Many people think having a family member who’s addicted to prohibited drugs or into substance abuse is a disgrace and a stigma of the society. Families usually deny that a sibling or kin is hooked into drugs thus delaying treatment.
Here are the top 10 principles of drug addiction treatment:
Principle #1: Addiction is a complex disease that adversely impacts the brain and human behavior but is considered treatable.
Someone who abuses drugs is at great risk of experiencing a relapse even after totally stopping from using drugs over an extended period of time. This is because drug abuse may lead to a change in brain structure as well as its function. These changes linger for a long period of time even if the drug user has stopped using drugs.
Principle #2: Treatment for drug addiction should be instantly available.
Drug abuse patients should be immediately treated since the earlier they get treatment, the greater the chances are for these individuals to be cured. The drug abusers should have proper guidance in order for them to take advantage of the readily available services even though they are uncertain of seeking treatment.
Principle #3: There is no appropriate single treatment for anyone.
A certain treatment is matched based on the particular problems of the patient and this is considered critical to ensure that he or she returns to a normal production condition either at home, in the society or in his or her job.
Principle #4: Treatment should be performed within the needed span of time to ensure cure.
Effective treatment depends on its application within the right period of time and on the type and level of the patient’s needs and problems. Some patients suddenly leave the program. Persons who are providing treatment must practice security measurements for individuals to comply with the treatment.
Principle #5: Effective treatment should attend to all the needs of the drug addict and only to his or her drug abuse.
The treatment must be an answer to the person’s drug abuse as well as any kind of problem either psychological or legal. Its appropriateness to the gender, age, culture as well as ethnicity of the individual is critical and necessary.
Principle #6: A most common form of drug abuse treatment is counseling.
Counseling is effective through group therapy as well as through peer support program. This is a reliable way in helping the individual to practice abstinence while facilitating better interpersonal relationships.
Principle #7: Medical detoxification is the primary stage of treating drug addiction.
Detoxification performed with medical assistance can safely manage the serious symptoms of drug addition and lead to a long term treatment for drug addiction. Drug treatment should be strictly continued even after medical detoxification.
Principle #8: Some drug addicts may have mental disorders.
Medications for mental disorders should be administered simultaneous with treatment procedures for drug addiction.
Principle #9: Treatment plan for drug addiction must be continuously improved based on the changing needs of the patient.
A continuous care approach is essential to ensure cure for the individual but treatment intensity should be varied based on the changing needs of the patient.
Principle #10: Medications for treatment of drug abuse are important and should be carefully combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Medicines such as buprenorpphine and methadone are effective in curing individual who crave for heroine to stabilize their lives and decrease drug use. Naltrexone is also effective for persons addicted to opioid.