Your loved one’s recovery journey has begun – they are receiving addiction treatment. You may be asking, “what happens now?” There are many ways friends & family can provide support. We believe it is crucial to learn about the disease of addiction and the treatment process.
Treatment looks different for everyone, and for some, it may be a bumpy road to recovery, but it is possible. Millions of Americans are in recovery from addiction. We encourage you to reach out and ask for help for yourself and don’t lose hope. There are many that have gone before you.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions specifically about treatment and resources available to friends & family.
Unfortunately the answer is no. Many people with a substance use disorder go through treatment several times before successfully engaging in recovery. A personal motivation to change can strengthen over the course of numerous treatment attempts. Insights gained in treatment can be cumulative and may assist the individual in realizing the full benefits of treatment.
Act 53 provides parents and legal guardians a means by which to commit their drug/alcohol involved the child to treatment services. In Berks County, the point of contact for initiating Act 53 proceedings is the Juvenile Probation Office. If necessary, the probation department will refer the child for a drug and alcohol assessment. If treatment is recommended as a result of this assessment, the child must comply with this treatment or involuntary commitment proceedings will be initiated. For more information, contact the Berks County Probation Department at (610) 478-3200.
Substance use disorder is a progressive disease that cannot be cured with a quick fix. Treatment can address the addictive behavior and assist in returning the individual with a substance use disorder to a healthy lifestyle. As addiction is also a family disease, it is important that all family members consider their need for support as well.
Yes, absolutely! Family support plays a large role in the treatment process. Many emotions experienced by the individual with a substance use disorder are rooted in the family system and need to be expressed as part of treating the disease. Family involvement can extend the benefits of treatment; however, it is also important that family members seek support for themselves. Find more information about family support.
Because someone has returned to substance use or entered treatment multiple times, does not speak to the fact that the treatment does not work. This speaks to the aggressive and severe forms that addiction can take. Just like someone who has to enter cancer treatments many times, and sometimes still relapses, often an individual with an addiction must do the same.
Fortunately, there are many options for treatment in Berks County. Berks County has withdrawal management, residential and outpatient treatment and recovery housing. Additionally, medication-assisted treatment can be a part of any of these treatment programs. If your loved one has a particular need such as residential dual diagnosis treatment (treatment for both substance use disorder and mental health) or residential treatment in Spanish, they will have to go outside of Berks to receive care.
