Addiction Treatments

• Print Version In This Article
• Medically Assisted Detoxification
• Behavioral Counseling
• Inpatient Rehabilitation

Addiction is a compulsive or persistent behavior that individuals continue to do despite the obvious negative effect on their lives. People can be addicted to virtually anything, with the most common addictions including alcohol, sex, drugs, eating and gambling. The type of addiction treatments an individual receives will be influenced by several factors including, type of addiction, age and past medical history. Just as there are many different possible addictions, there are several addiction treatment choices; this ensures that people receive the treatment most suitable for their needs.

Medically Assisted Detoxification

A medically assisted detoxification is most commonly used in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse. When individuals suddenly stop taking the substance, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. A medically assisted detox involves the use of substitute medication to reduce the effects of these symptoms. Medications such as methadone and naltrexone are commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction. Disulfiram and acamprosate are both approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alcoholism treatment. Individuals wishing to go through a medically assisted detox can do so as an outpatient or an inpatient. However, actual administration of the medication has to take place under supervision of a physician or pharmacist. Certain substitute medications can only be administered in a hospital, which means individuals with severe addictions should consider staying in hospital. The detox is seen as the first stage of the addictions treatment process, as people are often not able to recover by just detox alone. If you believe you may have an addiction and would like to speak to someone in confidence for advice, please consider calling 800-660-0986.

Behavioral Counseling

According to the University of Utah, behavioral counseling enables addicts to understand their addiction and learn new thinking patterns. All addictions involve a deep psychological dependence. For example, drug addicts will convince themselves they need the drug to function normally. Gamblers will convince themselves they need to gamble to regain control of their finances. All addicts will believe they cannot live without, or certainly live properly, without their addiction. Behavioral therapy teaches people they do not need their addiction and that there are many more things they could choose to do instead. Cognitive therapy involves helping people address their addiction triggers. For example, certain places or people may make an alcoholic more likely to drink. Therefore, it is important that these individuals are taught how to face these high-risk situations without turning to drink, drugs or whatever behavior they are addicted too. Behavioral therapists will also work with the individuals and their families, involving the loved ones in a couple of sessions if appropriate. The idea is to teach people how to cope with everyday life, including stressful situations, while giving them the motivation to stay away from the source if their addiction. Therapy is an important part of the recovery process and, According to the University of North Carolina, when combined with the most suitable medication, it offers a person the best chance at a successful recovery.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

As well as the discussed outpatient programs, most hospitals and rehabilitation centers offer inpatient programs. This type of addiction treatment is most commonly alcohol and drug rehab, although there are inpatient rehabilitation programs for Internet, sex and eating addictions. When attending an inpatient program, people may be required to stay short term, which can be for anywhere up to 28 days. People with more severe addictions may have to stay in rehab for up to four months. The main advantage to inpatient rehabilitation is the fact individuals are monitored 24-hours a day for the duration of their program. This means they are medically supervised, as well as having the chance to attend one-on-one therapy and group therapy sessions. Because some medication taken during alcoholism and drug rehab can only be administered in a hospital, it is easier for the addicts if they are on an inpatient addiction treatments program. For details on inpatient and outpatient services please call this confidential helpline at 800-660-0986. Alternatively, you can complete a quick reply form.