Drug addiction is a brain-related disease that requires a treatment plan that addresses the problem of addiction effectively and sustainably. The goal of a treatment plan is to help the addict be able to live a life free of drug abuse and integrate with family and society in a healthy and productive manner. In order for the treatment to be maintained, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that the treatment plan be prolonged and varied.
Detox Treatment
Drug abuse alters a patient's brain and body chemistry so that his cravings are usually so strong that he requires a plan that incorporates detoxification. It is particularly useful as the initial step to effective treatment. Detox can sometimes be dangerous, especially for adolescents. According to the website Drug Detox and Addiction Treatment, detox programs that have proven to be the safest and most effective are inpatient programs that are medically based.
Treatment With Family
Because addiction does not only affect the drug abuser but the entire family, many therapies are integrating or even emphasizing the family as a means to recovery. Treatment with family members is particularly important because each member has often taken on unhealthy roles that need to be changed. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation emphasizes treating all family members, especially in the early stages of treatment because that will inform the family and alleviate stresses. In the case of an adolescent, early intervention with the family's help is critical to helping a drug-using child.
Individual Therapy
Individual treatment plans involve one-on-one therapy with a therapist or counselor over regular sessions. Psychotherapy seeks to identify the sources of drug addiction such as painful childhood experiences and devises a plan that integrates treating the addiction and addressing the contributing factors. Cognitive behavior helps the drug addict develop the tools necessary to cope with stress effectively and motivate himself to stay on track with the recovery. The latter stage of both approaches seeks to establish sustained recovery and should be accompanied by group therapy, emphasizes Watershed Addiction Services.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is often beneficial alongside individual treatment. The group leader is not necessarily a trained therapist and facilitates discussion among the members to help them share and identify patterns within drug abuse and help them develop skills to overcome addiction. A study in the Journal for Substance Abuse Treatment has found that a treatment plan that emphasizes the group component increases success for overcoming addiction.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Drug Detox and Addiction Treatment: Information
- "Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment"; Drug Treatment and 12-Step Program Participation; Robert and Maureen Hillhouse; January 2000
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Drugs in the Family
- Watershed Addiction: Addiction Treatment Programs
