Drug Addiction Treatment
Drug addiction, as SUD is now more commonly referred to in the diagnostics community, is a chronic, relapsing brain disease which involves compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It alters the structure and function of the brain so fundamentally, it’s almost impossible to quit without professional support. Like all kinds of addiction, breaking free is tough but it’s crucial to understand that recovery is not just a possibility, but an attainable reality. Today the treatment of addiction is no longer based on a one-size-fits-all approach but uses an integrated and individualized methodology taking into account the physical, psychological and social aspects of this disease, thus opening the door to freedom.
Laying the Groundwork: Safe Detoxification
Detoxification is the initial and typically most difficult phase of treatment. This is the time when the body eliminates the substance AND copes with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal, depending on the drug, can be excruciatingly uncomfortable and potentially deadly. It is for this reason that detox should be performed through a medical facility. In the controlled setting of a hospital or detoxification center, critical signs can be observed and medication used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and provide both safety and comfort. This very important first phase steps the person down so they can get on with their deeper healing work.
Healing the Mind: The Power of Behavioral Therapy
Getting over the physical dependence on a drug is but the start. Real recovery is about getting to the root cause of those thoughts, actions and emotional triggers that keep you chained to your addiction. This is when treatment can become successful with the use of behavior-based therapies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most effective addiction treatments, CBT teaches clients how to identify and challenge harmful thought right which in turn can lead to drug use. And, by arming them with new coping mechanisms and self-monitoring techniques, patients can cope with cravings and maneuver around situations that make them want to relapse.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): This is designed to assist people in resolving their ambivalence towards treatment, and increase internal motivation for change. MET is a very effective way of involving patients in their own recovery and helping them to help themselves.
- Family Therapy: Addiction profoundly affects families and how they function. Family therapy helps repair damaged relationships, as well as improve communication and teaches family members to create a home environment that supports long-term success.
Innovations in Treatment and Ongoing Support
Today’s addiction science has brought us potent weapons to help heal. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) includes Medication for Opioid Use Disorder — Combine the use of medication along with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance abuse disorders. Properties such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone for opioid addiction reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Finding a comprehensive program is key for those who seek help. When an individual enters a quality nasha mukti kendra in Punjab, they will receive a customized treatment plan which also combines these progressive medical and therapeutic treatments in order to give the addict the greatest chance of achieving success.
New technologies, from VR-enhanced therapy to possibly vaccines against — yes, vaccines against — drugs like fentanyl, are also on the horizon, offering still more powerful interventions in years to come.
Building a Life in Recovery
It’s great to have completed a program of treatment, but the journey doesn’t stop there. Recovery is a life long commitment to living in a different way. Aftercare is crucial for keeping you on the path to recovery. This might include regular therapy, living in a sober environment and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), where people who are going through the process learn how to help each other over any hurdles. A rehab facility in Punjab that offers strong aftercare planning means you’ll have this support system to rely on as you work through the challenges of your new life, free from the chains of addiction. Using the right tools and with continued effort, a satisfying future is attainable.
