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Drug Addiction Treatment Programs
by Cheryl Hinneburg
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Overview
The majority of addicted people think that they can discontinue using drugs without proper drug treatment. As a matter of fact, this is how most initially try to quit, without treatment. Few are successful in achieving long-term abstinence. The reason for this is that long-term drug use makes several changes in the brain that take quite a while, even after the drug use has stopped, before these changes can be reversed. Drug treatment is the only way to equip the addict with the needed tools to be able to control drug impulses.
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Triggers
When a person is addicted to drugs, it is extremely difficult for them to achieve abstinence and maintain it without adequate treatment. Addicts will have to battle triggers, which are incidents that create extreme temptation. These triggers usually come without the addict having any consciousness that the trigger even occurred. These triggers can come from work-related stress, work, pain, problems within the family, running into people who were part of the addict's past when they were actively using, and environmental factors that could include seeing streets that were associated with drug use, smells or objects. These things can cause a deep desire to use again. This is why drug treatment is so essential for complete recovery.
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Variations of Treatment
The purpose of drug treatment is to help those who are addicted to stop seeking and using drugs. There are numerous settings in which drug treatment can occur, and no specified time frame can be predetermined for the length of treatment. What can work effectively for one addict may not be suitable for another. Addicts are prone to relapses, and many require treatment on more than one occasion for success. Most drug-treatment programs offer compounded therapies in conjunction with other services that are tailored to meet each addict's needs.
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Types of Treatment
Drug treatment usually includes individual and group-behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and even medication. The particular combination of treatments will be different based on the individual's needs and drug of choice. The severity of the addiction is also explored and definitely affects the treatment plan. Addicts also usually have other problems that affect the direction of the treatment plan that also have to be considered.
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Considerations
Outside needs also must be addressed for drug treatment to be successful, so needed are thorough evaluations of the patient's needs, race, and culture and age, sexual orientation, past history, gender and physical health. Once these factors have been assessed, it is possible to go further and decide upon a treatment medication. Those with an opiate addiction can benefit from medications such as methadone or buprenorphine. Addicts who are alcohol-dependent might benefit from acamprosate, topiramate or naltrexone. Many times there is a dual addiction of drugs and alcohol.
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Co-Curring Disorders
Treatment success is also dependent on how mental disorders are handled. These conditions are often treated with antianxiety medications, antidepressants and, sometimes, antipsychotic agents. These mental disorders can include anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Once these issues are controlled, it is then possible to teach strategies for coping with future cravings for drugs, how to avoid and cope with relapse, and how to develop relationships, parenting skills, and communication skills.
