Addiction therapies are a wide range of techniques used to treat drug addiction and help people become functional members of society again. This can include counseling, medication, family therapy and even peer groups. Choosing the right treatment for each individual depends on a variety of factors.
Those suffering from drug addiction often feel isolated and lonely. Group therapy helps them build a community of people who have gone through the same experience and who share their struggles. This support system can be a lifeline during the hard times when relapse is likely and cravings for drugs are strong. Many addiction recovery programs also offer alumni programming to encourage lasting engagement among a group of people who went through treatment together.
For those with a severe addiction, detox may be necessary to address the physical dependence on alcohol or other drugs. A medical professional will supervise this process to ensure that any health risks are addressed. It is important to understand that this is only a first step and does not replace addiction treatment.
Once the individual is free of a chemical dependency, he or she must learn how to deal with the underlying issues that led to drug use in the first place. This can be done through individual therapy sessions with a licensed counselor, or with the use of group counseling. A therapist can help an addict identify triggers that can lead to a relapse and develop coping mechanisms.
Family and group therapy also provides an opportunity for an addict to rebuild his or her relationships. Often, addiction causes damage to family units and many addicted individuals find themselves estranged from their spouses, children and other close relatives. Individual therapy and group counseling can help an addicted person repair these relationships as well as develop better coping skills and build up self-esteem.
One-on-one therapy is another type of addiction treatment that many people find effective. Having an addiction specialist as a mentor can be an invaluable resource for a person who is trying to overcome drug addiction. A therapist can provide encouragement and guidance to help an addict find new ways of dealing with stress and difficult situations that might otherwise trigger drug use.
A therapist can also prescribe medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for addictive substances. Medications can also be used long-term to promote abstinence and help with relapse prevention.
Whether inpatient or outpatient, most substance abuse treatment programs will have some kind of monitoring and testing for the presence of addictive chemicals in urine, blood or breath. This will usually be a requirement for anyone who is mandated to receive treatment by the court, child welfare or public assistance agencies.
Those in need of drug addiction treatment will also have to work on addressing any other issues that may be contributing to their current situation, such as financial difficulties, problems with housing or legal concerns. These can be addressed through counseling or support groups, as well as through retraining for employment and providing access to transitional living facilities.
