How to Treat Drug Addiction?

Are you looking for help to solve a drug disorder? Drug addiction is a dependence on a legal or illegal drug or medication. You should keep in mind that nicotine and alcohol are legal substances, but are also considered as drugs. When you are addicted to the drug, you are not able to control your drug use and you will continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction may cause an intense craving for the drug. You may want to quit this addiction, but most people find they can’t do it on their own. Drug addiction causes several serious long-term consequences, including problems with relationships, physical and mental health, employment and the law. You may need help from your doctor, family, friends, support groups or any organized treatment program to overcome from drug addiction and stay drug-free to live a happy life.

Symptoms:

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include the following:

• Feeling of having/taking the drug regularly (It can be daily or even many times a day)
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Over the time, needing more amount of drug to get the same effect or a satisfactory level.
• Having intense urges for the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Making sure to maintain an enough supply of the drug
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities or cutting back on recreational or social activities because of drug use
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you are under the influence of the drug
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally may not do, such as stealing and snatching.
• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and consuming the drug

How is Drug Addiction Treated?

The treatment options explained below can help you to overcome from drug addiction and stay drug-free.

Chemical Dependence Treatment Programs

This treatment programs usually offer:

• Individual, group or family therapy sessions
• Level of care and sittings require based on your health conditions
• A focus on understanding the nature of addiction and preventing relapse

Detoxification:

The goal of detoxification (also called withdrawal therapy) enables you to stop taking the drug as quickly as possible. Detoxification involves gradually reducing the dose of the drug or temporarily substituting other substances, such as- buprenorphine, methadone or a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

Counseling:

As a part of the drug treatment program, counseling (also called talk therapy or psychotherapy) can be done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed alcohol and drug counselor with an individual, family or group. The counselor or therapist can:

• Help you develop ways to cope with drug cravings
• Offer suggestions on how to deal with a relapse if it occurs
• Suggest strategies avoid drugs and prevent relapse
• Include family members to help them develop better communication skills and be supportive
• Talk about issues regarding your job, legal problems, and relationships with family and friends to know the reasons which may force you to consume alcohol.

Self-help groups:

Self-help groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous), help people who are addicted to drugs. The self-help support group share messages and awareness that how addiction is a chronic disorder and how it can completely ruin life. Self-help support groups decrease the sense of shame and isolation that can lead to relapse. Your therapist or counselor will help you locate a self-help group. You can also find support groups in your community or on the Internet.