Acute vs. Chronic
For a patient with an acute illness, such as strep throat or even appendicitis, the treatment is very specific. It occurs over a limited time and then finishes.
According to Dictionary.com, a continuum is a “compact, connected set containing at least two elements.” Each point in the set is slightly different from the point directly before it.
Continuum of Care in Medicine
A continuum of care is used to treat patients in various areas of medicine. Someone who has been diagnosed with a severe disease or injury will likely need more than one type of treatment. The patient will likely be seen by a medical team that includes people with several specialties who can treat the whole person.
Continuum of Care in Drug and Alcohol Treatment
When providing treatment for drug and
Each step in the continuum of care in drug and alcohol treatment is necessary. They shouldn’t be skipped or rushed, as each client needs to experience them at their own pace.
1. Detoxification
Some people confuse
Detox frees a client from the influence of chemicals, but it doesn’t address the underlying issues that led to the addiction originally. They need to be dealt with during the next stage.
2. Treatment Program
This is the stage where the client really digs in and starts focusing on the issues related to his addiction. In a
Treatment incorporates a number of options, including individual
Along with the foregoing, clients participate in recreational
These healthy lifestyle components are an important part of a drug and alcohol treatment program. They help to relieve
3. Continuing Care
Since addiction is a chronic disease, it’s simply not realistic to expect that a client will complete a course of treatment and not need any further support after she is released. It’s relatively easy to stick to one’s recovery goals in a place where there aren’t any old drinking buddies around. No one at the
Some options for continuing care include the following:
- Sober Living: In this type of living arrangement, people who have participated in a substance abuse treatment program live in a group home. Sober living allows the residents to transition into the community after a residential treatment program. The residents pay rent and must follow house rules to stay there. (No drugs or alcohol are allowed.)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP may be considered for a client who needs to be medically monitored consistently and who is willing and able to participate in group and individual therapy for several days a week. Clients must have a supportive family or friends since they return home each night and return to the hospital during the day for treatment.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): An IOP is flexible enough so that participants can work or go to school while getting the support they need for chemical dependency. Clients may attend for up to 30 hours per week, depending on their specific needs. These programs may include meetings, workshops, or classes. Participants may also be encouraged to attend a 12-Step program along with the IOP.