Drug Abuse Treatment Steps

Drug addiction treatment typically involves several steps to help an addict to successfully  withdraw from using the drug. The treatment must be followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help the recovering addict to resist any crave for using the addictive drug again.

The first step of drug addiction treatment is the withdrawal therapy. Withdrawal therapy is a step by

step  detoxification plan  which helps the recovering addict to stop taking the addicting drug as quickly and safely as possible. The detoxification is a gradual process that  involve reduction of the dose of the drug or temporarily substituting the drug with other substances  that have less severe side effects.

The second step  begins after a successful detoxification. The goal of the second step is to help the ex-addict stay sober and keep resisting drugs. The second step involves therapies such as counseling, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings.

Counseling – Individual or family counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist or addiction counselor may help an ex-addict resist the temptation to return to using the addicting drugs. Behavior therapies can help the ex-addict to develop ways to cope with his drug cravings, suggest strategies to avoid drugs and prevent relapse, and offer suggestions on how to deal with a relapse if it occurs.

Counseling also can involve talking about the ex-addict job, legal problems and relationships with family and friends. Counseling with family members can help them to develop better communication skills and to be more supportive.

Treatment programs – Treatment programs generally include educational and therapy sessions focused on establishing sobriety and preventing relapse. This may be accomplished in individual, group or family sessions.

Self-help groups – Self-help groups call upon the individual addict to take responsibility for his or her life and lifestyle, at the same time fostering self-acceptance and self-esteem. While most experts in the field of drug addiction view addiction as a medical problem, because of its effects on both brain and body, some see it as a behavioral problem to be solved through the development of self-knowledge, behavioral changes, and coping techniques. There are self-help groups that embrace both views and others that lean toward the behavioral model. Each type of program encourages the individual to understand not only the reasons to refrain from using drugs but the underlying emotional causes of his or her addiction

The road to recovery is far from being easy and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From a medical standpoint drug use affects your brain chemistry. Once the drugs have been cleansed from the system, it takes time for the body to readjust. Feelings that were masked by the drugs will resurface, and when they do, they will have to be faced   because the drug which helped in ignoring them, is gone. Relapse prevention includes identifying triggers to using drugs, learning more adaptive coping skills, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges.

The chances of staying clean improve if the ex-addict participates in a social support group like Narcotics Anonymous, have a sponsor, and is involved in an Intensive Outpatient Program or individual therapy.  If he chooses not to seek help from a treatment support group, chances are he will revert back to his old habits and relapse becomes more likely. An important thing to think about during the treatment process is how the ex-addict perceives a relapse. If relapse occurs, it is more helpful to look at it as a normal part of the process, rather than a personal failure.

Additional changes in social routine will probably become necessary as well. There are people, places and things that represent a slippery slope for the ex-addict and it’s in his best interest to stay away from them. Surrounding him with people who can support his recovery makes things easier.

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