When it comes to substance abuse, there is always an overwhelming urge to take either drugs or alcohol, and staying away from them induces critical withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sweating, vomiting and the likes.
Substance abuse has no cure, and just basically telling a person to stop cannot work. However, there are some proven ways to treat substance abuse, and these form of treatments usually take into consideration some factors such as the degree of addiction, and the presence of mental health issues.
Below are some common treatment methods for substance abuse
- Detoxification: This is basically flushing out drugs and alcohol out of the body. This is usually done with the help of an experienced health personnel, because the withdrawal symptoms which comes with this process is quite deadly.
- Residential treatment: This could be a long-term treatment which could last between six months to a year. During this period, they are given an intensive and organized treatment. It could also be a short-term treatment which could take between three to six weeks at a treatment centre.
- Psychotherapy: During this form of treatment, patients learn various ways to control substance abuse issues. There are many types of psychotherapy, with the commonest being cognitive-behavioural therapy.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): For this form of treatment, people are motivated on how to quit addiction and chase treatment. Research has shown that it is a potent treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
- The Matrix model: For this model, the addicts have a therapist who also serves as a counsellor and a coach. There is also group therapy present in this model, which aids people in sharing their experiences and offering support for recovery.
- Family therapy: This form of therapy focuses on interactions which are likely to enhance addiction, and hence, aims to stop them. Family therapy is very effective for young adults.
- Medication: The importance of medication in the treatment of substance abuse cannot be overemphasized. However, it is advised that before medications are taken, they should be done under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
- 12-step programmes: This is a form of professional treatment which helps people with addiction. The aim is to ensure that individuals achieve and regulate abstinence. They also have to come to terms with the fact that they have a disease, and it should be surrendered to a higher power.
- Exercise: Exercise helps in enhancing one’s mood and reducing stress levels. It is also quintessential when it comes to addiction treatment.