Five Components of Effective Drug Treatment
Five Components of Effective Drug Treatment
Drug addiction is a complex disease that defies most do-it-yourself attempts for recovery. On the other hand, both scientific and empirical studies reveal that commitment to a comprehensive treatment program has changed the trajectory of many lives trapped in the cycles of addiction. The inherent difference in programs that work and those that fall short seems to be dependent on the presence of some specific elements. Although no single intervention module works for everyone, when the following five components are integrated they have been successful in helping people in addiction find the way to a more sustainable recovery.
- Complete diagnostic testing.
Addiction is recognized as a psychological and behavioral condition. Many people have developmental disorders due to the chronic and obsessive use of addictive substances. In many cases, however, mental illness facilitates substance abuse that leads to addiction. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 8.4 million adults in the United States have both a mental and substance use disorder. It is also common for people in addiction to segue from one addictive substance to another. Thorough diagnostic testing is designed to identify the type(s) of drugs being consumed and if there are any underlying mental disorders. In instances where mental disorders are incorrectly or not diagnosed, studies show it significantly increases recidivism rates.
- Personalized Treatment
Cookie-cutter drug rehab programs treat the symptoms of addiction rather than the individual. Although people and their path to addiction may seem similar, it is, in essence, unique to them. Beyond the physical and psychological component of addiction, an effective program must also consider gender, age, genetics, personality, environment, family dynamics, individual strengths, and weaknesses as well as the myriad other drivers that influence addiction. A thorough initial assessment provides the type of information treatment professionals need to create a treatment plan that works for that individual to support long-term sobriety.
- Evidence-based Treatment (EBT)
Based on a report by the National Institute of Health, most rehab facilities provide less than 60% of the specified EBTs to people in recovery. EBTs are evidence-based treatment tools that is endorsed by the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and the Substance Abuse Services and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). Because these treatment protocols are backed by sound scientific, ethical and compassionate practices, they provide optimal care. But the most important reason EBTs are becoming the preferred standard of care in the behavioral health arena is that they are proven effective in reducing recidivism rates. Facilities that use EBTs tend to be more cognizant that the study of addiction is an evolutionary process and seek to adjust treatment as new scientific evidence emerges.
- Comfort and Safety
No matter how effective a treatment program may be, comfort and safety are critical to recovery. The definition of a safe and comfortable environment is one that is medically equipped to address the multiple complications of addiction recovery. It is also one in which the patient’s needs are consistently and adequately met in a timely manner; including the need for crisis care and aesthetic relief. Safe and comfortable environments alleviate undue concerns and free up patients to focus on the varying levels of intensity that is part of the addiction recovery process. In a safe environment, compassionate, highly qualified and experienced treatment professionals provide optimum care, while upholding the integrity and respecting the rights of their patients.
- Relapse Prevention
Sustainable recovery is the measure of any effective treatment program. As such, relapse prevention must be an integral component of the recovery process. After a period of recovery, the return to a substance abuse lifestyle has the potential to be deadly. As such, the relapse prevention model must address lifestyle factors and personal triggers that contribute to drug use and develop effective coping skills as determinants to high-risk situations. The goal of any relapse prevention program is to help the individual to identify and anticipate pitfalls. It is also learning to implement strategies to minimize lapses that can escalate into full-blown relapse events. An effective relapse prevention program must also achieve cognitive restructuring in order to effect appropriate behavioral reactions that thwart substance abuse temptations.
Drug Treatment West Palm Beach
Seeking help for addiction and making a commitment to the process are important first steps in the recovery process. If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call Ebb Tide Treatment Center at (561) 799-3680 or visit ebbtidetreatmentcenters.com. Our addiction specialists will be able to assess your recovery needs and help you get into a treatment program that offers the best opportunity for long-term sobriety. Visit us at.
Sources:
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/there-difference-between-physical-dependence
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1885209/
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh23-2/151-160.pdf
Ebb Tide Treatment Center
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