Drug abuse and addiction is a global problem, plaguing the lives of suffering people with financial hardship, health issues, broken relationships, and sometimes even death.
As numbers of overdoses and people suffering from substance abuse disorder (SUD) grow, detox center Los Angeles, therapists, and medical professionals find new ways to combat addiction.
The future of recovery is optimistic, providing hope to generations of people suffering from SUD. Here are five emerging trends that may redefine addiction treatment as we know it in the coming years.
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Several states are experiencing treatment industry growth
The number of for-profit organizations and free treatment programs has increased. States such as Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and West Virginia saw moderate to high growth in 2021 in free services and harm reduction programs.
Florida and California have the most centers available, so anyone looking to find addiction treatment services in Tampa or Anaheim with high completion rates will find plenty of options.
Dangerous declines in government funding
Around 31.9 million Americans aged twelve years or older are current illegal drug users, with marijuana, stimulants, opioids, and methamphetamines acting as the most popular drugs of choice.
Adding alcohol and tobacco makes it around 165 million Americans who currently misuse or abuse drugs, over half the population.
These overwhelming numbers are a clear sign that there needs to be a change in addiction treatments. However, declines in government funding for treatment facilities are related to the rising numbers of drug overdoses.
Individualized treatment programs
Past treatment strategies were not as individualized and flexible as it is now. Times have changed and so have the way these facilities seek to help those needing help.
In-depth intake processes and evaluations help substance abuse counselors pick out areas a client needs the most care. From there, healthcare providers can make treatment plans based on what patients need.
Recovery providers recognize that there are many paths to recovery and that everyone’s journey is different. No matter if someone is struggling with alcoholism or addiction to heroin, the addition of individualized plans can provide a more personal approach to recovery.
A combination of Western & Eastern treatment practices
Many therapists and substance abuse counselors are using traditional methods and newer techniques that haven’t been as prevalent in the States before now.
On top of traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), more rehab facilities are adding Eastern wellness practices that have been around for centuries.
A few of these practices combined with therapy include:
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Exercise therapy
- Meditation
Anything that can help reduce stress and anxiety in patients can ultimately help manage addiction.
Advancements in addiction treatment medicine
Addiction is no longer considered a personal failure but rather a disease with physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms. Viewing SUD as an actual disease changes the way science approaches treatment options.
As medical technology advances, the chances for recovery are much greater than they used to be. This trend is one of the more positive outlooks on the substance abuse problem because new medicinal drugs can combat the physical effects of addiction.
The takeaway
Millions of Americans still suffer from substance abuse and addictions. But choosing a drug rehab facility will not be as difficult as it used to be since many states are seeing high growth rates of for-profit facilities and accessible treatment services.
On top of large availability, there are new advancements in medicine and better treatment options to make sobriety and recovery more possible for those who need help.