Substance Abuse Treatment in Baltimore, MD

Substance Abuse Defined

Substance abuse, also commonly called drug abuse, is a pattern of use of a substance – a drug – where the person uses the drug, or drugs, in doses or in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. Substance abuse is also described simply as harmful or problematic use of drugs. Substance abuse treatment in Baltimore, MD is a program that helps people through the use of medication and therapy who are caught up in this cycle of substance abuse, being physically dependent and/or addicted to drugs, including prescription drugs and alcohol.

Three Parts to Substance Abuse Treatment in Baltimore MD

Both physical dependence and addiction often coincide in the case of substance abuse, and are two separate medical conditions that are treated at programs for substance abuse treatment in Baltimore.

Substance Abuse Treatment in Baltimore: Detox

The first step in the process of substance abuse treatment in Baltimore is called detox. During this stage, you will be assessed to find out your substance abuse history and current use. You will be given a drug screen (urine test) as well as meet with an admissions counselor to talk about your drug use. This is done in order to plan your course of treatment. Substance abuse treatment in Baltimore is just like receiving any other type of medical treatment in that it is strictly confidential and your rights will be protected. That is, you will not be any legal trouble for having a positive drug screen or for divulging your drug use history. All of this is done in order to make a treatment plan that will best serve you.

During detox, medical staff at the center for substance abuse treatment in Baltimore will administer certain medications in order to wean you off of drugs and alcohol in both a safe and comfortable manner. Withdrawal syndrome is a very real and quite serious condition that involves unbearable and sometimes quite frightening symptoms that could lead to coma and death if not treated properly. Depending on what substance or substances you are detoxing from, you will be given specific medication to manage your withdrawal symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible in the detoxification process.

Substance Abuse Treatment in Baltimore: Rehab

The second phase of substance abuse treatment in Baltimore is known as rehab, which generally lasts up to 30 days, and offers you a safe place while you heal and recover from your substance abuse. During rehab, you will have all your needs provided for including comfortable housing and well-balanced meals while you receive important information about substance abuse and addiction. You will go to individual and group therapy sessions where you will learn the necessary tools and coping methods to live a healthy lifestyle once you complete substance abuse treatment in Baltimore.

Substance Abuse Treatment in Baltimore: Outpatient Treatment

Substance abuse treatment in Baltimore can also include something called outpatient treatment. This is officially known as Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP for short, and offers group therapy sessions and some individual sessions with a therapist during the day. Some people live at home while they attend IOP but it is highly recommended to live in a halfway house or other sober living community while taking part in IOP in order to support you in your recovery and efforts at sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, addiction or is seeking substance abuse treatment in Baltimore, MD please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135.