You’re struggling with drug abuse. But there isn’t just one drug that has its hook in your mind and body. Maybe there are three or even more. You need to work with a rehab facility where therapists understand polysubstance abuse.
What is Polysubstance Abuse?
Clinicians typically consider a case of polysubstance abuse to involve three or more substances. Moreover, the use of the drugs meets abuse standards. You know that using these substances causes problems. You want to quit, but you can’t.
Maybe you substituted one drug for another one in the hopes of quitting both. This is frequently the case with teen drug abuse that continues into adulthood. But instead of giving up one drug, you’re now abusing multiple products. Examples include alcohol, benzos, and pain pills.
Why Getting Help is Essential
Addiction is a disease of the brain. It manifests with physiological and psychological symptoms. Cravings and an inability to stop using are typical signs. That’s why you need professional help to overcome the illness.
Don’t assume that you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The disease is chronic, which means that it has a relapse potential. You need to learn how to anticipate pitfalls and then deal with them. When you get help, it’s possible to overcome problematic behaviors.
Treatment Strategies for Polysubstance Abuse
You work with an intake counselor to take an inventory of the drugs you use. List each one of them. Don’t leave anything out. Moreover, explain your reasoning for starting the use of a substance.
Case in point is the abuse of Adderall. You started it to lose weight. You stayed with it because of the energy it gave you. Then you began to worry about losing too much weight.
You added marijuana to the mix to build your appetite. Next, you realized that you had a hard time falling asleep. You noticed that taking your painkillers helps you fall asleep quickly. The group of drugs you abuse continues to grow larger.
At the facility, the intake counselor puts together a treatment protocol based on your input. Possible modalities include:
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment for program participants who may have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression
- Trauma treatment, which helps you when you’re dealing with unresolved situations from the past
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that assists with dysfunctions in reasoning or acting out
- Nutritional counseling and support to help you return to a healthy lifestyle
- Addiction education, which lets you understand how the drugs you used worked together to create a framework for your life
The Role of Group Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
Working with peers is advantageous. Although individual therapy is the staple of behavioral treatment, group therapy offers additional benefits. For starters, you learn from peers who understand you on a gut level. Next, you receive validation from those who’re struggling with similar situations and put your suggestions into practice.
In the group, you learn alongside peers, receive feedback, and see what isn’t working well for others. The therapist assists with guidance and input as well. This setting makes it possible to try out coping skills you might have had problems with in the past. Groups also condition you for future participation in 12 Step programs that assist with relapse prevention and support.
Don’t Let Multiple Substance Abuse Problems Stand in the Way of Your Recovery
Dealing with polysubstance abuse can leave you feeling hopeless. You’re not out of options! There is hope for recovery and a drug-free future. Contact the Santé Center for Healing by calling 866-238-3154 today for more information.