What are the principles of substance abuse treatment?

According to the National Institute on Substance Abuse, there are several principles of effective treatment that help a person overcome substance abuse issues. These principles are based off of years of research and treatment analysis.

Treatment Should be Open and Available to Everyone

One of the guiding principles behind substance abuse treatment is that it should be available to everyone regardless of race, religion, or ability to afford treatment. This is one of the grounding principles of effective treatment. If the treatment does not help the drug addict because of any of these things, then the treatment cannot be effective.

Treatment Needs to be Monitored for Progress and Adjusted as Needed

A linear treatment will not work. As treatment continues the needs of the drug abuser change. They are no longer in the same circumstances as they were when they first started treatment. The treatment needs to be fluid to work. As the person changes the treatment and treatment approach needs to be updated. Treatment should never be rigid and unchanging.

Detox is Not Drug Addiction Treatment

As the substance abuser recovers and changes, the treatment methods must also change in order to be effective.

Although detox is necessary for treatment to begin, it is not all of the treatment necessary. Simply getting someone physically off a drug does not stop the addiction. Only by treating the entire addiction including the cause can the addiction be stopped. For it to be true addiction treatment both the physical and emotional issues of addiction need to be addressed. Since no one simply starts taking drugs to become an addict the true cause need to be discovered and the psychological symptoms of withdrawal will also need treatment.

Medications, Therapy, and other Forms of Treatment Need to be Utilized

Just as detox is only a part of drug addiction treatment, other forms of treatment need to be utilized in order to fully treat the addiction. Most addiction treatment consists of medication and a variety of forms of therapy. Not every therapeutic technique works for every person. The different forms of therapy have different effects depending on the person that is being treated.

Family Needs to be Included in Treatment when Applicable

Family and friends should be utilized to form an outside support structure. Since family relationships and friendships are damaged during the addiction, this involvement also serves as a repair mechanism. Many times patients are comforted by the presence of their loved ones. Each person can serve as a different portion of the overall support structure after official treatment is over.

Keys to Success in Substance Abuse Treatment

Addiction Needs to be Treated Like a Disease

Like all diseases, addiction needs progressive treatment. It is not a problem with willpower or a character flaw, it is an illness and should be treated as such. Most people who think of addiction as a character issue fail when they seek treatment, they also impede the treatment of others close to them.

Treatment is Easy to Locate

Treatment is just a phone call away. Call us at 1-800-895-1695. We can help you find a treatment center that will suit your needs following the principles of addiction treatment.