The principles of addiction treatment

Since the mid 1970’s, research has been conducted regarding addiction treatment methods in order to determine which modalities or therapies will be the most effective. As a result of this research, the following key principles about addiction treatment and recovery emerged:

Addiction is a complex, yet treatable condition that impacts the function of the brain and influences the person’s behavior.

Although no single method is appropriate for every individual, it still needs to be easily accessible and readily available to the individual seeking professional help. The most effective treatment addresses the personal needs of the individual and not just their substance abuse and dependency.

In order for these addiction treatment methods to be effective and successful, the addicted individual must undergo the three stages of alcohol or drug rehab – detox, counseling, and aftercare. Medications may be an element during the detox process. Remaining in these residential facilities for a prescribed period of time is critical to the success of the individual.

Mental disorders may be present along with the individual’s substance dependency. The treatment specialists need to determine if these disorders caused the addiction or if the addiction caused the disorder. In most dual diagnosis cases, the main aspect is to find out the real reasons behind the addiction while healing the individual emotionally and mentally.

Detoxification that is medically assisted has little effect on altering long-term substance abuse. Additionally, addiction treatment methods do not need to be voluntary in nature in order to be effective. Many families that forcibly bring their loved ones into rehab have been equally successful at being drug free.

Addiction treatment and recovery needs to assess clients for the presence of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. They also need to provide risk-reduction counseling so that the client changes or modifies their behavior to reduce the risk of being exposed to these infectious diseases.

The different types of addiction treatment

Addiction treatment methods can be delivered in a variety of settings by using different behavioral or psychological and pharmacological approaches. The intent is to see the individual stop using alcohol or drugs, avoid relapsing, and recovering successfully so that they remain substance-free for life.

Research in the field of addiction treatment and recovery has classified these treatment methods into the following categories:

• Detoxification including medically-managed withdrawal
• In-patient addiction treatment and recovery which can be long-term (up to 4 months or longer) or short-term (14 to 28 days) in nature
• Out-patient treatment programs

If you are searching for an addiction treatment and recovery that offers the most successful addiction treatment methods, please contact the Freedom Center today by calling the toll-free number above.