Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment

24/03/2011

If you or a loved one is in the grip of the vicious cycle of drug or alcohol abuse then please take heart.  Substance abuse and addiction treatment is effective in turning lives around and restoring patients to productive and fulfilled life. 

This has been confirmed through independent research by the European Association for the Treatment of Addiction (EATA) and experienced by thousands of people around the world.

The problems that bring people to look for substance abuse and addiction treatment are described as a medical condition by modern society.  It’s important to differentiate between substance abuse and full addiction.  The chief difference between the two conditions lies in developing tolerance to the substance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms if the usage is stopped.

Tolerance is the state where the body has become accustomed to the presence of the substance and so requires a higher dose in order to feel the effect.  Withdrawal symptoms are caused by the body adjusting itself to actually require a certain amount of the substance to be present in the blood.  If the person stops using drugs or alcohol then the body struggles to function without its accustomed substance. 

Substance abuse and drug addiction treatment will begin with a detoxification process that addresses tolerance and physical dependence.  Some substances, such as alcohol, can be dangerous to discontinue.  Therefore a detoxification should always be overseen by a medical doctor.  During this process the doctor may prescribe medication to reduce medical risk and to make the process more comfortable.

Following the detoxification the patient can either be referred for inpatient or outpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment.  It’s important to place the patient correctly.  Research conducted has found that by placing a person in a treatment regime that matches their needs helps to improve their treatment outcome.

Patients who attend outpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment are allowed to sleep at home and come to the rehab centre for therapy sessions.  It is better suited to people who are able to stay abstinent from their substance between sessions. 

If you are considering an outpatient treatment program please contact one of our expert addiction treatment consultants for independent advice and guidance.

Substance abuse and addiction treatment usually comprises a number of different therapy activities.  Individual counseling sessions allow the patient to explore the issues that may have triggered their substance abuse.  Trauma and pain from their past can also be dealt with allowing the patient to move on from being trapped in resentment and shame.

Group sessions in substance abuse rehabare facilitated by a counselor and allow the community the chance to learn from each other’s experiences.  Blind spots that the patient may not been aware of can be pointed out by the peers.  Similarly they can learn by hearing how other people have managed to overcome their difficulties.

Inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment is usually provided in phases.  Each phase allows successively more responsibility as the patient becomes increasingly well.  The initial phase of treatment will focus on dismantling denial and improving awareness of the nature and severity of the problem.  By looking at the consequences and patterns of drug and alcohol abuse the patient can begin to consider that they have a problem.

The secondary phase of substance abuse and addiction treatment is usually provided for at a deeper emotional level.  Patients will explore the thought patterns that lead to the behaviours that support their substance abuse.  The final phase of treatment allows patients to start reintegrating into society.  By providing a supportive environment these facilities give patients a safe place to start rebuilding their lives.

If you feel that you might need substance abuse and addiction treatment then please don’t delay in contacting one of our addictions counsellors.  Our expert intake coordinators can help you find the treatment that will best match your individual needs.

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