Addiction is an illness that affects both the suffering individual and their family and loved ones. It disrupts every aspect of their life, including their health, relationships, and ability to care for themself.
Experts agree that addiction is treatable. One of the best ways to approach treatment is inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. There are many benefits to rehab, like gaining the knowledge to understand your addiction, the tools to combat it, and learning to establish healthy boundaries.
For more information on the benefits of addiction treatment centers, check out Clean’s success stories and testimonials. Deciding to treat addiction seems easy, but the journey to sobriety is highly-involved and must adhere to strict guidelines for success. The program must follow the thirteen principles of effective treatment determined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Otherwise, sober living will remain but a daydream.
Addiction is a treatable disease affecting both brain function and behavior
Drug abuse alters your brain function. After you stop using, you risk relapsing because of these changes, so appropriate treatment is imperative to help you learn the mechanics of addiction and control the behavior changes that come with it.
There is no universally successful treatment for substance use disorder sufferers
Drug addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Finding the best approach relies on the drug in question, the personality of the person, and available resources.
Treatment should be readily available to those in need
Addiction treatment is time-sensitive. Accepting that you need help is difficult, so as soon as you decide to pursue assistance, it must be accessible. If there is any delay, you could change your mind and not get help at all.
Addiction treatment should address the varied needs of the patient both in and outside their drug abuse
Drug addiction is usually a symptom of other underlying problems. With this reality in mind, halting drug use doesn’t rectify the mental health complications at hand. Remember, treatment should address the individual’s mental health needs, physical and social issues, and more.
Remaining in treatment for an adequate amount of time is crucial
Addiction treatment is not quick and easy process. Most addicts need at least three months to form the appropriate habits. Note that this duration of time varies by person. Failure to stick to a treatment plan for the expert-recommended amount of time could result in relapse.
Behavioral therapies are a common and widely used form of drug abuse treatment.
Addiction is a mental health issue, so addressing the behaviors of the addict is the first line of defense. Group therapy and peer support programs are overwhelmingly effective.
Medications are an important treatment element for many patients,
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are instrumental in assisting opioid addicts to fight their addiction, especially when paired with counseling and other behavioral therapies. There are medications for treating alcoholism and nicotine dependency, as well.
Treatment plans must be continually modified according to the patient’s needs
Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution to substance use disorders. From the day of admission to their final weeks in treatment, addiction specialists must adjust treatment plans according to the individual’s unique and changing needs. A tell-tale sign of a trustworthy treatment provider is a willingness to continually reassess services and resources the substance use disorder sufferer needs to ensure they are still on the path to healing.
Dual diagnosis is common
Addiction is a mental disorder that often presents with other mental illnesses. You have to address all of the needs of the individual during treatment.
Medically assisted detoxification is but one stage of addiction treatment and does little to deter long-term drug abuse.
Addiction treatment must produce long-term results. Detoxing will not accomplish this, so an addict needs treatment tailored to their needs.
Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be successful
Many people say that you cannot receive treatment unless you want it, which is not true. Court-ordered or otherwise involuntary treatment can be effective.
Because relapses can occur during treatment, drug use must be monitored consistently
Frequent drug tests and monitoring will motivate the individual in treatment and provide an early indication that drug use has resumed, allowing the addict to get help quickly.
Addiction treatment programs should test patients for the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.
Addiction treatment programs should provide targeted risk-reduction counseling, linking patients to treatment if necessary. Remember that drug users are at a higher risk for certain infectious diseases. Therefore, it’s vital that a treatment center, doctor, or counselor screens patients for these diseases.
Ultimately, addiction treatment centers can change an individual’s life. There are many ways to take care of yourself during addiction recovery, but the most crucial element is to ensure that you are receiving proper treatment.