How to Treat Substance Abuse Disorders?

Substance abuse disorders or drug addiction include a set of complications that arise due to uncontrollable and compulsive drug dependence. The complications are both physical and psychological. The patient feels a strong urge to consume the substance irrespective of its bad consequences. The substance could be legal or illicit stuff such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, opioids, or stimulants. Unquestionably, the problem severely impacts your physical, social, and professional life aspects. A right combination of multiple therapeutic approaches could provide sustainable treatment for substance abuse disorder.

Treatment Programs

Recognition of the problem is the first leap towards treatment. Problematic substance abuse often starts with your authority, but it turns out later that you are no more in charge of your body and brain. A medical expert evaluates the intensity of the disorder and devises the treatment plans based on individual specific needs. Treatment may include any or a combination of the following strategies. This is how an effective treatment plan works.

i. Medical assessment

ii. Evidence-based treatment

iii. Monitoring substance abuse

iv. Clinical management

v. Recovery support program

vi. Follow-up

Medications

Medications aim at re-establishing normal brain function. These target the specific brain receptors in a way resembling that of the substance. Also, these suppress the drug cravings, reduce the withdrawal symptoms and the possibility of future relapses. The process begins with the body’s detoxification. Detox helps to reduce the dose and provides a temporary substitute.

Besides medicines, electronic stimulation devices like NSS-2 Bridge help in reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, nicotine replacements like gums, sprays, lozenges, and patches help to quit nicotine. Certain medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram help to treat alcoholism. These inhibit opioid receptors that are responsible for inducing pleasurable drinking-related sensations.

Furthermore, the patient could require additional medication to cure co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. Once the patients successfully go through the medication phase, they are open to other modes of treatment. Medications could leave long-lasting and life-changing imprints when combined with individual or group treatment therapies.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies increase the sustainability of medications. Through these therapies, the patients can modify their drug-related behavior and acquire a positive attitude. Moreover, psychotherapy enables them to better realize their situation; in terms of stress management, raising their self-esteem, and dealing with other psychiatric triggers. The treatments are easy to conduct in different settings.

Outpatient Treatments

Outpatient behavioral treatment includes individual or group counseling programs. These enable the patients to avoid and cope with the situations that trigger substance abuse. The most popular ones are cognitive-behavioral therapy, multidimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. In the beginning, the patient would require frequent visits. The number of sessions might reduce later depending on recovery.

Inpatient Treatments

Inpatient or residential treatment is perfect for people who require 24/7 surveillance to achieve their drug-free transition. They are licensed to provide safe and controlled drug-free medical facilities with housing to adopt multiple therapeutic approaches. Most common are therapeutic communities, short residential treatments, and recovery housing.

Takeaway

Substance abuse disorder is a brain disease that debilitates your life activities and self-esteem. You might feel strangled but unable to quit it. However, it is never too late. Break the shackles of substance abuse disorders. Seek your healthcare provider to enjoy a drug-free life.