Options for drug treatment

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Options For Drug Treatment


Drug addiction is an illness. There are many drug treatment options available in the United States. Drug treatment varies from mind management to medication therapy. It can be treated in a variety of ways, as are many other illnesses including diabetes, heart conditions, and mental illnesses. Addiction treatment must target the brain's sensors that respond to drug use. The brain is made of many circuits that include memory and learning, reward and motivation, and problem solving. Addiction is caused by interruptions in these circuits. Drug use upsets the normal use of the brain and creates disorder.


Who Can Be Treated?

Addiction is an illness that knows no boundaries. Adolescents, as well as adults, and the senior adult population are afflicted by the illness. Substance abuse also does not discriminate. It affects all socioeconomic boundaries and professions, including the military.


What are the Options? Drug treatment is available for a variety of addictions including tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. Over the counter treatment for tobacco use is available. The medically controlled detoxification plan is only the beginning phase of treatment. This will be used in conjunction with other individually tailored treatment plans. Rehabilitation facilities are the sites used for medical detoxification. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe from both alcohol and opioids. The recommendation from medical professionals is that these be monitored in a rehabilitation facility or outpatient clinic.


There are multiple drug treatment plans because individuals respond uniquely to treatment. Counseling is a prescribed form of treatment for most patients. Behavioral therapy in groups or individually can help individuals make strides to improve their quality of life. These therapies are usually prescribed after a medically controlled detoxification plan has been implemented.


How Can Treatment Begin? Family members can intervene for treatment to begin. These interventions can be effective without the patient's willingness to participate in the beginning of treatment. Involuntary treatment is often a very effective way to begin treating the illness. Drug treatment has also been proven effective through the criminal justice system.


What is Drug Treatment? Drug treatment is the plan to help individuals stop using drugs. The first phase is detoxification. The second phase of treatment includes medication therapy. Medication can be prescribed to assist in the treatment of addiction. Drug addiction can be used to self-medicate mental illnesses. Drug treatment of opioids addiction includes prescription medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Nicotine replacement medications are available for individuals addicted to tobacco products. Prescription medications for treatment of alcohol addiction include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.


The third stage is helping the individual remain drug free. Addiction is a chronic illness and there is not a short-term, quick fix treatment solution. However, the individuals who undergo long-term drug treatment can become productive members of society, maintain a job, and have an excellent home life. Maintaining abstinence is the key to recovery. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are available to provide support for recovering individuals.


Resources: http://soberliving.pw http://ezinearticles.com/?Options-ForDrug-Treatment&id=8349093


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