Drugs, minds, and behavior: the science of addiction treatment and recovery
Addiction recovery:
Can addiction be successfully treated?
Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research in the science of addiction and treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based methods that help people stop using drugs and resume their productive lives, also known as recovery.
Can addiction be cured?
Like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, drug addiction treatment is usually not a cure. But addiction can be successfully managed. Treatment also enables people to confront the devastating effects of addiction on their brains and behavior and regain control over their lives.
Does relapse into drug abuse mean treatment failure?
No. The chronic nature of addiction means that relapse, or a return to drug use after trying to stop, can be part of the process, but newer treatments are designed to help prevent relapse. Relapse rates for substance abuse are similar to rates for other chronic medical diseases. If people stop following their medical treatment plan, they are likely to relapse.
Treatment for chronic disease involves changing deeply rooted behaviors, and relapse does not mean that treatment has failed. When a person recovering from addiction relapses, this indicates that the person needs to speak with their doctor to resume, modify, or try another treatment.
While a relapse is a normal part of recovery, for some medications, it can be very dangerous — and even fatal. If a person uses the same amount of drugs as they did before they quit smoking, they can easily overdose because their bodies are no longer adapting to their previous level of drug exposure. An overdose occurs when a person uses enough of a drug to cause uncomfortable feelings or symptoms that threaten life or death.
What are the principles of effective treatment? (addiction recovery)
Research shows that when treating addiction to opioids (prescription pain relievers or drugs such as heroin or fentanyl), medication should be the first line of treatment, usually combined with some form of behavioral therapy or counseling. Medications are also available to help treat alcohol and nicotine dependence.
Additionally, medications are used to help people detoxify from drugs, although detoxification is not the same as treatment and is not sufficient to help a person recover Detoxification alone without subsequent treatment generally leads to a resumption of drug use for people with drug addiction such as Stimulants or cannabis, there are no medications currently available to help with treatment, so treatment consists of behavioral therapies. Treatment must be designed to address each patient’s drug use patterns and drug-related medical, mental, and social problems. Scientific discoveries have led to breakthroughs in drug abuse treatment.
What drugs and devices that help treat drug addiction?
Different types of medication may be useful at different stages of treatment to help the patient stop taking the medication, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse.
Withdrawal treatment. When patients first stop using drugs, they can experience various physical and emotional symptoms, including restlessness or insomnia, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Some medications and therapeutic devices reduce these symptoms, making it easier to stop using drugs.
stay in treatment. Some therapeutic drugs and mobile apps are also used to help the brain gradually adapt to the absence of medication. These remedies work slowly to help prevent drug cravings and have a calming effect on the body’s systems. They can help patients focus on counseling and other psychological therapies related to their substance abuse treatment.
Relapse prevention. So science has taught us that stress cues associated with drug use (eg people, places, things, and moods), and drug contact are the most common factors for relapse. Scientists have developed treatments to interfere with these triggers to help patients recover.
Common Medications Used to Treat Drug Addiction and Withdrawal
- Opioids
methadone
buprenorphine
naltrexone extended release
LOFEXIDINE
nicotine
Nicotine replacement therapies (available as a patch, inhaler, or gum)
bupropion
varenicline
alcohol
naltrexone
disulfiram
acamprosate
How do behavioral therapies treat drug addiction?
Behavioral therapies also help people in drug addiction treatment modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to deal with stressful situations and various stimuli that may cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people stay in treatment longer.
Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to help patients recognize, avoid, and deal with situations in which they are most likely to use drugs.
Emergency management uses positive reinforcement such as offering rewards or perks for staying without medication, for attending and participating in counseling sessions, or taking therapeutic medications as prescribed.
Motivational reinforcement therapy uses strategies to make the most of people’s willingness to change their behavior and enter therapy.
Family therapy helps people (particularly young people) with substance abuse problems, as well as their families, address the effects on drug use patterns and improve overall family functioning.
A 12-step facilitation (TSF) is an individual therapy typically delivered in 12 weekly sessions to prepare people to participate in 12-step mutual support programs. 12-step programs, such as Alcoholic Anonymous, are not medical treatments, but provide complementary and social support to those treatments. TSF follows 12-step themes of acceptance, surrender, and active participation in recovery.
Treatment should deal with the whole person. To communicate from anywhere in the world 00201029275503
How do the best treatment programs help patients recover from addiction?
Also, stopping drug use is just one part of a long and complex healing process. When people enter treatment, addiction often has serious consequences in their lives, which can disrupt their health and how they function in their family life, at work, and in society.
Because addiction can affect many aspects of a person’s life, treatment must meet the needs of the entire person to be successful. Counselors may choose from a list of services that meet the medical, mental, social, professional, family and legal needs of their patients to aid their recovery. Call now 00201029275503