University of Maryland Medical Center - Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each category involves unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption and can cause harmful effects. To treat alcohol addiction at any level, alcohol rehab in Maryland is often necessary. These treatment programs provide psychological, social, and medical supports that help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

Once a person has become addicted to a substance, drug rehab in Maryland is often necessary to overcome that addiction. These programs provide the tools individuals need to manage the physical, mental, and emotional issues involved and begin a successful recovery journey.

Maryland's addiction experts understand the importance of dual-diagnosis addiction treatment in their inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. Dual-diagnosis means having two mental health disorders at the same time, like addiction and depression. By treating individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously, they can enhance recovery outcomes and improve overall health, reducing the risk of relapse. Programs include evidence-based therapies, family counseling, recovery support groups, and skills training. Additional services may include medically assisted detox, 12-Step facilitation, equine therapy, complementary treatments, and alumni programs.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

In Maryland, substance abuse treatment programs support individuals struggling with drugs or alcohol, and those who also have mental health conditions. These rehab programs vary, depending on the level of care you need. That might include inpatient rehab, or an outpatient program. Typically, substance abuse treatment includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), recovery support meetings, and skills groups to equip you with new coping strategies when you leave rehab.

Clients who are exiting detox or intensive inpatient treatment often enroll in outpatient rehab programs to ensure a robust continuity of care. Outpatient programs allow clients to remain in or return to their homes and workplaces while continuing to receive treatment, which typically includes addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Clients in opioid and/or alcohol recovery may also receive medication assisted treatment (MAT), including medication induction and maintenance, at an outpatient facility.

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Clients who are leaving inpatient rehab often choose to transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to receive high-level support as they reintegrate into their home, workplace, and community. Intensive outpatient rehab also benefits those at risk of relapse. Clients typically participate in nine to 20 hours of treatment weekly, with modalities ranging from psychotherapy to addiction and recovery education. Many programs also provide medication assisted treatment (MAT) and complementary care, such as nutrition counseling, and acupuncture.

12 step programs provide accessible peer coaching for participants at all stages of their recovery journey. Meetings are peer-led, anonymous, free, and available multiple times per day in most communities. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring by a self-selected sponsor. 12 step recovery is based on spiritual principles, which enable participants to understand their disease, accept responsibility for their choices, and relinquish control over that which is unchangeable. Religious affiliation isn’t required and specialized formats are available.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.