Treatment Methods

Diagnosis and Tests


Based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.5 million people (8.5 percent of the U.S. population) aged 12 and older required treatment for an illicit* substance or alcohol-related problem in 2014. Only 4.2 million (18.5 percent of those in need of treatment) were treated with any form of drug treatment that year. Of these, about 2.6 million people received treatment in specialized treatment programs (CBHSQ, 2015).
Medications are used to control addiction, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and to prevent the relapse. Psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD understand their behaviors and motivations, increase their self-esteem, deal with stress, and address other psychiatric problems.


*The term "illicit" means the usage of illicit drugs such as marijuana, according to federal law and the use of prescription medicines in a way that is not legal.
A person's recovery plan is specific to the individual's specific needs and may incorporate strategies that are not part of the formal treatment. They could include:

Prevention


For more information about drug addiction treatment, visit: www.nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
The 13 principles of successful treatment for addiction to drugs were created based on three decades of scientific research. Research shows that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use in the first place, avoid relapse, and recover their lives.

Outlook / Prognosis


Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Treatments can vary depending on the needs of your individual. You can choose the treatment that works best for you based on the drug that you're consuming, the level of care you require as well as your individual mental health requirements, and the health care options you can afford. Here are some of the most popular addiction treatment options that have set patients on the right path to recovery.
Opioids are known to produce high levels of positive reinforcement, which increase the odds that people will keep using them, despite the negative resulting results. Opioid-related use disorder is a long-lasting disorder that can have grave consequences, including disability, relapses, and death. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition describes opioid use disorder as a problematic pattern of addiction to opioids, which can lead to difficulties or stress. Learn more about the disorder of opioid use.

What Are My Addiction Treatment Options?


Medically assisted detox can help you get rid of your body of harmful substances in a safe and secure setting. This is important because the withdrawal of substances can result in discomfort or even life-threatening symptoms. Because detox does not treat the root causes of the addiction, it is usually utilized in conjunction with other treatment options.
In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), gambling disorders are added to a category on behavioral addictions. It is based on research that has shown gambling disorders are similar to addiction-related disorders in a variety of ways. Recognizing these similarities will assist sufferers of gambling disorders receive the needed treatment and support, and may help others better understand the challenges. More about gambling disorder

Age Groups and Drug Addiction


Based on American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option as it can be used to treat a variety of addictions, including but not limited to, alcohol addiction, food addiction, and prescription drug addiction. Not only can CBT assist you in recognizing your bad habits and triggers, but it also can aid you in identifying the triggers that cause them and develop coping techniques. CBT can be combined with other therapies as well.

The addiction to drugs is a long-lasting illness that is characterized by compulsive or uncontrollable, use of drugs and use despite harmful effects and changes in the brain, which may be long-lasting. These changes in the brain can cause the negative behaviours that are seen in people who are addicted to drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to using drugs following a successful attempt to quit.

Treatment and Rehabilitation for Drug Abuse


Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help you to recognize your negative thoughts and show you ways to combat feelings of self-doubt. The purpose in REBT is help you understand that the power of rational thinking is in you and isn't connected to external events or stressful events.
The path to drug addiction starts with the voluntary act of using substances. However, over time, a person's capacity to decide not to take a drug becomes less likely. Seeking and taking the drug can become addictive. It is due in part to the long-term effects of exposure to drugs on brain function. Addiction can affect the areas of the brain that are involved in motivation and reward as well as memory and learning and also in controlling behavior.