In the past, the one size fits all approach to drug and alcohol treatment was seen as an effective way to treat and manage addiction. However, as rehabilitation programs have progressed, it has become eminent that this ‘cookie cutter’ approach is largely ineffective for many addicts. Each person is unique, so why should they be expected to benefit from the same treatment options? There are numerous factors that can potentially contribute to an addiction, and all of these factors must be addressed in order for treatment to be successful. Personalized addiction treatment programs take each individual’s unique background, health, and needs into account and formulate their treatment regimen accordingly.
The Problem with Cookie Cutter Treatment
Substance abuse and addiction are serious issues that affect millions of American families each and every year. Yet, it can be difficult to get an addict to accept help for numerous reasons. Addicts may be fearful of the unknown, they may not want to step out of their comfort zone, or they could have tried treatment in the past and ended up back where they started. Most addicts do not attain and sustain sobriety after their first time in treatment, it often takes more than one attempt. However, choosing the right program initially can make a world of difference. With this being said, cookie-cutter, or one size fits all, treatment programs often yield poor results. Addiction is a complex illness, as it affects a person’s mind, body, and spirit. If personalized addiction treatment is not implemented an addict’s unique needs will not be accounted for. Taking the personalization out of rehab can have devastating effects. Five major issues with the one size fit all approach to addiction treatment includes:
- The Focus is off:
Once you begin treating a person like a number it is much more likely they will lose focus entirely. Clients will likely lose interest when treatment facilities place precedence in appealing to the masses over appealing to each individual and their unique needs. When a treatment center employs a one size fits all approach they lose sight in the overall goal- to heal each individual. Without individualized treatment, clients are not getting the attention they need to uncover the root cause of the illness. Without uncovering the root cause of the addiction, it is impossible to succeed in recovery. Financial and staffing limitations also limit the success of a particular program. The last thing an addict needs is to feel lost in the system so the facility can save a dime. - Limited to Traditional Approaches:
Cookie-cutter programs typically limit the scope of treatment to conventional or traditional approaches. Although most programs are roughly based around the traditional approach, they are typically more beneficial when they offer alternative treatment programs or additional supplementary care. Alternative addiction treatment programs have proven to give addicts the added advantage that conventional programs alone cannot. Examples of these alternative programs include yoga, chiropractic care, biofeedback, meditation, nutritional counseling, exercise therapy, equine therapy, acupuncture, and art and music therapy, just to name some. These holistic programs help to heal an addict’s entire wellbeing- mind, body, and soul. Oftentimes, the alternative treatment approach can help addicts heal in areas that conventional methods alone cannot. - Individualized Treatment:
The one size fits all approach provides little to no individualized care. People are complex, unique beings, and addiction is no exception. Due to this, treatment must be highly individualized in order to meet the needs of each client. As stated earlier, it is nearly impossible to relate to individuals while solely focusing on appealing to the masses. In addition to this, addiction is an isolating disease. Loneliness is often a major contributing factor in the cycle of substance abuse and addiction. If addicts are not given the care and devotion they desperately need to get better, they will likely be stuck in the cycle of abuse. How can you expect addicts to be motivated to maintain sobriety when you see no real benefit? Individualized therapy sessions are vital to sustained success in recovery. An addict must uncover the root cause of their addiction in order to combat it. In order to do this, they must be engaged with therapists one-on-one. By providing clients with time and attention, they are not only learning how to fight potential triggers, but they are learning how to love themselves once again. - Medication Maintenance and Detox:
Quitting ‘cold-turkey,’ or ceasing to use a substance suddenly, can be very dangerous to an addict’s mental and physical wellbeing. Not only do withdrawal symptoms lead many to return to substance abuse just to avoid the extremely unpleasant effects, but in serious cases, detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be life-threatening. Fortunately, many treatment facilities offer medication maintenance and detox, programs. During a proper detox, for instance, patients are monitored around the clock by a group of highly trained clinical staff. During this time, doctors and nurses will administer the appropriate detoxification medications. These medications will help ease both mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal. A cookie-cutter program may not administer the correct medications, or not offer this option at all. - Aftercare Planning:
Many people do not understand the true importance of aftercare. Recovery is a process and not a single event. Therefore, addicts must have a well thought out aftercare plan in order to improve their overall chances of long-term success in recovery. Without continued maintenance, such as attending weekly meetings or residing in a sober living home, the chances of an addict returning to substance abuse are unfortunately high. Luckily, the staff at an individualized rehabilitation center work with addicts to develop an aftercare program that best fits each client’s unique needs in recovery.
Personalized Addiction Treatment at Restore Health and Wellness Center
Addiction is an incredibly isolating disease, so no one should expect to overcome it alone. Cookie-cutter and one size fits all approaches to treatment are counterproductive- they do little to instill determination, self-confidence, and self-love in people. Restore’s personalized approach does exactly the opposite. Here at Restore Health and Wellness Center, we want clients to take their lives back, and we do this through a highly individualized treatment regimen. Clients are engaged in the programs that are best for them, not best for our finances. Whether you benefit from individual therapy, group therapy, medication maintenance, dual diagnosis care, or our array of alternative treatment options, we will make sure it is available to you.
Call Restore Health and Wellness Center today at (888) 979-4570 if you are serious about overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction. We make it possible. Visit our addiction treatment center in Simi Valley, CA at 6918 Owensmouth Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303. 24/7 Admissions (818) 722-9019. On-Site Contact (818) 806-3914.
