THERAPY FOR DRUG ADDICTION

Addiction is regarded as one of the most multifaceted phases of mental health. Drug addiction in this case is very hard to treat, and there is a great deal of debate which surrounds the triggers of addiction, and the right approach to treatment.

Individuals who are addicted to drugs definitely need the help of either a rehab or a mental health professional so that they can overcome the addiction.

Before therapy, the first step in recovery is coming to terms with the fact that there is an addiction. When the individual refuses to accept that he is addicted, it is usually difficult to make headways in addiction recovery.

There are lots of treatment options available for an individual once he is willing to go down the recovery road. Someone who is addicted needs treatment, and most times, the conventional treatment plans are usually tailored to match the needs of the patient.

The first phase in therapy for drug addiction, is detoxification. What this phase basically involves, is the removal of harmful substances which are found within the body. When a person is hooked on more than one substance, medications are usually needed to step down the withdrawal symptoms, and this is where detoxification comes in handy.

Next, is the main therapy phase and there are four common types of therapy namely:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Multi-dimensional family therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Motivational incentives

For Cognitive behavioural therapy, the addicts are assisted to recognize and change their thoughts pattern, which are usually associated with substance use. Multi-dimensional family therapy is structured to enhance the function of the family centered around a teenager who is addicted.

Motivational interviewing helps to make the best use of the willingness of an individual to change and make positive adjustments to their character. While motivational incentives boosts abstinence via positive fortification.

In addition to this, an individual who is recovering from drug addiction needs a counsellor who would help him all through the process of recovery. A counsellor helps to motivate and encourage an addict, in order to help him get back on his feet.