Addiction Therapy

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by an uncontrollable behavior and a pathological pursuit of reward and/or relief through substance use and other actions (ex. gambling), with frequent cycles of relapse and remission.

The problems start with a voluntary use of a certain drug or alcohol, that may seem inoffensive, but with time it leads to compromised ability to choose otherwise. The brain’s long-term exposure to the drugs and/or alcohol leads to decreased function of learning, motivation, memory and behavior control - the explanation of the harmful behaviors of addicts.

Common signs and symptoms of a person who suffers from addiction:

• Generalized anxiety disorder and/or depression;
• Poor or bad performances at school/college or workplace;
• Gradual withdrawal from family and friends;
• Violence, unexplained anger and/or other irrational behavior;
• Frequently borrowing or even stealing money;
• Long and unexplained absences;
• Trouble with the law or even being arrested;
• Dramatic physical appearance changes (hair loss, skin discolorations and aging, rapid weight loss or gain, tooth decay)

Usually a person with an addiction problem is unable to admit it, so the process of identifying the addiction and motivate the individual to get the needed help falls upon the family members, friends or colleagues. The addiction problem should be identified and treated as quickly as possible because it is not only a physical condition of the individual but also a major social problem.

Addiction treatment principles:

• Stop the use of drugs/alcohol;
• Continuing drug/alcohol-free;
• Reinstate a decent and productive family and society member.

These seemingly simple principles include a comprehensive approach that is based on long-term treatment, family involvement and complex behavioral programs. Even so, each patient requires individual treatment programs based on the severity and type of addiction they have.

Types of treatment programs:

• Inpatient treatment - a residential treatment center that offers 24/7 structured and intensive patient care. Being a resident in such a treatment facility requires different lengths of time depending on the severity of the problem and whether the patient has been through rehab before. The first step of this type of treatment is the detoxification (the process in which the body gets rid of the drug) which is done only under medical supervision. This important step requires specially trained personnel that manages the patient’s withdrawal symptoms using medication that help reestablish normal brain function and reduce cravings.
• Outpatient treatment - a program with scheduled treatment sessions that allow the patient to continue with his/hers daily routine and living at home, but requiring several days a week to attend the treatment programs and medication use. The program is very efficient in motivated patients that accept the problem they have, and want to change it with the help of a sober home environment.
• Support groups - group therapy that provides emotional support from people with similar addiction problems and social reinforcement of recovery success. The most known groups are Alcoholics Anonymous AA and Narcotic Anonymous NA, which represent a group of people with the same abuse issues gathering together and socializing about their addictions.
• Individual counseling - individualized plans for treatment and aftercare of the patient. IC includes:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy - teaches individuals to trigger possible patterns, situations or feelings that lead to substance use, so that the patient could avoid them;
• Motivation enhancement therapy stimulates individuals to commit to a specific plan to engage in treatment and successful recovery;
• 12-step therapy guides - the patient to follow a 12-step program similar to AA and NA that leads to being a better person and recover.

If you have a relative with addiction problems that you want to help, you should first consider the following:

• They might not be fully aware of the actions they are taking;
• They probably have got themselves clean and sober before, but don’t know how to stay that way;
• If one family member is suffering from addiction, others are affected too;
• They need your help with their problem, otherwise they would have done it already;
• They need you to assist them to get help from people with experience of recovery;
• They need your help throughout the program, because a relapse is a constant possibility;
• It is a long and hard path to full recovery and the addicted should avoid being alone for prolonged time;
• Every addict is unique, and different programs fit different patients.