Drug Treatment for Poly-Substance Abuse

What is Poly-Substance Abuse?

The term ‘poly-substance abuse’ means that the user is abusing multiple substances, not just one. Many people who struggle with drugs, including alcohol, often abuse other substances at the same time, or different ones over time. Although this is a common trend, it’s also common for people who recognize that they have a problem to only identify one main drug of choice (DOC).

What is the purpose of drug treatment for poly-substance abuse?

Drug treatment is a type of medical care that specializes in treating substance abuse and addiction issues, which are both officially recognized as chronic medical conditions. These conditions require highly specialized treatment, especially if it’s for the using and abusing of multiple different substances and other addictive behaviors.

Poly-substance abuse and addiction go beyond physical dependence; they involve psychological and behavioral components that must be addressed by addiction specialists. A rehab that offers drug treatment for poly-substance abuse will have a staff of professionals such as nurses, medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, case managers and others who are well-versed in the field of substance abuse and addiction.

Drug Treatment for Poly-Substance Abuse: Phases of Treatment

Most drug rehabs involve at least a few levels of treatment that begin with more intensive, highly structured care that lessens in intensity while adding more and more freedoms, still with a degree of structure for support, stability, and accountability. A good drug rehab program slowly and seamlessly bridges the gap between each level of care so that you are prepared to take on the next thing.

Drug Treatment for Poly-Substance Abuse: Detox

Medical detox is the first level of care at your drug rehab and is often necessary due to the types of substances you are using. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, painful, and, in some cases, fatal if not treated properly. This becomes even more important if you are abusing many different drugs at the time of your arrival at the treatment program.

Many people arrive at rehab hopelessly addicted to alcohol and other drugs and cannot safely or successfully stop drinking or using on their own. This is where the medical detox program can help.

You will be assessed and tested to see what drug(s) and how much of it is in your system. Then you will be prescribed – by a licensed physician – certain medication in order to safely and comfortably wean you off. A medical staff will monitor your condition as well as be responsible for administering your medication.

 Drug Treatment for Poly-Substance Abuse: Inpatient

After the 4 to 10 days you are at the detox level of care, you will enter the next phase of treatment, which is known as inpatient rehab, sometimes just called ‘rehab.’ This part is a residential program that lasts up to 30 days and is crucial for your success at recovering from your substance abuse or addiction issues. It is during this phase of drug rehab that you will learn about the nature of substance abuse and addiction as well as learn essential, life-saving tools to use once you complete the program.

Drug Treatment for Poly-Substance Abuse: Outpatient

Many drug rehab programs also offer a third level of care, known as the intensive outpatient program (IOP). At this level, you can return home or go on to live in a halfway house or other sober living house while you attend group meetings on designated days/evenings throughout the week. This way, you will also be able to return to work or begin a new job. The way IOP works is that it offers you ongoing support while you begin your reintegration into society and start rebuilding your life, this time while living a healthy, sober lifestyle.

If you are struggling with one or more substances and need help to stop, we’re just a phone call away. At this point in your addiction, it’s hard to imagine life without drugs become you have become so completely dependent on them – to do everything from getting out of bed in the morning to going to sleep at night and everything in between. But, by calling toll-free 1-800-951-6135, you can speak directly with an Addiction Specialist and find out what steps to take.