Drug addiction can be a very difficult topic to discuss, and unfortunately is becoming more and more prevalent as time goes on. Chances are if you aren’t struggling with drug addiction yourself, you know someone that is. With a lot of stigma surrounding the topic, it is important to know how to properly treat a drug addiction, whether it’s for yourself or someone else.
Here at My Recovery Source, we strive to make sure our clients have the ability to search for treatment programs that best fit their individualized needs. We also work hard to make drug addiction treatment accessible to anyone who needs it. Today we’d like to talk about what drug addiction is, how to treat drug addiction, and how we can help you or your loved one.
Drug Addiction Explained
A drug addiction is a chronic disease that is characterized by drug seeking behavior with usage that is compulsive and difficult to control, even with the harmful consequences of the drug. Although the decision to take drugs is usually voluntary at first, repeated drug usage can cause changes in the brain that challenges an addicted individual’s self-control when resisting the urge to take drugs. This can then lead to a relapse in individuals trying to recover from their addiction.
Drugs will affect the brain’s “reward circuit,” which then causes a euphoric feeling from the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Long-term use in the brain can also affect one’s learning, judgment, decision-making, stress, memory, behavior, etc. There are many different factors that can influence one’s ability to become addicted to a drug. These factors include: biology, environment, and development.
How to Treat Drug Addiction
There is not necessarily a cure to drug addiction, just like most chronic diseases, though it is treatable and can be successfully managed. Because there isn’t necessarily a cure, people who are recovering from a drug addiction will be a risk for a relapse. Drug addiction can be treated using behavioral therapies, medication, a combination of both, and even support groups. These different therapies can be done within inpatient rehab programs, outpatient rehab programs, 12-step programs, support groups, etc.
Inpatient Rehab
An inpatient rehab program can be both long-term and short-term. This inpatient treatment provides you with 24-hour professional care. The long-term treatment lasts usually anywhere between 30 days to 12 months but varies between different programs. Inpatient treatment programs utilizes both behavioral therapies and medications, but varies on a case to case basis.
Outpatient Rehab
An outpatient rehab program varies in type and intensity of services, and costs significantly less than an inpatient treatment program. This type of program is suitable for individuals with jobs and with a sufficient amount of social support. This program may use both behavioral therapies and medication. It is also known to use group counseling as a major component.
12-Step Programs and Support Groups
12-step programs are designed to be free of cost with community-based resources for individuals who are suffering from a substance abuse disorder. These programs use meeting attendance and activity participation/engagement on a recovery basis. This involvement has been associated with better outcomes with substance usage and psychosocial outcomes. These different support groups include groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc
All of the types of addiction treatment programs and therapies are great and researching more about them can help you decide which one may be right for you. Remember to value your own health when choosing a treatment and recovery option.
How My Recovery Source Can Help
Here at My Recovery Source, we provide a search engine and database for our clients to research and find a treatment program that fits their individualized needs, and works for them. We want our clients to feel comfortable within their recovery process and help them remain sober. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you!
