A variety of drug addiction treatments exist. They vary slightly depending on a number of factors. Some of these include the type of substance being abused, the specific problems and needs of the patient and the patient’s gender and age. All of these factors and many more determine the type of treatment best suited to each individual. However, there are some familiar components of all.

Whatever the particular method, most are based on science and medical research. Behavioral therapy and counseling are the cornerstones of successful treatments. Individual and group therapy help the addict to identify his triggers, understand his illness and learn coping mechanisms so he can make progress in his recovery. Learning how to avoid relapse and what to do if it occurs is an important part of behavioral therapy.

A good program should provide resources and referrals outside of the rehabilitation clinic. Many who are recovering from addiction need additional help to find jobs, receive medical and psychological care and continue making progress with ongoing counseling in order to avoid relapse. Those whose addiction has caused them to engage in high-risk behaviors need HIV/AIDS education and counseling so they do not pose a risk to anyone else and learn ways to protect themselves.

Medications in conjunction with other therapies are often recommended for patients addicted to opiates. Withdrawal from drugs such as heroin and prescription morphine can be excruciating and sometimes fatal if not monitored properly. Certain medications such as methadone can sometimes be useful in making the detoxification process less painful.

Recovery from addiction takes time. More often than not a one time, short-term stint in rehab isn’t going to be enough for the patient to abstain for life. Drug addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by multiple phases of sobriety and relapse. It is a lifelong struggle but with the proper care, it can be managed and overcome successfully.

If you need help finding the right drug or alcohol rehabilitation center for your needs let us help, we can answer your questions on different methods of treatment and effects of many types of drugs.

Call today; 1-877-744-3536

NIDA: 12 Principles of Effective Addiction Treatment

If you are seeking treatment for addiction for yourself or a loved one, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has put together 12 principles for finding effective treatment. Consider the following before making your choice.

One size does not fit all. Find a treatment or facility that matches your own personal problems and needs.

Treatment should be accessible and readily available so the patient applicant doesn’t get lost.

Treatment must encompass the drug abuse, as well as physical and psychological issues and legal troubles.

Treatment should be flexible and grow and change with the patient’s recovery progress.

Adequate time should be given oneself for treatment. Three months is standard although some addicts may require more. Whether you succeed or not depends greatly on how much time you receive effective treatment.

Counseling, both group and individual is essential for learning new ways to cope with stress, learn constructive activities to replace drug using habits and learn to navigate interpersonal relationships.

Mental disorders often are misdiagnosed with addiction and should also be treated only after the addict is clean and sober for at least six months.

Medical detoxification is but a small part of the total treatment experience and is only the first stage in getting the addict on the road to recovery. It is useful; in decreasing symptoms of withdrawal.

Even if the patient does not voluntarily participate, treatment can be effective. Sanctions and enticements by relatives, employers and the criminal justice system can get an addict where he needs to be to get help.

Monitoring possible drug use during treatment encourages the patient to stay clean and should be a component of the program.

Assessments for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted and communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis should be given. Counseling can help patients overcome high-risk behaviors.

Relapse is often an inevitable part of the recovery process and should not be viewed as a failure. On-going sessions and participation in self help programs after rehabilitation can increase the rate of success and recovery.

For help finding effective treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and to speak with an addiction conselor please call 1-877-744-3536

       Advice from these people is why most addicts go through many different treatment programs before they receive the help they need. If my family had sought the advice from a professional early in my addiction it may have saved them thousands of dollars and years of heartache.

        Many people think that you start on a gradient with addiction, first a little outpatient treatment, if that does not work then a short term program and a few meetings, if that does not work then a little longer program and a few more meetings every week.

        I realize that an addicts family is happy just to have the addict trying some sort of treatment,  but in reality more often than not you are just enabling the addict to continue using and living the same life style as they were before starting this type of treatment. Remember the addict is a master manipulator and is looking for the easy way out. He or she will do just enough to make you happy and get you off his back.

        Get serious right from the start. The first attempt at rehab needs to be the best program for the addict’s specific needs. Even if the addict says he needs help but his addiction is not that bad, remember when an addict tells you about their drug or alcohol abuse you can safely multiply whatever they have told you by three and you will be closer to the truth. For example if I told my parents that I was drinking a pint of alcohol a day what I was really saying was I am drinking a fifth a day.

        Not all programs are the same and not all programs are designed to give the addict what they need to stay clean. "Cookie Cutter" programs that treat every addict the same are not known for their high success rates.

 If you need professional advice on where to send your loved one to get Addiction Treatment call Addiction Rehab Help and let us help you get it right the first time.

Call today: 1-877-744-3536