The aim of a good addiction treatment program is help the individual remain free of the drug on a permanent basis; but, more immediately; it is to get that person off the drug right now, so to enable that person to function in society.
Unfortunately, millions of people who need drug addiction treatment do not seek it or are not given the funds or latitude to receive it. If untreated, substance abuse can rip apart families, lead to child abuse, delinquent child-support, and is often the cause of violent infractions. This leads to larger social consequences –increased welfare costs, unemployment and a loss of productivity. It is estimated that drug use costs our society billions of dollars each year; as healthcare and justice costs mount with each addiction. Addiction Treatment, if administered effectively, can help bring these costs down, as well as cut down on the number of secondary infectious diseases promoted by drug abuse –such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other potentially fatal illnesses.
Studies have shown that with effective drug addiction treatment, people can escape the clutches of addiction. There is an old adage that you are not what you feel, but what you do. In essence that means what you do can change the way you feel; and this is the purpose of addiction treatment: to change your behavior, and thus alter the physiology of your brain so as to combat the physical illness of addiction. This is not done simply; it is a long-term process and each individual responds differently to each rehab program.
Some big keys to effective drug addiction treatment are: availability, attention to the specific needs of the individual beyond his or her addiction treatment, therapy, regular counseling, and patience on the part of the person who has sought treatment. No one cures their disease overnight. Drug use is often contingent on other, seemingly unrelated emotional triggers; thus, a host of other behavioral therapies may be introduced to aid and bolster the treatment. Certain addictions may require the use of medications which, when working in concert with behavioral therapies, can be invaluable in combating addiction. As well, effective addiction treatment should address the patient’s withdrawal syndrome, often the most difficult stage of treatment.
Does the patient have to admit themselves for the addiction treatment to work? Not at all. Studies have shown that involuntary patients, or people admitted after intervention, have worked equally well. People at the mercy of this insidious disease are often unaware of just what it is doing to them. If left to their own devises, they will destroy themselves from within. Drug treatment is not a one-shot deal. It is requires frequent treatments, which include “booster sessions” and continuous care to monitor the behavior of each individual.
The course of effective drug addiction treatment is usually: 1.) Drug Detox 2.) Drug Treatment, and 3.) Relapse prevention. One of the more important aspects of drug treatment is the reduction of withdrawal symptoms so as to prevent early relapse. That’s why a good drug treatment program examines each individual, his or her chronic addictions and secondary conditions and behavioral patterns, so as to be able to spot the warning signs before relapse can take hold. In such cases, family and community-based support systems may be consulted so to keep tabs on the individual once he/she is discharged.
To locate effective addiction treatment, you can call the national addiction helpline at 1-800-99-DETOX.
