Thanks to advancements in the modern-day healthcare systems, luckily, addiction can be treated in various ways depending on the affected individual’s needs. Here are a few types of treatment and how they can help you or a loved one when struggling with addiction.
For those seeking help with addiction, the path to recovery can be daunting but ultimately rewarding. Perth to Bali Beginnings is here to support you or your loved one on this journey, providing guidance and resources every step of the way.
1. Drug Detox
Also called detoxification, this is a medically-assisted treatment approach that primarily aims at helping the patient withdraw from substance use. It mainly focuses on fighting substance withdrawal symptoms that at times make life difficult for the patient after quitting the addictive substance in their recovery journey. During drug detox, the patient could be put on medications that help avoid relapse triggers as well. Detoxification is most effective when used combined with other addiction therapies.
Among the different types of addiction treatments, detox for drugs plays a crucial role in the recovery journey to help individuals begin their path toward healing and sobriety.
2. Counseling/Behavioral Therapy
Often the following detoxification, behavioral therapy is another crucial approach to treating addiction. It often involves several sessions with an experienced therapist customized to the needs of the addicted individual. The most common approach used here is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which seeks to address the mental aspect relating to the addiction or addictive substance.
In other words, cognitive behavioral therapy streamlines the patient’s recovery journey through talk therapy. During CBT treatment, the patient and therapist work together to discover emotions and thoughts related to substance use. The idea is to change the patient’s perception of the addictive drug or substance. Other approaches used in counseling and behavioral therapy include:
- Motivational incentives
- Motivational interviewing
- Family support therapy
3. Rehab
Often considered best for severe cases of addiction, rehabilitation is a long-term treatment option. It helps addicts cope with their addictive habits and spearheads them toward a drug-free life. Done right, patients often recover and get back to their social and professional lives. In most cases, the recovering addict has to spend a considerable amount of time in a rehab facility away from emotional, physical, or other environmental factors that may trigger substance abuse.
The most severe cases often require enrolling in a 24-hour care program. Here, various combinations of treatments are used, including the ones discussed earlier. Patients can be enrolled in one of the various rehab programs, including the following:
- Short-term residential treatment – Rehab can last for a few weeks to months depending on the level of care needed
- Therapeutic communities – long-term treatment in a residence for 6 - 12 months
- Recovery housing – Post-treatment therapy to help mold the recovering patient back in a society free from the drug life
4. Treatment with Medication
As mentioned earlier, medications play a huge role in treating different types of addiction. Some are used to minimize cravings, boost mood, or alleviate addiction tendencies. A good example is lofexidine, which was recently approved by FDA for use in fighting cravings and withdrawal symptoms for opioid addicts undergoing treatment. Another one is acamprosate, which is known to help curb drinking tendencies.
Whether it’s you or a loved one, struggling with addiction doesn’t have to be a solo battle. All you need to do is talk to someone, preferably a medical professional. Various successful treatments are available these days to help you successfully overcome the said addiction, so you can get back to your life.