When most people think of addiction disorder, what comes to mind is alcohol and drugs. Of course, these are the leading causes of addiction, but addiction can occur from other substances that negatively impacts your health.
The treatment of addiction disorders requires a multifaceted approach since addiction is a complex chronic condition. One single treatment cannot guarantee results. However, before starting treatment, there are a few things one needs to know to be prepared. These include:
Table of Contents
1.You must Acknowledge your Addiction
The first step in any addiction treatment is acknowledging that you have a problem and accepting that you need treatment. For most people, this is the most challenging part of the treatment journey. First, you need to understand that addiction is a psychological disorder, and treatment may not be possible if the addict does not understand that they have a problem.
2.Recovery is a Process
The process of addiction takes time. The first time you take a drug or alcohol, you might not even like the feeling. However, with time, your mind starts associating the act with pleasure and reward, which eventually leads to addiction.
Once you become addicted, it becomes hard to live a normal life without the drug. The treatment, therefore, must also take a process. Instant withdrawal might lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, which might be life-threatening to some individuals. You need to understand that recovery will encompass small victories and struggles before achieving full recovery.
3.Detoxification is Important in Treatment
People become addicted when their brain becomes accustomed to the effects a particular drug produces. For recovery to start, the harmful toxins the drug has left in the body must be removed through detoxification. Detoxification also helps reduce the impacts of withdrawal symptoms.
4.Addiction Treatment Requires a Strong Will
Addiction treatment comes with severe withdrawal symptoms, which the patient must be prepared to withstand. Unfortunately, some people cannot withstand the craving for the drug and the symptoms that accompany withdrawal, which include headaches, nausea, and tremors. This is often what leads to relapse if the patient lacks a strong will.
5.Prepare for Therapy
Addiction is a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Recent scientific evidence continues to support the role of therapy in addiction treatment. Therapy helps individuals cope with the challenges of addiction and the mental stress that accompany treatment. Furthermore, therapy can help identify the root causes of addiction which must be addressed to avoid relapse.
6.No Single Treatment Works for All
Every individual is unique. Therefore, treatment is tailored to meet the needs of every individual. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common and effective approach, but it can also incorporate motivational interviewing and multidimensional family therapy, depending on individual patients
CBT helps patients identify what makes them addicts and address those issues. Other therapies help with motivation to change through numerous positive reinforcement techniques.
7.Addiction Treatment Requires a Safe Environment
Rehabilitation is often necessary during addiction treatment. It offers individuals a safe environment with positive and supportive Resources often provide residential facilities for long-term addiction treatment programs.
Residential facilities ensure that patients have access to round-the-clock assistance in a safe environment free from triggers. Individuals can spend anywhere between six to twelve months in residential facilities.
8.Self-help Groups Are Important
To avoid relapse, addicts are often recruited into self-help groups. Here, they can share their challenges and journey through recovery. These groups comprise individuals suffering from the same addiction; for example, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups are organized like fellowships, and the members meet regularly to encourage each other to give up drugs and remain abstinent.
9.Treatment May Require Medication
While some individuals may require therapy alone, some may need medication treatment as well. Medications also help manage withdrawal symptoms. However, the goal of treatment is to take individuals off medication so that they can rely on their willpower.
10.Addicts May Require Treatment for Other Mental Health Problems
Addiction often does not act alone. Addicts present with other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, and stress. Some of these conditions may worsen during recovery and may require treatment as well.
11.Recovery and Sobriety Are Different Things
You can get sober in the short term, but living a sober life is a life-long process. Someone who has been through addiction always has the potential for relapse regardless of how long they have been sober. Recovery involves changing your lifestyle, behavior, and patterns that led to addiction.
12.Relapse Can Happen
While relapse is not part of recovery, it is important to recognize that it can happen. This recognition can help addicts avoid relapse from becoming part of the process.
13.Recovery Requires a Positive Mindset
An individual who starts any treatment program with a negative mindset is likely not to achieve the desire outcomes. Negativity can drag you down even if you have the best support system around you. Also, understand that there will be challenges, but the goal is to keep moving.
Final Thoughts!
Addiction is a complex condition, and recovery is never easy. You need to stay positive throughout the journey. Moreover, you need a supportive environment, including support from family and friends.
Helpful Resources
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4268880/
https://www.verywellmind.com/find-a-support-group-meeting-near-you-69433
