Drug Abuse Treatment Programs

Drug addiction is a serious and often deadly condition for millions of people

. By the time a person has become an addict, they have a compulsive need for drugs that has overtaken their lives.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states, When an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.

Drug addiction involves a compulsive need to obtain and consume a drug, i.e. a controlled substance. The user experiences the need to repeatedly consume the drug, usuallyneeding to increase the dosage over the course of their addiction. A psychic dependence usually accompanies the physical dependence. The World Health Organization defines psychic dependence as a feeling of satisfaction and psychic drive that requires periodic or continuous administration of the drug to produce pleasure or to avoid discomfort.

The good news is that drug abuse treatment works. There are many treatment options depending on the drug(s) involved and the individual addict. A complex treatment program will involve treating not only the addiction but also any accompanying issues, such as medical complications, psychological issues that may contribute to the desire to self-medicate, and a solid plan to return home with tools in place to help transition back into family, work and social lives.

When an addict is unable to obtain their drug of choice, withdrawal happens. They experience severe cravings and will often resort to lying, stealing and manipulation in order to get what they want. The fear of the pain and difficulty of withdrawal often keeps an addict from seeking recovery. Detoxification supervised by professionals helps alleviate the usual discomfort and fear associated with withdrawal, leaving the addict in a better place to fight their addiction.

Drug abuse treatment can encompass many approaches. Residential treatment programs offer round-the-clock care. 12 step programs are often utilized, both in a treatment program and on their own as meetings held around town. Another option is whats known as drug replacement, which includes methadone and other substitutes. This helps a person step down off the original illicit drug of choice and begin to transition into no longer needed any medication. There are also options for medications to treat those with an addiction to alcohol.

Behavioral modification therapy helps an addict come to terms with any issues that contributed to an addiction, as well as deal with these issues so that they do not contribute to a relapse once treatment is complete. These types of therapy can include individual therapy, marriage counseling, art therapy and others.

Other components of treatment for drug abuse often include education about addiction, life skills training, any needed medications for co-existing conditions, and relapse prevention planning. Holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, massage and meditation, can also be utilized for an overall approach to recovery.

Commonly abused drugs include:

Cocaine

Heroin

Inhalants

Amphetamines

Hallucinogens

PCP

Marijuana

Prescription Drugs

Alcohol

Ecstasy

Ketamine

by: JohnHoward

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