There are many ways to get addiction treatment, depending upon the length of substance use, drug of choice, severity of the addiction, physical health and any presence of mental illness. Yet, regardless of these factors, one of the most significant factors in successfully bringing an addiction into recovery is having support. Attempting to quit on your own is not only dangerous; it's ineffective.
One incredibly supportive way to facilitate sobriety is working one on one with a mental health professional, such as a therapist. There are some significant benefits of working with a therapist; yet, it's important to know that there are also some disadvantages.
One of the primary advantages to working with someone in a private practice is that the experience of recovery will be much more personal. Clients can receive the one on one attention that might best facilitate their sobriety. With this one on one attention, the relationships between client and clinician is often strong, allowing a clinician to tailor treatment to best meet the needs of the client. The individual attention may even facilitate a clearer diagnosis and ease of treatment versus having a staff of professionals that don't know you, facilitate a number of exams and tests to arrive at conclusions about your treatment. Furthermore, a private practice setting can be highly confidential. There is often a small waiting room and a sound-proof therapy room. Additionally, all professionals in private practice are required by law to go over how the confidentiality of a client will be protected throughout the treatment process.
At the same time, there are a number of disadvantages to working with a professional in private practice. These are important to keep in mind as you are weighing your treatment options. It's common to find that receiving treatment in a private practice setting will be more expensive than going to a clinic, residential treatment center, or hospital. While most community clinics and other drug treatment facilities often receive subsidies from the government and other funders to provide such treatment, private practice professionals do not. They are managing their own private business and establishing their own fees to offset their costs and make a living. Another point to keep in mind is the fees for a therapist who treats addiction may or may not be covered by insurance.
Despite these disadvantages, you might find that the benefits outweigh the costs. You might find that the individual attention is precisely what you need in order to free yourself from the pain of addiction.
When you're at the beginning of your recovery, you're going to have to weigh all treatment options. It will be essential that you find a treatment that meets your financial, emotional, and psychological needs. Doing so can ensure that treatment will be successful and that your process of recovery has started off well.
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