Drug addiction treatment is effective, but it is not as simple. Addiction or Substance use disorder is a chronic illness, and individuals cannot stop drug or alcohol use for some days and get cured. Most individuals need to be in repeated and long-term care to recover and stop using these substances.
Principles of Best Drug Addiction Treatment
The best drug addiction treatment is the one that helps an individual do the following:
- Stop drug or alcohol use
- Stay free from drug or alcohol use
- Become productive at work, in society and family
As per scientific research being conducted since the mid-1970s, the principles that are key to an effective de-addiction treatment plan constitute:
- Addiction is a chorionic yet treatable disorder that impacts behaviour and brain function.
- There is no go-to right treatment that can help everyone.
- Individuals ought to have quick and easy access to treatment.
- The best drug addiction treatment is the one that addresses all the needs of the recovery seeker and not just their drug or alcohol problem.
- Following the treatment for a long time is crucial.
- Behavioural therapies and several other counselling types are commonly used treatment forms.
- Medication is an integral part of treatment, especially when combined with counselling and behavioural therapy.
- The treatment plan should be reviewed and modified often to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the recovery seeker.
- Treatment should be provided for other existing or possible mental health disorders.
- Medically-assisted Detoxification is only the first step of de-addiction treatment.
- Treatment need not be voluntary for it to be effective.
- The treatment must continuously monitor drug use.
- Treatment programs should assess if the patients suffer from hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or any other contagious and infectious disease. Teach individuals the ways with which they can reduce the chances of getting these illnesses.
How can A Drug Addiction Treatment Centre Help?
Anyone struggling with drug addiction or witnessing their loved ones dealing with addiction often wonders how to overcome addiction. They also feel that they can help themselves and quit addiction if they try. But the nature of addiction is such that an individual cannot stop by themselves. Ther require the assistance of a drug addiction treatment centre to recover and sustain sobriety.
The treatment methods offered at a rehabilitation centre address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction to help an individual recover completely; these include:
- Behavioural therapy and counselling
- Medication
- Medical applications and devices are used for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms or to deliver skill development training.
- Mental assessment and treatment for comorbid mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Long-term aftercare for relapse prevention
A range of care with an individualized treatment plan and aftercare options are crucial for a drug addiction treatment to succeed. The de-addiction program must include mental health services and medical assistance to meet the needs of an individual. The mental health services comprise the behavioural therapies and counsellings that help individuals:
- Modify their drug-associated and trouble-causing behaviour and attitude
- Develop healthy life skills
- Persist with other ongoing treatment forms such as medicines.
Medical assistance ensures the safe removal of drug or alcohol toxins and residues from the body. It manages the cravings and reduces the effect of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms experienced on abstaining from drug or alcohol use. Medicines are also used to treat co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. Aftercare includes family or community-based recovery support groups. This offers continued counselling in a group setting such that an individual can prevent relapse and sustain recovery. Also, it helps recognize early signs of problem behaviour that can give rise to substance abuse. This helps individuals avoid future problems by addressing the problem behaviours as soon as they occur.
Other reason to choose a drug or alcohol addiction treatment from a rehabilitation centre includes:
- Treatment for types of addiction and co-occurring disorders
- There is a highly educated and experienced team of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors.
- Warm and supportive environment to nurture an individual’s healing and accelerate their recovery.
- A post-discharge treatment plan to maintain sobriety.
- Access to support groups such as alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous.
- Family counselling and couple therapy help the loved ones of the treatment seekers.