Successful Addiction Treatment
Six Keys to Successful Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment is now highly prevalent and backed by scientific evidence and credible research. It may not be a perfect science, but there are certain elements that are universally acknowledged to be critical for effective addiction treatment.
If you, or someone you care about, is looking for safe and successful addiction treatment, consider the following while choosing a rehab program for maximizing the chances of recovery:
Treatment should be individualized
Every person struggling with addiction is different. The background – family and cultural – varies. Experiences differ. Though there are commonalities in addiction, each patient needs to be looked at in the context of his or her individual personality, with unique needs including psychological, cultural, social and medical. A good rehab will evolve an individualized treatment plan that is uniquely suited to fulfill the individual needs of a client.
Treatment should be of adequate duration
There are some addiction treatment centres that offer you a ‘quick fix’ – medical or rapid detox. Avoid these. Recovery from addiction requires time. It involves more than mere detox, it needs to address all affected areas such as thinking, attitude, unresolved resentments and rebuilding relationships. Since addiction is highly relapse-prone, effective (and individualized) relapse prevention skills need to be learnt. After care is also important. Currently, the ‘gold standard’ of treatment duration is three months as inpatient in a rehabilitation facility.
Behavioral therapy is important
An effective treatment approach incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), one-on-one counselling, group therapy and educational inputs about addiction and associated issues. Programs based on the 12 Steps are popular and effective. Some rehabs also supplement with Yoga and meditation.
Recovering addicts need community support
Addicts and alcoholics are lonely people while using. In recovery, social support is useful. A rehab provides a readymade social network while the person is inpatient and encourages the person to integrate into an alumni group and self-help support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Apart from helping the addict in marinating is sober status, it also encourages the addict to think beyond self by interacting, volunteering and serving.
Medications are often a part of treatment
Modern rehabs have competent medical and psychiatric back up. During withdrawal, medications help in minimizing uncomfortable symptoms and prevent serious complications. In initial recovery, the addict’s body and mind may need medications to achieve a semblance of balance. Medical professionals at rehabs take care to prescribe appropriate medication, keeping in mind that the patient has a tendency to develop dependence on chemicals.
Treatment for mental health is often needed.
It is common to find addicts having a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. It is essential that all patients are screened for mental illness. Treatment becomes far more effective if both issues – addiction and mental illness – are addressed together. Safe and effective treatment for addiction is possible and you deserve it! Educate yourself about what makes treatment successful and survey the options. Ask questions and satisfy yourself that the rehab you are choosing for yourself or your loved one is equipped and experienced to provide solutions to an overwhelming problem.
Proven treatment option in India
Hope Trust rehab in India has helped hundreds of addicts and their families from all over the world, since inception in 2002. It has a 90 day inpatient program that is 12 Step oriented. It incorporates CBT, Yoga and meditation. Backed by competent medical and psychiatric inputs, the rehab has had significant success with alcoholism, drug abuse, gambling, dual diagnosis and eating disorders.