Drug Rehab in Maine

A steady increase of both heroin and benzodiazepine abuse raises concern among many residents of Maine. Illegal prescription drug use has also spiked in the young adult age category, ranging from ages 18 to 25. A statewide study reported that about one in ten young adults in this age range admitted to the non-medical use of prescription drugs in the past year. 

From 2011 through 2014, illegal drug-related deaths in Maine increased by more than 340%. The state began to take action by organizing efforts to raise awareness of substance treatment and abuse prevention. These efforts involve working with organizations that target substances, including benzodiazepines, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone. The initiative has proven successful as the number of addicts seeking drug rehab centers in Maine more than tripled.

The most common substances treated in Maine recovery centers include:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Heroin/morphine
• Methadone/buprenorphine
• Crack/cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Stimulants
• Synthetic opioids 

Complementary to illicit drug abuse, prescription drug abuse is a rising problem in Maine. Kennebec county alone averages 80.7 prescribed narcotic pills per capita. Individuals with addictions tend to obtain prescriptions in a variety of ways. Some may steal from a medicine cabinet, while others get medications through family or friends. 

Maine Drug Use Laws 

Maine has set several laws and penalties in place due to the rise of possession, use, and sale of drugs. Each substance is classified by one of four schedules: W, X, Y, and Z. Substances classified by Y and Z are less dangerous and involve minimal legal consequences. On the other hand, schedules W and X include drugs with a high risk for dependency and entail strict legal punishment. 

• Schedule W: Heroin, methadone, cocaine, amphetamine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, LSD, MDMA, lysergic acid, phencyclidine, and other opioids
• Schedule X: Ketamine, GHB, methyprylon, glutethimide, many depressants, hashish, methaqualone, diethylpropion
• Schedule Y: Sedatives, ethinamate, methohexital, diazepam, codeine, phentermine, paraldehyde, ergot, phenobarbital, and phentermine
• Schedule Z: Synthetic cannabinoids, non-prescription drugs, butyl nitrite, and all prescription drugs not listed in schedules X, Y, and Z

Planning an Intervention

Interventions may be challenging and uncomfortable to stage. If thoughtfully outlined, it can be life-changing for each individual involved, especially for the struggling addict. Interventions with proper preparations and guidance prove to have a high success rate. 

What Is an Intervention?

An intervention is an organized meeting designed to speak to a specific individual about their destructive life patterns. Interventions often act as a starting point for struggling people to become self-aware of their addiction and unhealthy behavior. Successful interventions consist of friends and family with a well-coordinated plan. The team must stay on topic and not say hurtful things or place blame on the struggling individual. The ultimate goal is to let the person understand their condition is severe and causing genuine concern in their friends and family. 

How to Plan an Intervention

Start with the formation of a trusted team. Plan out a group of core organizers. Intervention teams usually include family members, close friends, and sometimes coworkers. It is essential not to have anyone on the intervention team that suffers from substance abuse issues. 

To begin planning an intervention, do research. Learn about the recovery process and gather information about Maine drug rehabilitation. Then focus on what each individual will say. These impact statements should focus on sincere expression and not blame or attack. Let the struggling person know they are supported. Offer them help and assure them that they will not go through the process alone. 

Keep in mind any possible outcomes and prepare for them all. The intervention team should rehearse before the actual event. Emotions tend to run high during an intervention, and it may be difficult for some people to keep composure. 

Finally, the intervention team must follow up. A large portion of successful recoveries is supported. It could hurt the rehabilitation process if someone in the group fails to deliver their support. 

Should I Hire an Interventionist?

The best way to stage an intervention is with a professional. There are many ways to find an intervention specialist:

• Contact a treatment center or therapy office to find a social worker
• Get a referral from a doctor or therapist
• Ask friends or family members for a recommendation
• Consult your insurance to see if hiring an interventionist is covered

Understanding Addiction

Addiction may express itself differently in each circumstance. Addiction is classified as a brain disease and may impact individuals mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When dealing with addiction in a loved one, it is vitally important to be understanding. When confronting addiction, you should be knowledgeable about its repercussions. 

What is Addiction? 

Individuals suffering from addiction will continue their habits even if they know their path is destructive. Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), may cause a person to hold a distorted thought process or way of thinking – often reflected in their behavior and lifestyle. Addiction can alter a person’s brain structure, causing intense physical cravings. 

Since consistent substance abuse causes an increase in tolerance, people struggling with intense addiction may use more and more substances to feel its effects. This behavior results in physical, emotional, and mental deterioration. 

Substance Abuse Treatment in Maine

The best way to fight addiction is treatment. Maine drug rehabilitation centers are responsible for helping countless people turn their lives around. Addiction is a disease responsible for destruction in many Maine resident’s homes. 

Detox

Detox is typically the first step following a commitment to treatment. Detox centers in Maine help rid any toxins leftover in an individual’s system following substance use. Detoxification sets the foundation for a long-lasting recovery. Most drug rehab centers in Maine encourage their clients to start treatment with a fresh sober state of mind, achievable through detox. 

The detoxing process may be dangerous depending on the type of substances the person was using. Therefore, most detox programs involve the guidance of medical and clinical professionals. 

Residential Treatment

Inpatient drug rehab centers in Maine offer various resources to help people heal from their addiction and recover from unhealthy habits and behaviors. Residential treatment centers are live-in facilities offering therapy and medical help around the clock. Many people with moderate to severe addictions find residential treatment to be life-changing. Depending on each patient’s individual needs, inpatient programs may last one to three months – and even longer in some cases.  

