According to in-depth research, more than 21 million Americans suffer from one or more addictions; however, only 10% of all patients receive treatment. At the same time, deaths resulting from drug overdose have tripled since back in 1990.
Tackling drug addiction is no easy task. For this reason, it is recommended that those suffering from substance use disorder seek professional help. Drug treatment is a holistic treatment plan intended to assist individuals suffering from addictions to avoid compulsive drug seeking and use.
The treatment may occur in different settings, in various environments, and for different durations of time. Since drug addiction is generally a chronic disorder characterized by replacements that may be occasional or rare. Therefore, one-time treatment is typically insufficient.
In fact, for most people, drug addiction treatment is a long-term yet rewarding process involving regular monitoring, therapy plans, and multiple medical interventions. There exist a plethora of evidence-based approaches to treat addiction.
Luckily, multiple researchers understand the behavioral patterns alongside the actual cause of this complex disease have transformed how people talk about addiction. Here we take a closer look at the various types of habits and how they may be treated:
The Two Types of Addictions
According to multiple researches, addictions to substances operate similar to other compulsive behaviors, including shopping or gambling. Most studies recognize two main types of addictions:
Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addiction refers to addiction involving compulsive behaviors. However, some researchers argue about whether these involve addiction or not. However, the DSM-5 includes two behavioral addictions, namely:
- Gambling Addiction
- Internet Gaming Disorder
Almost all medical experts believe that specific behavior patterns end up becoming problematic with time. However, there’s some disagreement about:
- At what point does behavior become an addiction
- What specific behaviors may become addictive
The typical signs of a potentially addictive activity are:
- The urge to engage in behavior regardless of whether it negatively impacts your responsibilities, relationships, or day-to-day activities
- Spending vast amounts of cash to engage in the behavior/activity
- Using the behavior/activity to manage unwanted emotions
- Experiencing shameful emotions and, in turn, hiding the behavior or lying to others about it
- Finding it difficult to avoid the behavior
- Feeling irritable, restless, anxious, depressive, and other typical withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit the behavior/activity
As a result of lack of behavior and peer-reviewed evidence, most behavioral addictions have not been in the DSM. Here are several common behavioral addictions that people may seek professional help for:
- Shopping Addiction
- Exercise Addiction
- Food Addiction
- TV Addiction
- Social Media Addiction
- Sex Addiction
Chemical Addiction
Chemical addiction refers to when individuals are addicted to certain chemicals. There are certain disputes among research since there is a certain amount of confusion regarding chemical addiction.
It plays an integral part in why the DSM-V recommends health professionals to use the term ‘substance use disorder.’ In this way, medical healthcare consultants can easily differentiate between severe, moderate, and mild cases of addiction.
Most professionals prefer using this term to avoid terms like ‘abuse’ ‘addict,’ which stigmatizes the condition. Ultimately, the social stigma and internal stigma make it difficult for people to seek the help they need and deserve. Some of the most common symptoms of substance use disorder include:
- Cravings
- Need to use the substance to experience its effects
- Unease and discomfort in case they can’t access the substance
- Risky substance use
- Trouble carrying out day-to-day activities and responsibilities
- A negative impact on maintaining friendships and relationships
Some of the most common addictive substances are:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids, including heroin and other prescription medicines such as morphine
Treatment Plans for Tackling Addictions in Drug Rehab Centers
Here are some of the most common addictions that require treatment:
- Alcoholism
- Cocaine dependence
- Crystal meth addiction
- Dual diagnosis disorder
- Heroin addiction
- Marijuana addiction
- Prescription painkillers
- Poly-drugs addiction
There’s a wide range of evidence-based approaches used to treat addictions. Moreover, drug treatment includes in-depth behavioral therapy like contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, or some combination of these factors.
The specific type of treatment (or combination) typically varies from patient to patient to meet the individual’s needs in the best way possible. Each treatment program section is dedicated to addressing a specific behavior and offers excellent coping strategies to motivate patients to lead healthier, sober lives.
In severe cases, you might require inpatient treatment, during which you stay within a facility center, possibly for months, to get rid of substance abuse. During this period, drugs are excreted from your body in the form of urine, saliva, and bile through medication.
You are also enrolled in multiple health-based exercises such as long walks in the park, yoga, and gym to improve blood circulation and reduce the cravings for the drug. Thirdly, you attend various peer group counseling, where people share their story of substance abuse, the journey towards treatment, and their aspirations. It helps build your morale, offers emotional support, and motivates you for a healthier and happier life.
However, drug abuse treatment doesn’t end here. You need to get follow-up treatments for years to mitigate the risk of relapse. It also helps you in fighting against favorable conditions that could lead to substance abuse.
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To Sum it Up
Typically, patients are allowed to choose between outpatient and residential treatment programs. Both are excellent choices; however, what you generally select depends on your needs and experiences. While residential treatment plans offer patients some time away from day-to-day distractions, outpatient drug rehab boasts a flexible schedule.
Outpatient treatment plans allow you to spend some time at home and work. With both options, patients gain access to quality therapy and counseling plans with the goal of long-term sobriety and recovery.
Enter rehabilitation with an open mind, positive attitude, and realistic expectations to find what you’re seeking in rehab. Make sure you’re dedicated, committed, and persistent. Trust the process and tell yourself it’s okay to have good days and bad days. Are you ready to become healthier and happier? Then it’s time to connect with the perfect drug addiction treatment plan!