Drug Addiction Treatment

Lets take a look at the drug addiction treatment models and methods:

Drug addiction can be treated and abated just as can many more familiar diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Treatment may include behavioral therapies consisting of psychotherapy, counseling, family therapy and support groups. Some drug addictions require medical management to address dangers arising during withdrawals and medication may be used to alleviate some of the associated discomfort. Seizures can and do arise during some detoxification and professional help is recommended for these situations.

The length of a stay in a treatment facility has been shown to directly correlate with the success of the recovery: the longer the stay the better the chances for recovery. Stays of less than three months are generally less successful and the person often relapses quickly upon return to their prior environment. Persons utilizing only medical detox with little or no associated treatment have little chance for success. Statistically there is little difference between those who use a fast detox and those who do no treatment at all. Research has proven that treatment of addictions works to reduce crime rates, improve physical health, decrease medical costs and increase employment.

Treatment facilities are available for both short and long-term treatment, depending on the particular needs of the addict. The goal of treatment is complete abstinence, but achieving this goal often requires both counseling, behavior modification and medical management. Programs of less than 6 months duration normally include outpatient therapy, medical management and counseling in a residential setting. Long-term programs may include medications such as methadone or buprenorphine used to treat opiate addicts in a residential setting or in outpatient settings.

Outpatient facilities offer a drug-free setting utilizing counseling and behavior modification. Classes range from 30 days up to 1 year depending on the needs of the individual and the treatment goals. Often a graduated approach is utilized beginning with frequent intensive individual and group therapies decreasing to weekly “check-in” meetings lasting only a few minutes. These types of programs are successful in treating alcohol and drug addiction especially when combined with 12 step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Continued monitoring of the addict assures continued abstinence.

Long-term care facilities, called therapeutic communities, typically last 6-12 months and incorporate intensive therapy, medical management and peer group support. Addicts needing therapeutic communities often were engaged in criminal activities and were dangerous in social settings. The long-term goal is to place the addict back into society as a productive member, able to be self sufficient.

Drug abuse, including alcohol abuse, costs the economy $67 billion per year in lost work productivity, police, fire and medical care, social system costs, court systems and drug treatment. Drug treatment substantially reduces the cost to society, as studies have shown that for every$1 spent on treatment between $4 and $7 dollars is saved. Drug treatment saves money and saves lives.

Tags: drug abuse, Drug Addiction and Rehab, Drug Addiction Treatment