on the individual, most people complete detox in about a week. Medical detox can effectively manage the withdrawal systems that are seen with detoxification. While detox effectively eliminates drugs from the body, further treatment is required for a successful recovery. Detox alone will not treat a substance use disorder. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: When primary treatment is complete, aftercare and relapse prevention programs are recommended to help individuals maintain sobriety. An aftercare plan is also individualized to address the specific needs of each individual. These programs are important because adjusting back to reality after treatment can be stressful, and it can be difficult to handle triggers without a support group. Aftercare programs are also beneficial because they continue to help individuals cope with cravings. Support groups and 12-step programs are usually part of relapse prevention programs, and there are some programs that offer job training, budgeting, and other life skills classes.

Green Mountain Treatment Center

Nestled in a serene and secluded landscape in Effingham, New Hampshire, Green Mountain Treatment Center is a residential facility that offers services to men and women over the age of 18. The fresh mountain air, apple orchards, and rolling hills provide clients with a soothing environment where they can recover in peace.

The facility establishes a solid foundation for clients to achieve lasting sobriety with:

• A 12-step curriculum
• Individualized treatment plans
• Client-to-client programs
• Medical detox
• Holistic therapies
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Clients of the facility can enjoy gender-separate accommodations and programs, a fitness center, meditation, and yoga. Green Mountain Treatment Center also offers healthy, chef-prepared meals.

New Freedom Academy

Located in Canterbury, New Hampshire, New Freedom Academy is a residential, medication-assisted treatment facility. This facility only takes 20 clients at a time to ensure that there’s a low client-to-clinician ratio. New Freedom Academy uses evidence-based methods for treating substance use.

The facility has licensed therapists and clinicians that offer:

• Individual therapy
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

New Freedom Academy has gender-separate living accommodations and 24/7 medical staff. Clients can also participate in weekly family recovery workshops. Other amenities offered by the facility include:

• Educational programs
• Meditation and yoga
• Chef-prepared meals

If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder or addiction, finding the right help is easy. Call one of these treatment centers today to begin the journey toward better health.