Addiction Recovery

Why do people with substance use disorder need more and more drugs over time?


The initial recourse to a drug is a choice. But addiction can develop, creating a very dangerous condition. Drugs affect your decision-making ability which includes the decision to quit using drugs.
For more information about drug addiction treatment, visit: www.nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition


You may be aware there's a problem but unable to stop. When you're addicted, stopping your the use of drugs can make you physically painful. It can make you sick or even life-threatening.
Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Treatments may vary based on the needs of your individual. You can choose the treatment that is most suitable for you based on the drug you're abusing, the level of care you need, your personal mental health issues, or the treatment options you're able to afford. Here are a few of the most popular addiction treatment options which have put patients on the right path towards recovery.

How common is substance use disorder?


The first step to identifying an addiction to drugs is recognizing the problem and seeking assistance. The initial step could begin with a plea from friends or loved ones. Once someone decides to seek treatment to overcome addiction, the next steps include:
Medically assisted detox can help you cleanse your body of harmful substances in a safe and secure setting. This is advantageous because the withdrawal of substances can result in unpleasant or even life-threatening physical symptoms. Since detox is not able to address the root of the problem, which is the behavioral cause of the addiction, it's usually used in combination with other therapies.

How might substance use disorder affect me?


There are a variety of treatments available for addiction disorders. For severe cases it is possible to treat. In most cases, you'll receive one or more of the following treatments:
As per American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful treatment tool because it can be used to treat a variety of addiction , including but not limited to food addiction, alcohol addiction and addiction to prescription drugs. CBT can help you recognize your unhealthy behavioral patterns, but it can also aid you in identifying the triggers that cause them and develop coping techniques. CBT can be incorporated with other techniques for therapy as well.

Why do people take drugs?


The use of medication could be a part of your treatment program. Your healthcare team will determine the most effective medication for you. Treatments that are based on medications are available for:
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help you to recognize your negative thoughts and show you methods to overcome self-defeat. The aim in REBT is assist you recognize that the ability to think rationally lies within you and is not dependent on external circumstances or stresses.

What are symptoms of substance use disorder?


Both inpatient and outpatient treatment plans are available, dependent on the needs of your client. The treatment typically involves group therapy sessions which occur each week for three months to a year.
Contingency Management (CM) is a method to treat a range of addictions, including the use of narcotics, alcohol, and tobacco. The therapy for CM helps you maintain your positive behavior (ie maintaining sobriety) by providing tangible rewards. This kind of treatment has been utilized successfully to combat relapse, as per the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?


Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can assist you on your path to recovery. Self-help groups are also available for family members, including Al-Anon as well as Nar-Anon Family Groups. Participation in 12-step-based rehabilitation has been shown to improve outcomes.
12 step facilitation therapies ("12-step program") can be utilized to treat addiction issues such as alcohol and drug abuse. It's a kind of group therapy which includes the recognition that addiction comes with a myriad of negative effects, which can be social, emotional, spiritual and physical. The therapy starts with acceptance, then it moves to surrender to the higher power, and it eventually becomes involved in consistent group meetings. The popular programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use group meetings for discussion and mutual support.