The American Psychiatric Association has officially classified substance use disorder as a mental health issue. This means that it’s much more complicated to treat than simply deciding to stop using and sticking out withdrawal symptoms. There are deeper issues that need to be resolved when it comes to treating addiction because of the hold that it has on the mind of an addict. Before you start any kind of addiction treatment, it’s important to get a private psychiatric assessment. If you’re not sure about getting a psychiatric assessment, our team at Outreach Recovery has three reasons why it’s an important first step on the path to addiction recovery.
Lets therapists see your level of commitment to treatment
If an addict has been sent to rehab as a result of a court order or a family member insisting that they go, the level of commitment to recovery might not be there. A psychiatric assessment will help a therapist see how willing someone is to put in the necessary work it’s going to take to get clean. This is especially important because it is a lot of very hard work and it’s going to take time. If there’s not a certain level of commitment or willingness to go through the process, the process will not stick.
Helps to create individualized treatment plans
Not all addictions are the same. While those who become addicted to drugs, alcohol, or otherwise might have similar reasons for their addiction, the effects that these substances have on their brains might be different. A private psychiatric assessment allows therapists to account for a variety of factors when putting together a treatment plan. It will be determined what level of treatment the patient requires with options like inpatient or outpatient as well as the duration of treatment. This plan will be curated to fit the individual needs of the patient so the outcome of treatment is better.
Helps to understand co-existing mental illnesses
It’s not uncommon for addicts to be dealing with mental illnesses in addition to their addiction. Some level of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other mental illness can prompt the first use of drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. If a therapist can understand the underlying cause and co-existing mental illness or illnesses that go along with addiction, they can put together a better treatment program that provides lasting results. Those who can get the help they need for their initial mental illness are much less likely to have severe relapses as they’re better able to manage the condition that drove them to their addiction in the first place.
Gives perspective into the need for ongoing programs
It’s not unusual for addicts to require ongoing therapy after they’ve completed their initial recovery program. These programs can be accountability and support groups, sponsors, or continued medicinal therapy. After an initial psychiatric assessment, a therapist can get an idea of whether or not it’s appropriate to recommend certain programs for ongoing treatment.
Get in touch for help
If you or a loved one is in search of addiction treatment, the first step that’s taken must be a private psychiatric assessment. This will make for much more effective addiction therapy that lasts. Reach out to our team at Outreach Recovery today and we’ll help you get the information you’re looking for to get the addiction treatment you need. Give us a call today at 888.897.9284 or send a message using our online contact form. With the help of our professionals, the road to mental and physical recovery is never far away.