Addiction
Treatment
Addiction is a complex behavior, some people consider
it an illness. Alcohol or illict drug addiction,
prescription drug addiction, gambling addiction,
eating disorders and other addictions are
often characterized by deep, uncontrollable cravings,
along with compulsive drug seeking and addictive
behaviors that individuals demonstrate, regardless
of the consequences.
Although the initial acts of using alcohol
or drugs is a willful choice, eventually
the drug or alcohol becomes an addiction and an
individual’s ability to make willful choices
becomes intertwined with a physical and mental addiction,
blurring the lines between choice and need, thus
rendering many medical professionals
and mental
health professionals to believe addiction is
an illness. This behavior results largely from the
effects of prolonged drug exposure on brain functioning.
Because drug addiction as well
as alcohol addiction, have so many
dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of an individual's
life, addiction treatment is not simple. Effective
addiction treatment programs incorporate
many components, each directed to a particular aspect
of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment
must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain
a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning
in the family, at work, and in society. Because
addiction is typically a chronic disease, people
cannot simply stop using drugs or alcohol for a
few days and be cured. Most patients addicted to
drugs and alcohol require long-term or repeated
episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of
sustained abstinence of drug and alcohol, and recovery
of their lives.
Effective Addiction
Treatment
Behavioral Addiction Treatments
Behavioral treatments help clients participate in
the addiction treatment process,
adjust their core beliefs on drug abuse
and drug addiction, recognize their triggers
to their addictive behaviors, become accountable
for their choices and actions with regards to drug
addiction, resolve interpersonal conflicts and recognized
marriage and/or family dynamics. Treatment
for drug abuse and addiction may consist
of a variety of behavioral approaches. The Cove
Center for Recovery embraces psychotherapy,
solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, expressive
therapy, trauma
therapy, cognitive therapy, and experiential
therapy as tools for assisting the addicted recovering
individual find solutions for the problems associated
with drug or alcohol addiction.
ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Residential Addiction Treatment
Programs are very effective, regardless
of the severity of drug and alcohol addiction. The
Cove Center for Recovery - Addiction Treatment Center
is a structured program in which clients
participate in addiction treatment
and reside with the treatment center for a minimum
of 30 days. All medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic
needs are met during the residential addiction treatment
program. A core component of a good residential
addiction treatment program is one that
provides an opportunity for the treatment staff
and the client to work together to co-create an
individual treatment plan and a solution minded
approach to a successful recovery life.
Another important component of a good residential
addiction treatment program exposes the
client to the environment outside of the addiction
treatment center, during the treatment
process, allowing the client to process the stressors,
triggers, and strengths of the world while still
in the protection and structure of a therapeutic
environment. Activities such as bowling, movies,
museums, shopping, and other outings are a good
opportunity to process tools learned in addiction
treatment. Relapse prevention education, focusing
on identifying triggers to addiction are one of
the building blocks of a good residential addiction
treatment program. Individual, group, and family
therapy are primary therapeutic focuses.
Intensive Outpatient Addiction
Treatment Programs typically occur
in a private therapeutic environment, with a group
of clients who are working on a similar focus. The
typical number of therapeutic sessions is 3 times
per week totaling 9-12 hours per week. Intensive
Outpatient is a step-down program used as aftercare
upon completion of a residential addiction treatment
program.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
programs include a variety of approaches for clients
who seek therapeutic interventions
in a private therapy setting. Outpatient
addiction treatment allows a client to
maintain their typical daily schedule while seeking
therapeutic assistance in resolving interpersonal
conflicts and addiction treatment.
The typical duration of a therapeutic session is
1 hour per week. A primary format for outpatient
therapy is individual, group, or family therapy.
Outpatient therapy is typically ineffective during
the initial stages of addiction treatment and is
more effective as an after care plan, once residential
addiction treatment is completed.
MEDICATION ADDICTION
TREATMENT
Medication therapy and behavioral therapy, can be
important approaches in the therapeutic process.
Medication addiction treatment may begin with detoxification,
followed by residential addiction treatment and
an aftercare plan. An individualized treatment plan
that includes a life history, including medical
and mental health history can be crucial to a person's
success in completing a residential addiction
treatment program and securing success
as a recovering individual.
Medications
can be used to help with different aspects of the
treatment process.
Withdrawal.
Medications offer help in suppressing withdrawal
symptoms during detoxification. Although medications
ease a client through detox, it is not a replacement
for therapy.
Treatment.
Medications can be used to help improve
or resume the ability for the brain to function
in a health capacity, diminish cravings and prevent
relapse.
Mental Health. Medications
are used for treating dual
diagnosed clients in an effort to alleviatethe
underlying mental
health illness. Mental Health issues, left untreated
often result in a client’s continued attempts
to self-medicate, leading a client to an inevitable
relapse to drug or alcohol addiction.
Principles of Effective
Addiction Treatment
According to the National Institute on
Drug Addiction (NIDA), “scientific research
since the mid–1970s shows that treatment can
help patients addicted to drugs and alcohol
stop using, avoid relapse, and successfully recover
their lives. Based on this research, key principles
have emerged that should form the basis of any effective
addiction treatment programs:
| • |
Addiction is a complex
but treatable disease that affects brain function
and behavior. |
| • |
No single treatment is appropriate
for everyone. |
| • |
Treatment needs to be readily
available. |
| • |
Effective treatment attends
to multiple needs of the individual, not just
his or her drug abuse. |
| • |
Remaining in treatment for an
adequate period of time is critical. |
| • |
Counseling—individual
and/or group—and other behavioral therapies
are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse
treatment. |
| • |
Medications are an important
element of treatment for many patients, especially
when combined with counseling and other behavioral
therapies. |
| • |
An individual's treatment and
services plan must be assessed continually
and modified as necessary to ensure that it
meets his or her changing needs. |
| • |
Many drug–addicted individuals
also have other mental disorders. |
| • |
Medically assisted detoxification
is only the first stage of addiction treatment
and by itself does little to change long–term
drug abuse. |
| • |
Treatment does not need to
be voluntary to be effective. |
| • |
Drug use during treatment must
be monitored continuously, as lapses during
treatment do occur. |
| • |
Addiction treatment
programs should assess patients for
the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and
C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases
as well as provide targeted risk–reduction
counseling to help patients modify or change
behaviors that place them at risk of contracting
or spreading infectious diseases.”* |
*Content of Principles of Effective
Addiction Treatment are courtesy of: Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov
Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate
attention you may contact us:
Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
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