Benefits of Attending Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Virginia

The first step to recovery is acknowledging that you need to help. Substance use disorders are complex and it requires time and commitment in order to attain sobriety. While going to treatment may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be that way. September is National Recovery Month, and it’s important to be aware of the types of treatment that are available across the country so that you can decide which one is best for you.

Why Attend Treatment? 

Recovery is not linear, and it does not look the same for every person. However, it is undeniable that treatment can be highly beneficial, and the goal is that clients will leave a treatment program with newfound understanding and skills to use in their recovery. Here are a few key benefits to attending drug and alcohol treatment.

1. Connection

Addiction is a very lonely, isolating disease, and when we don’t have meaningful connections in our lives, we are more likely to turn to something else to fill the void. In recovery, you will meet many others who are also facing addiction, and understand what you are going through better than anyone else. 

Treatment is a safe space where you can share your experiences with others without any judgement, and find comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your struggles.

Although it’s easier to isolate yourself when you’re struggling, it’s much more beneficial to be surrounded by like-minded people who will support you in your recovery.

2. Accountability

Accountability is about taking responsibility for your actions, and staying on track for recovery. In treatment, you will uncover what your personal triggers are, and learn strategies on how to combat them. It also provides you with people and resources who can help hold you accountable on your recovery journey. 

During your recovery, it’s important to assign one or multiple people to be your accountability partner, whether it be a friend, family member, a staff member, or a sponsor. This person needs to understand your struggle, support your efforts and refuse to enable you in your addiction.

They will be responsible for checking in on you regularly and making sure that you are on track for achieving your goals, and if you’re not, they should be helping you get back on track.

No matter how strong you are, slips and relapses can happen if you don’t have a strategy in place. If you feel yourself experiencing triggers or cravings, pick up the phone and call one of your accountability partners or a treatment center. 

3. Structure

Structure and routine are an important part of the recovery process, as it can keep you from boredom and other potential triggers. A structured recovery program can also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make permanent. Practicing self-control and other habits every day will prepare you to deal with any triggers that come your way.

The hope is that after you have completed treatment, you will better understand yourself and addiction, and will now have tools with which to combat your triggers so that you can create a sense of structure in your daily life post-treatment. 

Types of Treatment

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a program that does not require the client to live at the facility. It’s often the first step for those who are just starting their recovery journey, and usually consists of group therapy or one-on-one counselling a couple times a week.

This type of treatment is much less structured than inpatient treatment, since the client gets to continue with their regular routine of work and home life. 

Outpatient treatment is also well-suited for individuals who have completed an inpatient treatment program, and are looking for support as they transition back into their regular routine.

At Aquila Recovery of Virginia, we offer an outpatient program for drug recovery and alcohol recovery that focuses on getting to the root cause of the addiction and treating it accordingly. 

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides the highest level of care. In this case, clients are required to live at the recovery center for a set amount of time. Clients will work with therapists and medical professionals to detox from drugs and/or alcohol. 

Inpatient treatment has much more structure than outpatient treatment, which is needed for many individuals in recovery. Clients have access to professional and peer support 24/7, and they are able to focus solely on their recovery, away from any distractions of their daily life. 

Intensive Outpatient Therapy

There is a third option when it comes to choosing a treatment plan. Intensive Outpatient treatment (IOP) provides a middle ground for those who need mild-moderate care, but still want to maintain their own schedules as well as their work and social life. This type of program is more intense than an outpatient program, but less intense than an inpatient program. 

If a client is finding that outpatient treatment is not providing enough care and structure, they should consider moving up to an IOP. At Aquila Recovery, our IOP meets three times a week for three hours at a time for six-eight weeks, and consists of both individual and group therapy. 

Continuing Care

Support doesn’t have to end once you are done with your treatment program. Recovery is an ongoing process, and even after completing a treatment program, it’s important to continue practicing everything that you learned in treatment.

Some treatment centers will offer a continuing care program, which usually consists of occasional group therapy or one-on-one sessions. 

At Aquila, we offer outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment and continuing care for drug and alcohol recovery in Northern Virginia. Although we do not provide inpatient treatment at this time, we can direct you to a reputable inpatient facility if you are in need of a higher level of care.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, we encourage you to reach out to our staff and we can help you determine the next best steps to take.