Many different types of addiction therapy are available today, but how does one choose the right one? In this article, we will discuss the methods used by addiction professionals, the effects of addiction therapy on the abused person, and how the treatment process impacts the entire family. Addiction therapy results may differ for every individual, but they are generally positive.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for addiction can be as diverse as the type of drug or alcohol used. Some possibilities are live-in or outpatient; some require detoxification and other intensive care. Addiction treatments generally require extensive medical assessments and screenings, and a licensed clinical staff from Stout Street Denver will assist the patient in every step of the process. Depending on the severity of the addiction, residential rehab programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. They may also include 24-hour monitoring. Although a residential program will likely require a longer commitment than an outpatient program, it is still the preferred option for many people. Various underlying factors are considered, and the treatment will consider these to increase the patient’s chances of long-term recovery. The treatment methods used are generally evidence-based and recognized by reputable organizations. Public research also verifies that they work. To ensure the effectiveness of addiction treatment, you should choose a treatment program accredited by one of the recognized organizations.
Effects
Professional substance abuse therapy assesses and individualizes a person’s need for a particular substance. Addiction is a disease characterized by chronic substance use that causes physiological, psychological, and social consequences. Although a person’s desire for a specific meaning is insatiable, there are ways to prevent the craving and withdrawal symptoms that may result from abrupt discontinuance of use.
Non-pharmacological treatments, also known as “talk therapies,” focus on the changing behaviors of an addicted individual. These methods include psychotherapy and counseling. Non-pharmacological therapies teach patients skills to resist substance use and replace addictive behaviors with non-use activities. They may also have family members and significant others to treat the patient. These treatments may be beneficial in addressing co-occurring conditions, but they fall short of partial hospitalization.
Methods
While the effects of drug and alcohol abuse may vary, these techniques are generally used for the same reason: they are designed to help a person stop their addictive behaviors. Some methods, such as hypnotherapy, are also used to help people recover from mental health problems caused by addiction. Psychoeducation and therapeutic support are usually offered during this therapy. Behavioral therapy is another type of treatment for substance abuse. It attempts to teach people new ways to think and behave.
Cognitive behavioral therapy works by helping an addict identify automatic thoughts that are harmful to their health. These thoughts are based on impulses, misconceptions, or internalized feelings of fear and self-doubt. Addicts often self-medicate these negative emotions through alcohol, drugs, and other substances. By identifying and learning to deal with these painful memories, a person can begin to replace alcohol, drugs, and other unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones.
Effects on Family
The effects of addiction on a family are often overlooked, but they are no less real. Unfortunately, many families become the “invisible victims” of an addict’s behavior, and their children suffer. Addicts often use substances to avoid the pain and frustration of their everyday lives, and they often neglect the well-being of their entire family. As a result, the consequences of addiction can extend well into the child’s adulthood.
Family relationships are strained by the addict’s compulsion to use drugs or alcohol. Children may be forced into parental roles when their parents cannot cope with their needs. Spouses may also hide their addiction from their partners. Moreover, parents of addicted children may go to great lengths to intervene and rescue their child but end up feeling heartbroken when the child returns to his destructive lifestyle. Ultimately, restoring relationships between the addict and the family is an ongoing process that requires patience and support from addiction professionals.