The first recourse to a drug is as a means of deciding. But addiction can develop, creating a very dangerous condition. The effects of drugs can affect your decision-making abilities, including the decision to stop drug use.
For more information about drug addiction treatment, visit: www.nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
You may be aware there's a problem but unable to quit. In the case of addiction, stopping using drugs can be physically painful. It can cause you to become sick and even become life-threatening.
Treatment for addiction isn't universally applicable. Treatments may vary based on your needs. You can choose the treatment that is most suitable for your needs based on the substance you're abusing, the level of care you require, your personal mental health needs, or what health care options you can afford. Here are a few of the most popular addiction treatment options which have put patients on the path to recovery.
The first step in identifying the presence of addiction is to recognize the issue and seeking help. The first step can begin with an intervention from friends or loved ones. When someone has decided to seek treatment for addiction, the next steps include:
Medically assisted detox can help you get rid of your body of addictive substances in a secure environment. This is important because substance withdrawal can cause unpleasant or even life-threatening physical symptoms. Since detox doesn't address the underlying behavioral causes of addiction, it is typically employed in conjunction with other treatments.
Many treatments are available to treat substance use disorder. Even in the case of a serious disorder treatments can be beneficial. In most cases, you'll receive a combination of these therapies:
As per American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addictions, including but not limited to, alcohol addiction, food addiction, and prescription drug addiction. CBT can aid in identifying your problematic habits, but it can also assist you in identifying the triggers that cause them and develop coping techniques. CBT is a good complement to other techniques for therapy as well.
It is possible that medication will be a part of your treatment regimen. Your medical team determines the most effective medications for you. Medication-assisted treatments are available for:
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help you identify your negative thoughts and give you methods to overcome feelings of self-doubt. The purpose for REBT therapy is to help you understand that the ability to think rationally lies within yourself and is not connected to external events or stressful events.
Outpatient and inpatient treatment plans are offered, depending on your needs. Treatment usually involves group therapy sessions which are scheduled every week for three months or an entire year.
Contingency Management (CM) is a method to treat a range of addictions, including drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The therapy for CM helps you maintain your positive behaviour (ie maintaining sobriety) by offering tangible rewards. This type of treatment has been utilized successfully to combat relapse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can aid you on the road towards recovery. Self-help groups are also offered for family members, including Al-Anon as well as Nar-Anon Family Groups. Participation in 12-step rehabilitation has been shown to enhance outcomes.
Twelve-step facilitation therapy ("12-step programs") can be used to treat alcohol and substance abuse. It's a type of group therapy that involves the recognition that addiction comes with a myriad of negative effects that are social, emotional, spiritual and physical. The therapy starts with acceptance, then shifts to surrender to a higher power, then it eventually becomes involved in consistent group meetings. The popular programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use group meetings to talk about and offer mutual support.