When it comes to substance abuse, many people believe that some types of treatment are more effective than others. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. While different treatments for different types of addictions will vary in their specifics, every type of addiction responds to care and support. In fact, the effectiveness of any type of addiction treatment depends on a number of specific factors, such as the severity of the disease and whether or not it’s been a stable problem for a long period of time.
However, certain general truths can help you find the right type of treatment if you are struggling with an addiction. Most any type of behavioral therapy will work as long as you stick with it and see results. This includes programs that target common behaviors or habits associated with addictions like drug or alcohol use, sex outside of marriage, gambling or eating unhealthy food in excess quantities. These programs work because they target underlying issues like low self-esteem or fear of failure instead of just giving you something to take internally.
What is the Best Treatment for Your Addiction?
No matter what type of substance or behavior you are addicted to, the answer to this question can help you find the right type of treatment. If you want to quit smoking, you may be interested in finding out the best medications to help you kick the habit. If you want to quit drinking, you may want to learn more about how Alcoholics Anonymous can help. If you are dealing with an opiate addiction, you may want to learn more about methadone treatment or Suboxone treatment. Knowing the best type of treatment for you will help you evaluate different providers and different programs.
Before you choose a treatment option, you may want to get educated about long-term effects of various types of care. Addiction is a chronic disease that can cause changes in your mind and body, but quitting will not undo these changes. Quitting an addiction may result in withdrawal symptoms that can last for weeks or months, depending on the type of treatment you choose. It’s important to understand how quitting will alter your health and how to manage them if they occur.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is among the oldest forms of treatment. It’s used to help people with any type of mental health issue, including substance use disorders. Therapy is often focused on the present instead of past issues that may be causing your addiction. It can also help you identify triggers that cause you to use substances, as well as coping mechanisms that help you to manage cravings.
Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most popular types of talk therapy. It’s helpful for many issues related to addictions, including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress. CBT often looks at the relationship between thoughts and feelings and is therefore useful for identifying, and changing, negative thoughts.
Nutraceuticals and Nutrition Support
Some patients who struggle with addiction experience nutritional deficiencies or have electrolyte imbalances because they consume substances, such as alcohol, while eating a poor diet. If you are one of these people, your doctor may recommend a multivitamin and/or minerals to get you back on track. Similarly, some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop abusing substances, such as opioids, without first addressing these issues. In these cases, doctors may recommend a short stay in a monitored detoxification unit or a plan that includes nutrition support.
Wraparound and integrated care
Wraparound is a type of therapy that uses a team approach to treat co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. The team members may include medical professionals, social workers and case managers, among others. They work together to help patients navigate the health-care system and set up effective supports.
Wraparound can be a good option for someone with a serious substance abuse problem who also has a chronic mental health issue. It can also work well for people with a milder mental health condition, who also have an addiction, for example, to caffeine or sugar. Wraparound is an effective way of providing treatment for co-occurring disorders, including substance abuse and mental health conditions. It allows patients to maintain regular treatment while also being connected to the community, accessing needed supports and resources, and feeling supported.
Addiction Treatment That Works
Addiction is a disease, and every addiction responds to treatment. In fact, the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of succeeding. The earlier you treat your addiction, the more likely it is that you will succeed at quitting. If you’re struggling with an addiction and want to get help, you’ll want to find a treatment program that works for you.
Are you interested in going to treatment? Give us a call today at 833-610-1174.