You are a unique individual. How you began using substances is unique, and your experiences while using substances are also unique. Why then should you use an addiction treatment plan that is identical to everyone else’s? Is it possible to tailor your treatment to your unique, individual needs? What is an individualized treatment plan for addiction?
Making Your Initial Treatment Plan
When you arrive for residential treatment, your mental and physical health will be assessed by staff to determine your needs. Once your assessment is complete, you can sit down with a clinician and discuss your initial treatment plan. This plan will be fluid and can change as your needs change, but it is important for you to have this conversation and make an initial plan for your treatment that is unique to you and your individual needs. This conversation could also happen after you have completed detox and are more prepared to discuss your options.
The Importance of Being Honest in Treatment
Your individualized treatment plan will be most effective when you are the most honest with yourself and with the staff in treatment. There is nothing to be gained from being dishonest about how often you used substances, how long you used substances or anything else you are asked. You stand to lose the quality of care and possibly face additional health risks when you are not honest about your health and prior substance use. Being honest with treatment staff benefits your health, treatment, and recovery.
Discussing Your Detox
The first aspect of your individualized treatment plan will be your initial detox period. No one can accurately predict exactly how your detox will go/ However, by discussing your substance use accurately and honestly, you can have a general conversation about what you can expect. This is an ideal time to ensure the staff is aware of any specific health concerns, as they could impact your experience in detox.
Talking About Talk Therapy
Much of your treatment will be spent in talk therapy, both in individual and group settings. Talking about what works well for you and getting an idea of the types of therapy that are provided can help to create a plan that is tailored to your needs. You will not have to worry about therapy until you have completed detox and your mind is clear of substances, but an overview of treatment opportunities will help you know what to expect.
Types of Therapy Without Talking
There are also nonverbal and less verbal forms of therapy, such as group sandplay therapy and trauma-informed art therapy. These complementary therapies are used in conjunction with evidence-based treatments. Therapeutic modalities such as these bypass the conscious barriers you might place toward treatment and can access emotions and memories very quickly, allowing you to express yourself and heal much faster than with traditional talk therapy.
Addressing Any Co-occurring Disorders
If you know or suspect that you have co-occurring depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, or an eating disorder, this is an ideal time to discuss how you will address your co-occurring disorders. For example, for disordered eating or an eating disorder, you may need help from a nutritionist while you are in treatment. Your unique situation will dictate what your unique needs will be in treatment.
A Case for Your Case Management
During your time in residential treatment, you will be given the opportunity to look at your case management needs. This includes looking at your health care, such as the programs and care available to you. This might also include helping you with paperwork such as Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork, rescheduling appointments, or looking at legal obligations. Your case management looks at the logistics for your overall well-being and offers you support wherever possible.
Planning for Your Aftercare
The most significant piece of your case management will be planning for your aftercare. You have the opportunity to enroll in an outpatient program when your time in residential care is ending. Part of an individualized treatment plan is helping you to select a program that is tailored to your personal needs. Working with a case manager regarding moving on to a specific outpatient program, finding personalized care means that you will be matched with a program that best meets your unique needs.
An individualized treatment plan for addiction is a plan that is made just for you. Every aspect of it is tailored for your personal needs and the treatments that will work best for you. You are the most important part of your recovery; your treatment plan should reflect that.
What is an individualized treatment plan for addiction? There is an opportunity to keep you, the patient, involved in the decision-making process. You can be educated and informed about your detox, types of therapy, and co-occurring disorders. You can also discuss potential or known co-occurring disorders, including eating disorders. Participating in the planning of your treatment and aftercare helps you be more invested and ensures that it is truly an individualized treatment plan. The Ho Tai Way – Recovery For Women in Costa Mesa, California, is a detox and residential facility for women with addiction. We believe every woman is unique, meaning we create a truly individualized treatment plan for each patient. We offer trauma-informed care to give you a safe place to find your way again. What specific needs do you have? Call us today at (714) 581-3974 to learn more about how we can help you.
