Like most cities, Gardena has residents who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. It has many options for treatment in the area, including inpatient and outpatient facilities. Every facility operates a little different, so it is recommended that you do some research before deciding where to go.

Are There Treatments That Work for Substance Abuse Addiction?

Substance addiction is effectively treated with a combination of behavioral therapies and/or medications. Treatment varies from person to person, depending on the substances they used, the frequency, dosage and other factors like their genetics and mental health. Some addictions may require multiple courses of treatment.

According to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are 13 basic principles that support effective drug treatment. They are: 1. No single approach works for everyone. 2. Treatment should be readily vailable. 3.Effective treatment addresses all the needs of a patient, not just substance abuse addiction (mental health issues, genetics, etc.) 4. It's critical to remain in treatment 5. Addiction is a treatable disease that affects behavior and brain function. 6. Behavioral therapies"”including family, group and individual-- are the most common forms of substance abuse therapy. 7. Medication is an important element in treatment, especially combined with behavioral therapies and counseling. 8. A patient's treatment needs to be continuously assessed and modified to meet their changing therapy needs. 9. Many substance abuse addicts also have mental disorders. 10. Medically assisted detoxification isn't the same thing as therapy, and it does little to prevent long-term abuse. 11. Treatment doesn't have to be voluntary to be effective. 12. Substance abuse during treatment must be monitored as relapses in treatment do occur. 13. Treatment facilities should test patients for STD's, as well as for other infectious diseases.

Consider traveling for treatment. There are many advantages to traveling for treatment, including anonymity and removing yourself from conditions that may have led to your substance abuse.

When you finish treatment, consider joining a weekly group meeting. Personal needs should be considered in this decision. Aftercare is also an option. Aside from the inpatient and outpatient centers there are also family facilities, faith-based organizations, and healthy living, nutritional and exercise programs to choose from. In addition, you can join a 12-step program. The 12-steps help people take accountability for their addiction, and make amends for harms they have caused others. 12-step philosophy is admitting that one is powerless against addiction and will be unable to overcome it without the help of a higher power. To find a meeting near you, click on the map below.