Understanding Different Approaches to Treatment
Unlike some traditional approaches to addiction treatment, non 12 step addiction treatment focuses on the biological, physical way addiction impacts the brain and body. Although certain step-type approaches have been used for alcoholism, reports the NIDA, the evidence and research remains in infancy for this type of program’s effectiveness in other forms of addiction.
Addiction treatment may take place in outpatient or inpatient, non 12 step treatment centers. Depending on the severity of the addiction, especially during detoxification from alcoholism, inpatient treatment may be a better solution. However, outpatient treatment is often a life-changing resource after completing inpatient treatment in the path towards sobriety.
Medication Treatment
Medication treatment for addiction focuses on treating withdrawal symptoms or other issues that may contribute to the addiction. For example, anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders may actually exist beneath the surface of the addiction, and the person may use alcohol or illicit substances in an attempt to cope with stressors, asserts the NIDA.
Additionally, mediation treatment may help prevent relapse. For example, taking the medication, antabuse, results in severe nausea, discomfort, pain, and vomiting if a person consumes alcohol while on the medication.
Naltrexone, another type of relapse preventing medication, works by blocking neuron's abilities to recognize a substance, which results in the inability to obtain the sensation of euphoria from abusing alcohol or drugs.
Psychotherapy, Behavioral Therapies, & Counseling
Psychotherapy, commonly known as “talk therapy,” is an essential part of any addiction treatment. A therapist, who may be a social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist, member of the clergy, mental health professional, educator, or other recognized, trained individual may conduct psychotherapy sessions.
Psychotherapy comes in many different forms as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy, explains the NIDA, focuses on identifying how irrational thought processes lead to problem behaviors, such as abusing drugs or alcohol.
Motivational therapy helps a person make the decision and accept the readiness to change behavior and enter treatment, and motivational incentive therapy, also known as contingency management, uses positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety. For example, someone in motivational incentive therapy may receive reduced legal repercussions for actions committed due to substance abuse.
The goal of all forms of counseling or psychotherapy is to learn how to avoid drugs and alcohol in the future and obtain sobriety. However, another key to maintaining sobriety lies in the development of coping skills.
Developing Coping Skills
Coping skills refer to a set of physical or mental skills that enable a person to actively decide to avoid drugs or alcohol. Many different coping skills exist and include exercise regimens, spending time outdoors, gardening, volunteering, learning a new skill or trade, working with arts and crafts, automotive repair, and journaling.
However, any activity can constitute a coping skill, but it must not result in harm or a desire to abuse drugs or alcohol. For example, spending time with friends can be a beneficial coping skill. Yet, spending time with friends who routinely abuse drugs or alcohol would defeat the purpose of the coping skill.
Developing strong communication skills remains one of the fundamental coping skills. If a person is unable to express his or her thoughts and feelings completely, the chances of becoming frustrated, anxious, or worried increase. As a result, the chance of relapse grows.
Alcohol and drug abuse are part of the modern world, but they are not as glamorous as they seem. Alcohol or drug abuse can lead to severe health, legal, and familial problems, and treatment for drug or alcohol abuse needs to be specific to the needs of each person with an addiction. Our partner treatment centers can help create and provide these needed, personalized treatment approaches.
