Alcohol and Drug Treatment: Problems and Solutions
The Alcohol and Drug Problem
Substance abuse is a huge problem, easily recognized by the growing demand for alcohol and drug treatment programs and resources. The causes for both types of addiction may be social, psychological or genetic predisposition, or a combination of these factors.
There are people out there, drifting though life abusing alcohol and drugs not admitting to themselves—and others—that they have a problem. These folks may have family and/or friends who are being hurt by their behavior, yet they still refuse to admit that something is wrong. In fact, they find ways to justify what they are doing. Only the lucky ones will realize that they have a serious problem, and seek treatment. The problem is that each individual—on their own—has to come to this conclusion: They need help conquering their alcohol or drug abuse problem.
When a significant other or family member has a problem, and it becomes obvious that they need alcohol and drug treatment, there is not much you can do. Oh, you can try intervention, but this usually just alienates the user—makes them hateful and resentful. You might have to remove yourself from a bad situation. This person will either continue on in a self-destructive manner or, seek treatment because they really want to reconcile their relationship with you. This is unfortunate, but being alone is much better than being with someone who abuses drugs and alcohol—bringing you down with them.
Alcohol and Drug Cessation Methodologies
The first step to treating an addiction is to stop intake of the substance(s)—with some drugs, this requires gradual reduction—cope with the withdrawal symptoms, both mental and physical, and then implement an after-care program. An alcohol or drug treatment program must not only break the chains of addiction but minimize the chance of relapse as well. Carefully monitored prescribed drugs can ease some emotional and physical side effects, such as anxiety and muscle spasms, experienced by many withdrawing addicts.
The usual method used for alcoholism is detoxification. This simply means that the body will have to get used to the absence of alcohol in the system. Physical withdrawal symptoms may occur and can be helped with prescription drugs such as diazepam or barbiturates. Severe withdrawal can last weeks, but will become less intense over time. Detox must be followed-up with therapy, one which reveals the psychological causes of the excessive drinking is preferred. The rate of success for alcohol treatment programs is high for those that continue with the program to the end.
Drug addiction treatment methods are set by usage factors such as the drug type, quantities taken and consumption intervals. A popular drug treatment method is the 12 Step Recovery Program. It stresses the importance that drug addicts cease to socialize with other users and break contact with dealers. Some programs advocate the use of a temporary replacement drug—such as Methadone for heroine users. This is controversial, in that Methadone is an addictive drug itself. However, the physical complications suffered by these users while trying to quit, may require it's use. For others, going cold turkey may be best. With alcohol and drug treatment, it's a matter of finding the appropriate treatment for the individual.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Possibilities
There are many possible methods to choose from for weaning people off alcohol and drug addiction. Established alcohol and drug treatment may be at residential rehabilitation centers, in-patient or out-patient care, and will include some or all of the following:
- Individual counseling
- Self help groups
- Group therapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Psychotherapy
Treatment facilities are found across the US and the world, and depending on individual requirements, many treatment options are available. Out-patient and acute in-patient detox facilities offer individual or group therapy with staff psychologists and registered nurses, and can perform psychiatric evaluations and provide medical treatment if necessary. Rehabilitation centers offer individuals an opportunity to recover and share their experiences with other alcohol and drug addicts in a support based environment. Many alcohol and drug treatment programs implement a step program to lead the patient through the recovery process. This type of program—like the 12-step programs used by Alcoholics Anonymous—has a proven track record in helping those seeking to quit their alcohol or drug addiction.
Although alcohol and drug treatment centers vary widely in the style of treatment they use, the type of accommodations offered, cost, etc…, there are many excellent alcohol and drug abuse centers around the world that provide professional care and emotional support during the rehabilitation process and afterward. The best approach is to interview a prospective facility beforehand, review literature and information, and decide on a plan of action. With a firm commitment—a desire to succeed—the probability that sobriety will be maintained is greatly increased. Enrolling in an alcohol or drug treatment program is the first 'baby step'. Learning to like yourself and look to a better future is the next.
