DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE: TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Before we get into the various treatment methods in the treatment for substance abuse, let’s understand what the term exactly means. It is an intense, disturbing condition in which an individual becomes physically and emotionally dependent on harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, painkillers and illegal drugs.

Also known as substance addiction, it is a chronic state in which individuals cannot quit their self-destructive habits easily. Though the journey towards recovery is quite a strenuous one and one which tests the person’s steel and will power, this condition can surely be cured with constant dedication. It is difficult, but surely not impossible!

 

DIAGNOSIS

How to identify whether an individual is under this condition?

Being watchful of the changes that come forth in the person is the most important step in the diagnosis of substance abuse. These changes can be physical, behavioral or both.

Physical signs include interrupted sleep patterns, complete loss of, or an immediate increase in appetite, irregular heartbeat, lack of physical hygiene, poor coordination in physical movements, deteriorating physical appearance, etc.

Behavioral signs include lack of interest in aspects that previously excited the person, persistent dishonesty, vagueness, unusual laziness, decline in performance at school or work, depression, etc.

Now that we have seen the signs and symptoms, let us get into the methods of treatment for this condition.

1. Chemical dependency treatment

What is chemical dependency?

Chemical dependency is marked by the persistent usage of drugs that negatively affects the health and well being of the person and those around.

There are different methods of treating chemical dependency. It varies greatly according to the patient, the clinic and professionals being consulted. But there are few steps that are common for every case and let’s look into those now.

• Diagnosis

The patient when first admitted to the clinic/ hospital is administered with a series of assessment tests, whose results will facilitate the professional team to identify and understand several factors regarding the individual like levels of intensity of abuse and willingness to cooperate, lifestyle and also any other coexisting, underlying disorders that must be taken care of.

• Planning

Planning holds substantial importance in chemical dependency treatments as the needs and areas that require assistance and supervision required differ from person to person. Hence personalized attention must be given to each patient and that is possible only by proper planning.

• Support

The very fact that the patient is aware of his/her issue is itself a laudable achievement because they have taken their first little step toward a huge, better change. But, as beginnings are always the hardest, they require immense support and encouragement to stick to the routine proposed. They also need to be reminded of their plans and be motivated often. As humans they are, they might waver from their decisions but if properly guided and supported, with time and practice they can surely recover and become all hail and healthy once again.

 

2. Detoxification and withdrawal symptoms

Detoxification is the process in which all the toxic substances from the patient’s body are removed. Its main purpose is to help the individual cope with withdrawal symptoms in the period he/she is reducing substance intake, as part of the treatment.  Withdrawal includes physical and mental symptoms that occur as a result of stopping or reducing substance intake. The detox plans of different individuals are subjective too.

Common symptoms are:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Shivering
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations

Its duration depends on factors like

• Heredity
• Family conditions
• Type of  substance used for abuse
• Amount of substance used
• Addiction duration

As a treatment, medication is provided to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and also to avoid further complications

3. Behavioral therapy

It is a clinical psychotherapy method in which the patient is provided with a safe and comfortable environment that facilitates them to open up to the professionals, identify and become self-aware of their destructive behaviors and also try to correct them.

It works on B.F Skinner’s concept that behaviors are learnt and that they could also be unlearnt.

4. Self-help groups

Self-help groups consist of people going through the same path towards recovery from substance abuse or other addictions. Here, the members give non-professional suggestions or remedies that worked out for them with each other.

This community feeling develops within them a feeling that they aren’t alone in the battle and motivates each person to strive for a better tomorrow, both individually and collectively.

5. Cognitive behavior therapy

It is a psycho-social counselling method that helps people interpret their troublesome thoughts in a different manner, a manner they have never done before. This helps them cope with substance abuse, addiction or other compulsive disorders.

It can also provide relief to other co-existing disorders like anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders ( OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD).

This method also enables a person to identify why he/she feels and behaves the way they do and become more aware of themselves which is the best equipment against cravings for the substance

6. Rational emotive behavior therapy

It is a method in which the individual identifies and recognizes the pattern of his/her negative thoughts that trigger intense reactions, addiction or other self-destructive conditions. It gives them the power to choose whether to stay calm or dive into the overwhelming flow of their emotions. This proves really useful in substance abuse treatments.

To conclude,

there are many developed and developing methods that can aid a person while trying to recover from the vicious grasp of these substances, but all that a person requires is some encouragement, a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on that motivate them to work even harder to stick to their decisions and surge ahead in their journey towards self healing.