Drug treatment
Some people find getting support through a treatment programme useful to their recovery. There are different options available, so take some time to read what treatment can do for you.
"I did it because I wanted extra help and I think my partner in the beginning he just did it to make it look good for court. Then I think after he’d been there and he actually realised “oh, this is, yeah, shit, I do have a problem." Stephanie
Seeking Treatment
Treatment can be extremely helpful in the early stages of recovery. There are a number of different treatment options – none is better than the other. All treatment is designed to help you find a way to live drug-free.
There are different types of treatment including one-on-one counselling, group therapy, inpatient treatment centres, outpatient programmes and church-based programmes. If you are not sure what type of treatment you should choose, you can talk to someone from the Alcohol Drug Helpline and look at treatment options.
Assessment
The type of assessment that you will undergo before being admitted into treatment will vary between drug treatment providers. An assessment may involve you talking about your concerns with your drug taking and the impact it is having on your life. The assessment process helps your chosen treatment provider to understand what is going on for you and decide what the best course of action might be.
Referral
Many drug treatment providers will ask for a referral from your doctor or other medical professional. You don’t need a referral to contact a drug treatment provider but they might need one to admit you into their programme.
Misconceptions
"I thought I was going for a holiday. I thought I was going to have a rest from what I’d just been in and to rest up to come and take on the world." Trent
Treatment isn’t a holiday where you go to clean up so you can have a break from using. Treatment is an opportunity to look at the reasons why you use and find ways of coping with day to day life without the use of drugs.
Unfortunately treatment isn’t a safeguard against relapse or staying off drugs for good. They will provide you with the basics to start a new way of life but the rest will be up to you.
It is important not to be deterred if you have slip ups along the way, pick yourself up and keep on going it will be worth it in the long run.
