1. Behaviors of Addiction
Abuse can slip into dependence on the continuum of addiction. Most often people seek treatment when they have reached a level of dependence. Fewer people seek treatment at the level of abuse. One of the main reasons that explain this phenomenon is the incidence of denial, which is part of addiction. Another aspect of addiction that keeps people from seeking treatment is avoidance. Denial and avoidance, may keep people from entering into substance abuse treatment.
2. Three Components of Treatment
The three components of health--mind, body and spirit--are interrelated. This balance is particularly important in addressing substance abuse treatment. Over the years, many treatment programs have focused on psychology or spirituality, and in some cases a combined treatment approach is utilized. More recently, treatment programs have added the focus on the physiology of addiction. This addition is crucial to improving recovery rates. Addiction affects the whole person, so treatment works best when a complete approach is offered. Traditional psychological treatment models may take the person only part of the way through the recovery process.
3. Understanding the Physiology in Treatment
The addiction process depletes the body of much needed nutrients. As a result, brain chemistry becomes imbalanced. As the addiction process continues further imbalance occurs. Through recovery, the brain requires a re-balancing to avoid symptom substitution from happening. The use of supplements, amino acids and a healthy diet free of caffeine and sugars offers a healthy approach. When the body begins to repair at a cellular level, the brain begins to heal as well. As people maintain sobriety, they are better able to integrate treatment efforts that focus on repairing the mind and spirit.
4. Traditional 12 Step Programs
The premise of this program begins with "surrender" and admitting to being powerless to the disease. The first three steps are the basis for recovery. Steps four through seven are focused on sharing. Making amends in steps eight and nine are meant to move the individual toward recovery by taking responsibility for behaviors and life choices. The final steps, 10 through 12 involve guidance. The spiritual base of the program is to accept that you are powerless, and that there is a greater power that will provide healing.
5. Disease vs. Behavior
Some professionals view as a disease while others see it as a behavioral choice. In either case, the person in recovery will experience cravings. The issue of relapse is a part of recovery that involves complex psychological and physiological process. Learning to identify triggers that result in use or abuse is necessary. Learning how to avoid environmental triggers and individual triggers that distort perception and make use appealing is an important part of the recovery process. Self-medicating can occur regardless of the substance of choice. Recovery is an individualized road that will require much social support. Intervention programs that involve families and assist in repairing intimacy work the best. Learning to replace substance use with healthy life-style choices is the ticket in any substance treatment program.
