Drug addiction refers to a neurobiological disorder in which an individual can’t seem to stop using substances even when addiction is causing damage to physical and mental health.
It is to note that no one can become an addict overnight. Most addicts start misusing drugs to escape real-life problems or enjoy the thrill and pleasure.
Initially, people want to experience; however, they become highly dependent on substances as time goes by. Many people, when starting, believe they can control how their brain functions and would stop misusing the drugs.
However, when a person realizes they are becoming addicts, unfortunately, they don’t want to change themselves.
The primary symptoms of drug addiction include absenteeism or poor performance at college or work, significant change in physical appearance, no interest or energy in daily activities, problems in relationships, quickly changing moods, etc.
But, there’s good news; addiction is treatable. Various strategies can help individuals overcome their addiction.
Note that a person can not withdraw from substance abuse abruptly since it will invoke unpleasant symptoms. Thus, seeking professional help to treat substance addiction is an ideal option.
Keep in mind there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment. Treatment option varies from person to person, depending on the individual’s needs.
So are you seeking professional help for your addiction treatment but don’t know which rehab center to choose? In that case, consider the Palm Beach Institute, which offers a unique and personalized treatment plan.
The best thing about this treatment center is professionals determine the root cause of addiction and then develop a recovery plan.
With that said, below are the standard treatment options for drug addicts:
1) DETOXIFICATION
The first step to addiction treatment is detox. The primary purpose of detoxification is to purify the body from substances and manage withdrawal symptoms.
It usually lasts for a few days or weeks. However, withdrawal abruptly from drugs or substances produces different symptoms. Therefore, healthcare supervision is necessary to detox your system from any substances safely.
In some cases, a substitute drug for an abused drug is used to ease the withdrawal symptoms—for instance, methadone for a heroine.
1. INPATIENT REHAB
Once completing detoxification, the next step is to enter a treatment program. The recovery treatment program divides into two main groups: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient or residential treatment program requires patients to stay inside the facility.
It is an excellent treatment option for those who wish to step back from their daily responsibilities and focus on recovery entirely. In an inpatient rehab facility, clients can get top-quality care from professionals 24/7.
However, don’t confuse inpatient facilities with any clinical environment. In fact, most inpatient centers are similar to homes having several amenities such as swimming pools, TV, clean and fully-furnished rooms, etc.
2. OUTPATIENT REHAB
Another treatment option, outpatient, does not require clients to live in the facility throughout the day. Instead, it has fewer restrictions; patients need to visit the facility a few hours a week and receive treatment.
The good thing about this treatment option is individuals with drug addiction can recover by staying close to their loved ones.
They can also keep going on with their daily life responsibilities, such as going to work/school or attending family events. This treatment option is more suitable for individuals who can stay committed and disciplined throughout recovery.
3. MEDICATIONS
During detox or the entire treatment process, individuals may take certain medicines to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Apart from relieving withdrawal symptoms, medications are also responsible for reducing craving, improving mood, and treating co-occurring diseases.
For example, other co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety or depression can be treated with medications and addiction. Medications will depend on the drug or substance a person is addicted to.
It is to note that medication is never a standalone treatment for addiction. Instead, it must accompany other treatment options for better results.
4. THERAPIES
Addiction treatment commonly comprises individual or group therapies. Therapies can help you learn healthy coping strategies. Common therapies include:
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
In this therapy, the primary focus is to identify the unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors of an addict and attempt to change them with positive and healthy ones.
CBT therapy is helpful because it helps individuals examine and uncover negative feelings or thoughts that cause hindrance in the road to sobriety and continuously contribute to relapse.
CBT is also effective for treating other co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, bipolar, anxiety, depression, etc.
● Contingency Management
Contingency management helps treat many substance use disorders such as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, opioids, etc.
The method involves giving patients rewards for making positive changes to their lives. Sometimes, this therapy alone is enough; however, other times, it works best in conjunction with CBT.
One significant advantage of this therapy is it reduces two main addiction treatment issues – relapse and dropping out.
● Motivational Therapy
A modern, specialized, client-centered therapy is motivational therapy. In this method, the therapist or counselor encourages addicts to identify their values and motivations and learn how substance addiction negatively impacts their life goals and values.
In this way, addicts can make appropriate choices to stop their addiction. Moreover, since the addicts make their own choices in this therapeutic technique rather than being forced by threats, resistance is comparatively low.
Thus, the client feels more motivated with this therapy, and the odds of relapse minimizes significantly.
● 12-Step Facilitation Therapy
Many support groups employ this form of therapy introduced by Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). 12-step facilitation therapy focuses on three main ideas.
First, acceptance that addiction is a chronic disorder over which a person has no control and sobriety is the only way to overcome addiction. Second, surrender in which patient must give surrender to the higher power and accept the support by recovering addicts.
The patient must also comply with the activities provided by the 12-step program. And lastly, active involvement, in which one must go to the meetings and complete all 12 steps. The primary benefit of this therapy is the client can get engage actively with the recovery community.
Other therapies involved in addiction treatment are Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Matrix Model, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and family therapy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
It is no secret that untreated addiction can destroy a person’s physical and mental health. While the road to recovery is usually complex and overwhelming, you can successfully make it to the end with firm determination and willpower.
Some forms of addiction are chronic disorders, there is a high possibility that addicts may relapse. Thus, addiction treatment is a lifelong job and needs repeated care. Moreover, the benefits you will enjoy once you treat your addiction are worthwhile.
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