Addiction treatment is the process of helping people who use alcohol or drugs change their behavior so they can live healthy, drug-free lives. The goal is to reduce a person’s cravings and prevent relapse. The treatment process may take place in a variety of settings, and it is often called a continuum of care because it varies in intensity.
Detoxification: Safely managing the withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping drug use is the first step in treating addiction. It is typically followed by behavioral treatments that address the underlying factors that led to chemical dependency and a need for continued use of the addictive substance.
Medication: There are medications that help people with drug and alcohol addictions manage their withdrawal symptoms. These medicines can include acamprosate or campral (to reduce physical symptoms of withdrawal), disulfiram or antabuse (to disrupt the breakdown of alcohol in the body), and other medications to treat other possible mental health conditions that may be present as a result of drug misuse.
Medications also may be used to control emotional symptoms of addiction such as anxiety and depression. Meridian Addiction Services like Psychotherapy is another important element of addiction treatment, as it helps individuals identify and deal with problems related to their addictive behavior.
Other types of treatment are offered as well, including group therapy and family counseling. Inpatient and residential programs are also available.
Residential treatment can last a few weeks or months, and it involves living in a facility with 24-hour supervision. Patients who have a high level of motivation to stay clean and sober can benefit from this approach.
Comprehensive treatment is a program that addresses all aspects of an individual’s health, social and economic needs. It must address a wide range of issues including physical health, emotional well-being, social and legal concerns, financial management, child care, housing, parenting, transportation, education, and employment readiness.
In addition, quality addiction treatment addresses public health concerns associated with alcohol and substance abuse, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis. The program should include screening and testing for these illnesses, as well as the development of a plan to prevent relapse.
Community Support: In addition to formal treatment interventions, a supportive network of friends and family members can help a person recover from an addiction. These relationships are often the most powerful source of strength and motivation for a recovering individual.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of counseling that targets thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are influenced by drug or alcohol use. This form of counseling is particularly effective for those with co-occurring mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) uses techniques that help people learn how to overcome negative emotions, repressed memories and other triggers that lead to substance abuse. The Meridian HealthCare are especially helpful for recovering addicts who have severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Motivational enhancement therapy is another form of counseling that can help an addicted person to change negative thinking and behaviors that cause or contribute to their substance abuse. It is often used in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy.
To familiarize yourself with this topic,read this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_rehabilitation.