Drug Treatment Program

Drug Addiction Treatment in Wilmington, DE

Drug problems don’t always look the same. Some start with a prescription. Others begin at a party and slowly take over. However it began for you or your loved one, help is available—and recovery is possible.

At Lotus Recovery in Wilmington, DE, we provide compassionate, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment. We meet you where you are. We help you stabilize, learn new skills, and rebuild your life with dignity and support.

Our services include an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program (OP), medication assisted options when appropriate, individual and group therapy, family involvement, and thoughtful aftercare planning. Our drug addiction treatment program is tailored to your health, schedule, and goals.

When Drug Use Takes Control

It’s not always obvious when substance use has become a substance use disorder. You may keep work and relationships together for a while. You may also notice the costs growing. Common warning signs include:

  • Physical: needing more to feel the same effect (tolerance), withdrawal symptoms, sleep problems, weight changes, headaches, frequent illnesses.
  • Emotional: anxiety when drugs aren’t available, irritability, low mood, guilt, using to cope with stress or trauma.
  • Behavioral: taking more than intended, trying to cut back and not being able to, doctor-shopping, missing obligations, secrecy, conflicts at home or work, legal or financial problems.

If you see yourself here—even a little—it’s worth having a conversation with a professional.

Life beyond drugs.

Wondering if you can enjoy life without drugs? Talk to our admissions team today. 

Signs & Symptoms by Drug Class

Everyone’s experience is unique, but different drug classes often create distinct patterns. These summaries can help you spot risks and understand what drug addiction treatment may address.

Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam)

  • Common signs: memory gaps; daytime grogginess; poor coordination; slowed thinking; taking pills longer than prescribed; mixing with other sedatives; intense rebound anxiety between doses.
  • Withdrawal risks: insomnia, panic, tremor, sweating, and—in some cases—seizures.
  • Impact on life: missed work, unsafe driving, strained relationships due to mood swings or forgetfulness, growing isolation, and fear about running out of medication.

Opioids (e.g., pain pills, heroin, fentanyl)

  • Common signs: drowsiness and “nodding off”; pinpoint pupils; constipation; nausea; slowed breathing; using opioids to manage stress rather than pain; risky sourcing.
  • Withdrawal pattern: flu-like symptoms, muscle and bone aches, yawning, runny nose, stomach cramps, diarrhea, chills, and strong cravings.
  • Impact on life: financial strain, conflict around missing pills or theft, job problems, loss of trust, legal issues, and overdose risk.

Stimulants (e.g., prescription stimulants, cocaine, methamphetamine)

  • Common signs: reduced appetite and weight loss; little sleep; fast heart rate; jaw clenching; agitation; hyperfocus that crashes into exhaustion; paranoia or anxiety.
  • Crash/withdrawal: fatigue, increased sleep, low mood, irritability, and cravings.
  • Impact on life: conflicts from impulsive spending or risky behavior, work errors, strained family trust, and health scares such as chest pain or panic.

How Drugs Affect Family, Social, and Work Life

Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It touches every part of life.
  • Family: arguments about use, secrecy, broken promises, and shifting roles at home. Loved ones may feel fear, anger, or burnout.
  • Social: withdrawal from healthy friendships, new circles centered on drugs, loss of hobbies, and increased isolation.
  • Work/School: missed deadlines, absences, safety issues, performance reviews, or disciplinary action.
  • Self-care: disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, untreated pain or mental health concerns, and declining confidence.

Treatment helps you repair these areas step by step, with practical tools and support for your loved ones, too.

Don’t Quit Cold Turkey Without a Plan

Stopping suddenly can be risky with certain drugs. Each class of substances carries its own dangers if use is ended abruptly. That’s why it’s important to have a safe, supported plan.

Benzodiazepines

Quitting benzodiazepines all at once can be dangerous. Abrupt stoppage may lead to severe withdrawal, including insomnia, panic, tremors, and even seizures. A gradual taper under medical guidance is often the safest route.

Opioids

Opioid withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but it can feel overwhelming. Flu-like symptoms, stomach cramps, bone aches, and strong cravings can quickly destabilize recovery if not managed with support.

Stimulants

Stopping stimulants suddenly may not cause severe medical complications, but the “crash” can be intense. People often experience deep fatigue, depression, anxiety, and strong cravings that can lead to relapse without help.

What Drug Addiction Treatment Looks Like at Lotus Recovery

Effective drug addiction treatment blends medical care, therapy, skills training, family involvement, and steady follow-up. Your plan is individualized and may include:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • A structured, flexible level of care designed to help you stabilize while living at home.
  • Several days per week with daytime or evening options.
  • Individual therapy, group therapy, and family sessions as appropriate.
  • Skills for cravings management, relapse prevention, sleep and stress, and rebuilding healthy routines.