Outpatient Treatment

Individuals with mild substance abuse issues may find the best help at a Maine rehab outpatient center. Outpatient treatment centers offer most of the same resources as inpatient centers. Patients are not required to live in a treatment facility while in an outpatient program. Therefore, outpatient programs work well for people who must return home after treatment. Many people in outpatient programs enroll following the completion of inpatient treatment. Many outpatient programs require ten or so hours of treatment a week, so participating individuals still have time to continue their responsibilities.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs, are a level of care falling in between inpatient and outpatient. IOPs call for slightly more time a week, typically 12 to 15 hours. IOPs and standard outpatient programs consist of proven treatments and therapeutic options such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and more. 

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program, or PHP, is a type of treatment used to treat substance abuse and mental illness. PHPs do not require patients to live at a facility but generally require participation seven days a week. PHPs are also sometimes called “day rehab.” This type of treatment works well for people who require the intensity of an inpatient program but need to return home at night. 

Therapy Types

Drug rehab centers in Maine and most other states depend on therapy programs to help patients deal with their mental health and addiction. Studies consistently show addiction stemming from mental health issues. Thus making mental health a key priority while in treatment. Therapy programs help struggling individuals understand how and why addiction may have developed in their lives.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is an essential part of any treatment program. In individual therapy, a licensed therapist works with their patient to discuss any challenges, emotions, and behaviors they are dealing with while in treatment. People dealing with addiction need a safe and secure environment to express themselves. Individual therapy offers just that. In a session, the therapist may guide their patient through potential triggers, helping them understand how their triggers affect their addiction. Once patients begin to understand their triggers, they may find it easier to address their unhealthy behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Many therapists utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in their therapy sessions. CBT helps patients reflect on their thought and behavior patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for addiction, depression, anxiety, and other health disorders. CBT sessions focus on changing destructive behavior and breaking bad cognitive habits. Therapists often utilize CBT to help their patients become their own therapists. For example, in CBT, a patient may pick up new coping skills or other similar healthy habits. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Instead of changing unhealthy habits, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) encourages patients to accept their negative thoughts. DBT works well for patients with complex and challenging mental issues. Therapists utilize DBT to develop essential skills in their patients:

• Distress tolerance
• Emotional regulation
• Mindfulness
• Interpersonal effectiveness

Group Therapy

Similar to individual therapy, group therapy is a form of psychotherapy. Group sessions are led by a licensed therapist, typically involving two or more patients. In treatment, group therapy is used to develop interpersonal skills in its participants. During a session, patients take turns expressing and evaluating their struggles, emotions, experiences, and goals. The group environment represents a real-life scenario where patients can utilize their new healthy coping and cognitive habits. Studies consistently show the proven benefits of the supportive environment offered by group therapy. 

Family Therapy

Before entering treatment, it is likely the lifestyle of an addictive individual may have damaged family bonds and relationships. Family therapy helps heal these bonds. Each family member has an opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions related to their struggling loved one. It’s often said that addiction is a family disease. A healthy family structure significantly improves the odds of a successful recovery. Therefore, family therapy is essential during treatment.  

Holistic therapy

Many drug and alcohol treatment centers in Maine utilize holistic therapy. Holistic treatments help patients focus on their mind and body as one. These treatments help to unravel complex conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety. Most treatment centers combine traditional and holistic methods to give their patients the best resources for recovery. Holistic therapy does not focus on symptoms. Instead, it’s intended to dig at the source of a person’s issues.  

Dual Diagnosis Treatment 

About half of the people in treatment suffer from co-occurring disorders. Many people look to cope with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more by numbing symptoms with substances. This form of self-medication introduces many to the cycle of addiction. Dual diagnosis programs treat each co-occurring disorder together, which has proven to be the most effective strategy. 

Paying For Treatment

Paying for treatment should not be a factor when considering drug rehab in Maine. Treatment saves lives, which is priceless. Regardless of your financial situation, most treatment centers will work with you to determine a reasonable method to pay for treatment. 

Insurance

Many insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment. If you are considering treatment, contact a rehabilitation center of your choice and ask if they accept your insurance. Insurance may considerably lower the cost of treatment, giving you or your loved one the peace of mind to enroll in a program.  

The Affordable Care Act

Since its inception, the Affordable Care Act has helped many individuals get their treatment covered. The act was designed to extend health coverage to uninsured Americans. It helps many people get treatment by expanding Medicaid eligibility and “preventing insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions.” The Affordable Care Act also required many plans to cover more essential health benefits. 

Family Medical Leave Act 

The FMLA allows working individuals to take unpaid, job-secured leave for various circumstances. It pertains mainly to companies with more than 49 employees. Eligible employees may use this leave to enroll in a treatment program knowing their job will be available upon recovery. 

Resources

Every state has resources for people and families affected by addiction. Here is a list of resources that may help with any stage of the recovery process.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers both open and closed meetings. Open meetings are open to the public and even family members. Closed AA meetings are for members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Closed meetings typically consist of the same members for extended periods.

Narcotics Anonymous 

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows the same guidelines as AA. NA meetings benefit many people across the country, mainly dealing with substances not limited to alcohol. 

SMART Recovery

SMART recovery takes a scientific approach to the standard 12-Step program. Many people looking for a nonreligious-based program find SMART recovery as an excellent resource. 

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a religious-based program that works well for people basing their recovery on faith and the gospel of Jesus. 

Get Connected With Maine Treatment Centers 

Choosing the right rehab may be stressful. Let us help you or a loved one pick out the best Maine treatment center. Our connections can help you make a positive life-altering decision. Contact us now.