subject: Effective Methods For Treating Drug Addicts [print this page] According to nationwide statistics, America spends trillions of dollars for addiction and drug use each year. There are a lot of treatment approaches which are created by researchers and medical professionals to combat the harmful effects of substance abuse in the country.
1. Behavioral Treatment
This treatment process allows the patient to be assisted by a therapist in a new environment that is controlled and protected. This involves the use of various behavioral strategies that enable the patient to learn to adapt his actions and ideas with regard to drug abuse to experience a better way of life. This form of therapy can be done either on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
2. Inpatient Treatment
This is a type of treatment which is ideal for those who have drug abuse issues and likely to have complicated health risks. With this therapy, patients are taken care of in therapeutic communities such as Dual Diagnosis Treatment institutions. They are asked to live in the area from six to twelve months for their steady and continuous monitoring. In general, patients in these areas are people who have been into drug abuse for a long period, engaged in serious criminal acts and aren't able to make social functioning.
3. Outpatient Behavioral Treatment
This treatment option requires the affected person to have a regularly visit to rehabilitation or dual diagnosis treatment centers so that his condition can be constantly monitored. This will not require him to live in the facility; however, he should make sure that he stays sober at his home where he chooses to get full recovery. Outpatient treatment can be performed through group or individual treatment that also includes mental behavioral therapy. This latter treatment is designed to assist the patient in dealing with his drug addiction and help him find ways to handle it.
4. Prescribed Medicines
When combined with behavioral therapy, medications become very effective in treating substance abuse among patients. With this, the patient will be prescribed with medications during the withdrawal process to lessen the discomfort which he may have to experience. Providing withdrawal medicines is a significant step in the actual treatment process. At present opiate abuses like methadone and buprenorphine have available medicines.
5. Court Intervention
As drug users often display criminal behavior, it has become necessary for the country's justice program to intervene and order abusers to undergo treatment. This strategy can become effective if treatment is continuously given to the patient as he is allowed to return to his community again.
