Addiction is a complex disease that affects the individual physically, psychologically and socially. Addiction treatment therefore needs to combine a range of therapies in order to address all of these aspects. Treatment has to get to the underlying cause of the illness so that the addict understands it and its triggers. It has to teach the addict skills they may have forgotten and help to re-build their confidence. And treatment needs to give the individual new ways of coping without the use of drugs or alcohol.
Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient care in a rehabilation clinic is usually the most successful way of treating drug dependence and alcoholism, and offers the best chance of a healthy, sustained recovery. Clients are given support around the clock and they are kept actively engaged. The addiction program within a rehab clinic is intense, structured and personalised to individual needs. Most programs are based on the proven 12 step model of abstinence, often combined with cognitive behavioural therapy. Clients undergo one-to-one counseling, group therapy sessions and usually alternative treatments such as art and recreation therapy.
Detoxification
Drug or alcohol detox is an essential part of recovery for many addicts. It’s a withdrawal process which removes toxins from the body. Detox should always be carried out under medical supervision where medication can be prescribed to alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Home detoxes are available as long as assessment deems this appropriate for the individual. However, as with rehab, detox is usually more successful in a residential treatment centre, where clients have 24/7 access to medical staff and counsellors. Detox alone is not enough for a long-term recovery from substance abuse. It is vital that the client receives psychological rehabilitative care in order to prevent relapse.
Intensive Addiction Therapy/Outpatient Treatment
Some people are unable commit to full-time residential rehab so there are Intensive Addiction Therapy program as an effective alternative. This offers the client an intensive program of therapy in their own local area and the support of an experienced addiction therapist. Therapy is conducted via face-to-face and telephone sessions.
Addiction Counseling and Therapy
Community-based counseling and therapy may be suitable for those with a lesser drug or alcohol addiction problem, or for those who have had residential treatment and need a “brush-up”. Treatment might take the form of cognitive behavioural therapy or psychotherapy, and enables the individual to understand the complex issues around their addiction and to develop tools to overcome it.
Aftercare
Once a client has completed a period of rehab, aftercare treatment is essential to prevent relapse. Alcoholics, in particular, are at risk of relapse because alcohol is so widely available. Aftercare will usually include local one-to-one addiction counseling and attendance of Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous mettings.
Family Counseling
Drug and alcohol dependence impacts not only the addict but their family and loved ones. Family support programs are therefore very much a part of addiction treatment. Family counseling provides a safe environment for those close to an addict to be open about their feelings, get support for themselves and to gain understanding of the disease that is addiction, which will allow them to better support their loved one.
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