Getting help for alcohol and drug related problems

Getting someone to accept help for a drug or alcohol (substance abuse) problem can be one of the most frustrating experiences a family member or friend will face in their lifetime.

Once the person with a substance abuse problem is willing to enter treatment, whether doing so voluntarily or because he or she is influenced by outside pressure from family, friends, co-workers, legal matters, medical problems or one’s employer, there are a number of factors to consider.

Selecting a treatment program is one of the most important and difficult decisions the substance abuser will make in their lifetime. Few know what to look for in a quality treatment program and not all drug rehabilitation centers are alike. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness. TAP counselors are experts in matching substance abusing clients with quality treatment. TAP contracts with and conducts ongoing evaluation of the treatment programs to which clients are referred.

Among the factors considered when making referrals to treatment are the following:

Substance abuse usually progresses through predictable stages. A trained substance abuse professional should make an evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether it is inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or a short-stay option.

The difference between inpatient and a residential treatment center is that inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while residential programs usually do not meet the same rigorous standards of medical care. The level of treatment and length of stay depends on the severity and stage of the substance abuse problem.

When there are serious medical complications or mental health problems in addition to substance abuse, there is an advantage to including on-site medical care in as part of treatment, where physicians and nurses provide 24-hour hospital services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. In addition, a medical staff specializing in addiction medicine can monitor the progress of each individual and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

TAP ensures that the programs we recommend meet national standards for providing quality medical care as well as appropriate state licensing requirements. All TAP contracted facilities stress the importance of family involvement in any level of substance abuse treatment. Drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire family, not just the alcoholic/ addict. Quite often family members do not realize how deeply they, too, have been affected by chemical dependency.

Quality continuing care is a vital part of any substance abuse treatment program because there are no quick fixes for alcohol and/or drug problems. TAP offers continuing care meetings throughout Northern California. These meetings are open to anyone interested in maintaining a life free of drug and alcohol abuse. TAP also holds monthly sobriety barbecues at its Oakland office, an annual picnic at the Oakland Zoo, and a Holiday Party in December for recovering families and their children.

Call TAP at (510) 562-3600 with questions and concerns. All communications with TAP are covered under Federal and State confidentiality laws.