Outpatient Program (OP)

  • A step down from IOP that supports continued progress.
  • Fewer hours per week, tailored to your schedule.
  • Ongoing therapy to strengthen coping skills and address work, family, or legal stressors.
  • Focus on maintenance, accountability, and real-life problem solving.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) & Medical Support

Medication can reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and support brain recovery—always alongside counseling.
  • Opioid use disorder: Options may include buprenorphine/naloxone or extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) after appropriate detox. If methadone is clinically indicated, we’ll coordinate with a licensed opioid treatment program.
  • Benzodiazepines: Safe recovery usually involves a gradual taper plan and non-sedating supports for anxiety and sleep. We’ll help you address the underlying reasons you began taking them.
  • Stimulant use disorder: There are no FDA-approved MATs for stimulant addiction, but treatment still works. We use evidence-based therapies, contingency management strategies, and, when needed, medications for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Medication is never the whole answer. It’s one tool in a comprehensive plan designed around your health and goals.

Evidence-Based Therapies & Whole-Person Care

We use therapies that are shown to help people change:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): understand triggers, change patterns, and practice new behaviors.
  • Motivational interviewing (MI): align change with your values and goals.
  • Relapse-prevention & skills groups: cravings plans, trigger mapping, sleep, and stress strategies.
  • Trauma-informed care: address trauma safely without derailing recovery.
  • Family therapy & education: rebuild trust, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries.
  • Contingency management (CM): structured rewards for progress, where appropriate.
  • Peer & community support: 12-step or alternatives based on your preference.

We also address sleep, nutrition, pain, and mental health—because these factors strongly influence recovery.

Aftercare & Recovery Support

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does—it simply changes shape. At Lotus Recovery, we start planning early so you’ll leave with a clear path forward. Your plan is simple, written down, and easy to follow.

That plan covers the basics: who you’ll see, what you’ll practice, and when you’ll check in. It might include regular sessions with a therapist or prescriber, peer group meetings, or community supports. It also builds in routines, coping skills, and relapse-prevention strategies to help you stay grounded.

We’ll also connect you with resources that make life outside of treatment easier. This may mean referrals for medical or mental health care, support with employment or housing, or joining alumni groups and peer networks. Ongoing support creates accountability, helps catch slips before they grow, and keeps your recovery strong.

Why Early Help Can Change the Story

 Substance use disorders tend to progress, but they’re highly treatable. Getting help sooner can prevent health complications, protect relationships and work, and make change easier. You don’t need to hit “rock bottom.” If drugs are taking up too much space in your life, that’s enough reason to reach out.

Delaware by the Numbers

In 2023, Delaware had a drug overdose death rate higher than the US rate overall, nearly 69% higher. The drug overdose death rate in Delaware increased in 18 of the last 24 years in which data is available. The overdose death rate increased 21% since 2018 and increased 2.8 times since 2013.

Multiple Delaware state agencies announce a near 36% decrease in drug deaths from 2023 to 2024. They cited multiple factors, including:

  • Wide-spread, targeted distribution of naloxone to high-risk geographic areas;
  • Better access to addiction treatment and treatment navigation for people without insurance;
  • Changes in the way people are using drugs (less injection drug use, and more ingestion via smoking);
  • Widespread awareness and public health messaging campaigns about the dangers of opioids and information on how to access help;
  • Significant expansion of organizations trained to screen clients for opiate use disorder;
  • Expanding access to medications for opiate use disorder
  • Continued focus on previously incarcerated and unhoused individuals who are known to be at high risk for drug deaths.

It is evident that a professional drug treatment program, like that at Lotus Recovery, along with early intervention, can save lives and help break the cycle of drug addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep working during IOP?

Usually, yes. We’ll help you choose a schedule that fits your job, school, and family responsibilities.

No. Medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone do not create a “high.” They reduce cravings and stabilize your brain so therapy can work. They’re carefully prescribed and monitored.

Yes. Many people use drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or pain. We treat both the substance use and the underlying issues together.

It varies. Many people spend several weeks in IOP, then step down to OP and aftercare. Your timeline is personalized and reviewed often.

A slip does not erase progress. We’ll help you learn from it, adjust your plan, and keep moving forward. 

Delaware Doesn’t Have to Face Addiction Alone

If drugs are getting in the way of the life you want, we’re here with respectful, evidence-based drug addiction treatment in Wilmington, DE. Reach out today online to Lotus Recovery or by calling (833) 922-1623.

Whether you’re ready to stop, want to reduce harm, or are worried about someone you love, reach out online or call us. A quiet, honest conversation can be the start of real change.