Drug Addiction TreatmentA comprehensive medical program targeted on minimizing or eliminating the effects of the complex illness of drug addiction. It involves a variety of processes which depends on the characteristics of the patient and the kind of addictive drug being used. Drug addiction treatment does not only use a variety of scientifically based approaches but also include behavioral theraphy (such as counseling, cognitive theraphy, or psychotheraphy) and medication, or their combination thus typically this program incorporates many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences so as to help the individual stop using drugs and maintain a drug-free lifestyle, while achieving productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society. Drug addiction treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment often is not sufficient and for many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and attempts at abstinence. 
Principles of Effective Addiction Treatment1. NO SINGLE TREATMENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS. Finding the suitable treatment settings, interventions and services to each person's particular problems and needs is very crucial to the patient's success in functioning productively in the family, workplace and society. 2. TREATMENT NEEDS TO BE READILY AVAILABLE. Some persons who are addicted to drugs have uncertainties in entering addiction treatment, so grabing the oppurtunities when they are ready for treatment is very critical. Potential treatment applicants may be lost if treatments are not immediately or readily available. 3. EFFECTIVE TREATMENT ATTENDS TO MULTIPLE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUALS, NOT JUST HIS OR HER DRUG USE. In order for the treatment of addiction to be effective, it must address the person's drug use and any associated medical, social, vocational, psychological and legal problems. 4. AN INDIVIDUAL'S TREATMENT AND SERVICES PLAN MUST BE ASSESSED CONTINUALLY AND MODIFIED AS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE PLAN MEETS THE PERSON'S CHANGING NEEDS. During the course of addiction treatment and recovery, the patient may need a different combination of services and treatment components. Besides counseling and psychotheraphy, the person may at times need medication, other medical services, parenting instruction, vocational rehabilitation, family theraphy, and social and legal services. It is very important that during the treatment process, the approach must be appropriate for the person's age, gender, etchnicity and culture. 5. STAYING IN THE TREATMENT FOR AN ADEQUATE PERIOD OF TIME IS IMPORTANT FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT. The appropriate amount of time for an individual to stay in treatment depends on his or her probems and needs. Research indicates that the threshold of significant improvement for an individual during treatment is reached about 3 months. After the threshold is reached, additional treatment is helpful for further progress towards recovery. Programs should include strategies to keep the patients in treatment so they won't leave the treatment prematurely. Addiction Treatment Centers by States |
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