Types of Treatments for Addiction

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Addiction is a recurring or chronic brain condition characterized by psychological or physical dependence on a behavior or substance. Among the organs, the brain is the most impacted.

Alcohol or drug consumption promotes the production of large amounts of dopamine in the brain to trigger a reward system. This repeated substance abuse reduces the brain’s capability to produce dopamine on its own. As a result, the affected are unable to enjoy pleasurable activities such as time with the family without the influence of the addictive substance.

Developing addictive behavior encourages toxic habits that are harmful to you and others. Typically, trying an addictive activity or substance for the first time is the easiest part. It becomes harder the more you repeatedly consume or engage in the activity leading to tolerance.

Eventually, the need to increase portions of the substance becomes irresistible. You want to achieve the same effects as when you started, and a dangerous addiction cycle takes root. You keep using the substance to avoid the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

The Various Types of Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment varies based on needs and the substance. They are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and the approaches continue to evolve and diversify.

Factors that determine the addiction treatment needed include personal mental health care needs, the level of care, and your budget. However, most treatment modalities start with medically managed withdrawal and detoxification as the first phase towards recovery and then move to behavioral therapies and medication.

Some of the standard addiction treatment methods include the following:

Contingency Management

National Institute on Drug Abuse often appraised contingency management as effective in preventing addiction relapses. It is helpful on a variety of addictions such as tobacco, narcotics, and alcohol. The method employs tangible rewards to reinforce positive behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is often helpful on a variety of addictions such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and food. The treatment tool helps identify harmful behaviors and triggers. Together with other therapeutic techniques, CBT will help you develop coping skills.

Group Counseling

The 12-step facilitation program therapy in a supportive and safe environment like the Impact Recovery Center is in the form of group therapy. The method is typical for treating substance abuse such as alcohol.

The treatment usually starts with acceptance and the recognition of the several negative consequences of addiction. Participants generally surrender to a higher power, and consistent group meetings provide support. The method relies heavily on social reinforcement from peer discussions.

Detoxification

Detoxification in a safe environment rids your body of the addictive substance. The process is usually medically assisted because the withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be life-threatening or severely uncomfortable for the affected.

Detox will not treat the social, psychological, and behavioral problems of addiction, so it is best combined with other addiction treatment techniques. The method does not produce lasting behavioral changes. You need additional drug addiction treatment.

Related: Meth Detox at Recovery Center

Medication for Addiction

Particular medications, such as the recently FDA-approved lofexidine used for opioid addiction and acamprosate for alcohol, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medicines for addiction are usually more effective when combined with behavioral therapies.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Feelings of self-defeat and negative thoughts can sometimes be overwhelming for people dealing with substance abuse. This is where REBT proves helpful.

The REBT treatment method makes you realize that the power of rational thinking is within you and is not affected by outside factors.

Addiction is not always a battle you can win alone, and the sooner you realize that, the better. Reach out to a medical professional and discuss the addiction treatment methods available for you. Take the first step, and you are almost there.