If you are struggling with substance use, there are options for addiction treatment. These include state-run programs and private organizations that provide free or low-cost care.
Treatment focuses on helping the individual overcome his or her problems and return to productive functioning in society. It also helps to address co-occurring medical, social and behavioral issues that may be causing the person’s addiction.
Counseling
Counseling is a major part of the addiction treatment process. It can help you explore and discuss your past drug or alcohol use, improve your relationships and learn to manage stress and cravings so that you can stay on the path to recovery.
Addiction counseling also addresses underlying mental health issues that may be causing your drug or alcohol addiction, such as depression and anxiety. Having a professional help you work through these issues can provide relief from your symptoms and prevent future problems from developing.
Therapy is usually required throughout a person's recovery, although it decreases in frequency and duration as they become more comfortable with life and cope with stressors. It is especially important for people who have experienced a traumatic event or experienced increased stress during their recovery period.
Medication
Medication helps manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent relapse. It can be a part of addiction treatment on an outpatient basis, or it can be used as part of a residential rehab program.
A common example is Naltrexone (Vivitrol), a non-addictive opioid blocker that prevents the feel-good effects of opioids. Another medication, buprenorphine (Suboxone), attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors to mimic the effects of opioids but without a high.
Alcohol addiction can also be treated with medications such as Acamprosate and Disulfiram, which stop the body from feeling the pleasurable effects of alcohol and subdues the urge to drink. Maintenance therapy, or long-term treatment with these medications, can relieve prolonged withdrawal syndrome and help people stay sober longer.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is an important part of the addiction treatment process. The family therapist helps to improve relationships between all members of the family and teaches the members new coping skills.
In this type of therapy, the therapist will look at issues in the context of your family's social, cultural and psychological needs. Your therapist will also consider your beliefs, fears and triggers.
Your therapist will also teach you how to deal with different situations. This may include dealing with the death of a loved one or coping with chronic illness.
There are many types of family therapy, and your therapist will choose the best approach for your family. Some of these include strategic, structural and existential approaches.
Support Groups
Support groups are an important part of the addiction treatment process. They help people who are undergoing treatment learn more about their disease and find resources for recovery.
They are also helpful in preventing relapse and helping clients to stay abstinent from drugs. They are often conducted by a licensed therapist, social worker, or other medical professional.
There are five models of groups in use, but some differ according to specific types of problems. These include psychoeducational, skills development, and relapse prevention groups.
Lifestyle Changes
During addiction treatment, individuals often change their lifestyles to support their recovery. These changes are aimed at improving their health, wellbeing and functioning and may help them to reduce or completely abstain from substance use.
A key aspect of this is ensuring that they have a healthy diet and sufficient exercise. A good diet can support recovery by rebuilding tissues damaged by alcohol and drugs and reduce stress, which can contribute to relapse.
Another important aspect of a healthy lifestyle is relaxation and meditation. This helps to relax a person and allows them to feel more comfortable in their own skin, which can be helpful for recovering addicts who feel lonely.
