This post may earn affiliate income from links and/or review products to help support this site from the companies .
Drug addiction is a condition characterized by an almost uncontrollable compulsion to find and use drugs. The user is aware of the harmful consequences and effects that the drug causes. However, the user’s addiction makes it necessary to use the drugs. Drug addiction can lead to relapses, where the user returns to drug use even after trying to stop. Drug addiction is a result of the effects of long-term drug use. It affects the brain and behavior of the user. The treatment used can vary from person to person based on the needs. It depends on the substance used, the level of care needed, and the affordability of the treatment methods. The treatment offered may also vary in the time taken to complete. It requires long-term care to ensure the patients stop using the drugs entirely and recover. Here are a few addiction treatment options used to treat addiction successfully:
-
Outpatient Behavioral Treatment
Outpatient programs offer the patients access to help on a regular schedule without being admitted to an institution. Behavioral treatment has been influential in the treatment of addiction-related conditions. It enables the patients to be able to cope better without drugs. There are several options available which include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: It is a helpful tool in treating several types of addiction and is crucial in helping the patients recognize and avoid likely triggers to drug use.
- Motivational Interviewing: It is essential in helping the patient seek treatment and try to change their behaviors and habits.
- Family Therapy: This form of therapy is mainly for younger patients. It aims to address various causes contributing to their drug use and better the overall family functioning.
The intensity of the treatment may be high initially for some of the patients as they may be required to attend several sessions per week. But the sessions and hours required wane with the progression of time. The outpatient treatments offer an excellent alternative for patients who may want to avoid admission for in-patient treatment.
-
Residential or Inpatient Treatment
In-patient treatment can be an effective method of treating addiction, especially amongst those with recurring or more severe conditions. It offers well-structured and intensive care all round the clock. The patients can be assured of security and medical attention all day. A wide selection of therapeutic approaches may be used to ensure the patient stays drug-free after treatment. This form of treatment guarantees the patients do not have any access to drugs while still receiving treatment which would have been difficult outside the facility. There are several residential treatment settings available such as:
Short-term Residential Treatment
This form of therapy is aimed at helping the patient detox and is essential in ensuring the patients receive the required initial intensive care they may need. It is also helpful in preparing the patients for treatment in a therapeutic community.
Therapeutic Communities
These refer to highly structured programs where the patients receive treatment at a residence for some time. The period often ranges from six months to a year, depending on the treatment required. The staff offers medical care around the clock. You can click here to read more. The environment is vital in helping the patients change their attitudes and understand drug use and addictive behaviors.
Recovery Housing
This form of treatment provides supervised, short-term housing for patients who have had some other form of residential treatment. Recovery housing is essential in helping the patients make the transition and live independent lives after recovery. The patients are often taught valuable skills they may require once outside the treatment facilities.
-
Twelve-Step Facilitation
This form of therapy can be efficient in the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse. It is a form of therapy that recognizes the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual consequences of alcohol and substance addiction. The first step is the acceptance that you have a problem, and you need help. You can then transition to the other steps. Regular group meetings are a big part of this form of therapy. The groups are essential in providing help and support for the patients.
-
Medication
The use of medication can be very effective in treating addiction, especially when combined with therapy treatments. The medicine helps reduce the symptoms associated with withdrawal from drugs and reduce addictive behaviors reducing the physical and emotional pain the patients have to endure.
Drug addiction can be physically and emotionally straining for the patients and loved ones. However, with effective treatment, time, understanding, and support, the patient can recover and lead an independent life.
