In the last few decades, drug addiction has become a major problem in modern society. As a result, researchers and doctors have been working hard to develop better treatment methods for those suffering from substance abuse. There are several methods of rehab available today that weren’t available just ten years ago. These different techniques help those who need addiction treatment recover faster and stay sober afterward. Look at some effective techniques used to treat addiction today.
Causes & Risk Factors of Addiction
The emergence of a drug or alcohol abuse disorder can be attributed to a number of causes and risk factors. These may consist of:
- genetics, such as a history of drug misuse in the family
- beginning their drug use at a young age
- easy access to alcohol or drugs, especially when one is young
- exposure to extensive drug advertising (like alcohol)
- a mental health diagnosis that is current
- low parental supervision
- a great deal of familial strife
- abuse or neglect in the past.
- violence or conflict in families
The main causes of addiction can be examined through therapy, counseling, rehab, and other treatment modalities, which will also help with coping mechanisms and rehabilitation. The road to recovery from addiction might differ for each person because addiction has varied effects on each person. Fortunately, there are numerous specialized rehab models and therapy options available to match the unique needs of each patient.
Here are some techniques and how they can help in treating addiction:
1. Addiction Counseling  Â
The first thing that happens in every rehab center is counseling. This is a one-on-one meeting with a trained psychotherapist who specializes in addiction. During this time, the therapist will try to understand the cause of the addiction, how it developed, and what factors led to its development and continuation. The therapist will also help the patient understand the negative effects of addiction on the patient and the people around them. Counseling is also a way to begin identifying and dealing with any psychological issues that caused or contributed to the addiction. Depending on the patient’s issues, it can be helpful both in the short and long term.
2. Drug Rehabilitation Programs Â
This type of treatment focuses on the idea that drug addiction is a disease that requires long-term treatment. It usually lasts about 90 days and follows a set program with treatment sessions and goals. The first step in these programs is detoxification or the process of removing the drugs from one’s body. This is achieved with medical supervision to prevent complications like seizures and death. To help the patient recover during detox, rehabilitation programs often offer therapy like CBT, exercise, nutritional counseling and medication assisted treatment plans like suboxone medication assisted treatment, subutex medication assisted treatment. Aftercare is important because it helps patients transition back into society. It also supports them as they work to maintain sobriety. Aftercare is especially important for people who have a long history of addiction or who have relapsed in the past. Aftercare is also beneficial for family members who want to support their loved ones during recovery.
3. Fitness Activities and Regular ExerciseÂ
Researchers say that regular fitness activities and exercise are beneficial for mental health. It is also helpful in the effective treatment of addiction. Participants in rehab programs that include regular exercise achieve better results than those who don’t exercise. There are different ways that exercise can help patients recover from drug addiction. It can help improve fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also helpful in improving sleep quality and significantly reducing anxiety and stress. Those who’ve struggled with addiction often feel shame and guilt over their use. By improving fitness, exercise can help the patient feel better about themselves. It can be helpful during the recovery process and in preventing relapse.
4, Nutritional Counseling and TherapyÂ
Many people with substance abuse disorders have poor diets, leading to malnutrition. The deficiency of certain nutrients can also take part in mental health issues. Nutritional counseling helps people recover from addiction and get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. It involves meeting with a dietician who can identify any deficiencies and recommend dietary changes to correct them.
5. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)Â
It teaches patients how to control their emotions in order to lessen the self-destructive actions that result from strong, powerful emotions. Distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness are the four skill sets that DBT emphasizes. Although DBT can be applied to a variety of substance abuse situations, it primarily targets severe personality disorders like borderline personality disorder. 2 DBT helps patients stop cravings, avoid situations or opportunities to relapse, help stop doing things that encourage substance use, and teach them good coping mechanisms.
Can Addictions Be Treated Via Telehealth?
Electronic monitoring or Telehealth addiction treatment is a technique that’s been used for decades to monitor criminal offenders who are on probation. Now, it’s also being used to monitor patients who are in drug rehabilitation. Electronic monitoring involves wearing an ankle bracelet that monitors the wearer’s location at all times. This allows health care providers to make sure the patient attends scheduled appointments. It can also alert the staff if the patient leaves the area and help the staff find them quickly if they go missing. Electronic monitoring has several benefits in addiction treatment. It gives patients the freedom to work and live with their families while participating in a residential treatment program.
Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
Yes; insurance and other options are available to pay for inpatient and outpatient care; addiction treatment, like any other treatment, is expensive and may not be covered by everything. Insurance providers make sure that they offer their clients some type of addiction treatment coverage plan so the clients do not worry about the expenses of addiction treatment and focus only on getting better.Â
Conclusion on Treating Addictions
A combination of group and individual therapy sessions is frequently used in addiction treatment to reduce substance abuse. These sessions are geared toward teaching people in recovery the abilities required to become and stay sober as well as how to deal with a variety of situations without using drugs or alcohol. Addiction is alarming and can affect anyone. Fortunately, researchers and doctors have been working to develop better treatment methods for those suffering from substance abuse. Several new techniques for treating addiction weren’t available just a decade ago in the last few decades. These methods help patients not only recover faster but also stay sober afterward.Â
Author: Jordyn Mastrodomenico LPC, LCADC CTP
Jordyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, from Caldwell University, Jordyn has extensive experience in Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient settings and is skilled at guiding clients through the recovery process in individual and group therapy sessions.
