By Addiction is a brain disease that renders the individual powerless. The ability to make sound decisions is diminished. These individuals tend to isolate themselves from their family and their loved ones. Their work performance dwindles, and their focus on obtaining drugs and using increases each time they use. Family members are helpless as to how to help their loved one acknowledge their addiction and the need for getting enrolled in drug rehab treatment programs. Unfortunately, the only way for the individual to accept help is to acknowledge that they suffer from a drug addiction.
Luckily, there are drug addiction treatment approaches available that are successful in helping addicts overcome their addiction and stay clean and sober. Along with the detoxification process, behavioral therapies have also been shown to be successful. Behavioral therapies help addicts understand the primary reasons as to what led to their addiction in the first place.
There are many types of behavioral approaches for drug addiction treatment that are implemented in both residential inpatient treatment facilities and outpatient treatment facilities:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This drug addiction treatment method is used to prevent substance abuse relapse. Initially, it was used to treat alcohol addiction. Later on, it became useful in treating those whom suffer from cocaine addiction.
Maladaptive behaviors, such as substance abuse, impact the learning process. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, individuals learn to identify problem behaviors by implementing different skills that can be applied to ending drug use.
One of the important aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is helping addicts develop coping skills. By preparing for whatever problems may arise, and encouraging an addict’s self-control, individuals can become successful in using these coping skills to stay clean and sober. This behavioral therapy continues to be used in follow-up therapies.
The Matrix Model
This behavioral treatment approach is used in helping individuals addicted to stimulants abstain from use. Those addicted to stimulants learn about their addiction, come up with a relapse prevention plan with a reputable therapist, and learn more about self-help groups. Routine urine testing is implemented to ensure that recovering addicts are drug free. Therapists develop an encouraging relationship with their client, acting as both a coach and a teacher. They reinforce positive changes by conducting training sessions to improve self-esteem. This approach relies heavily on other treatment approaches, and implement family therapy, group therapy, drug education, relapse prevention, and 12 step groups.
Many recovering addicts have benefited greatly from this approach in reducing the risk of relapse.
12 Step Program
This behavioral approach promotes abstinence by using three approaches: acceptance, surrender, and active involvement.
Acceptance entails realizing that a substance abuse problem exists and is a chronic disease. These individuals acknowledge that they are powerless over their addiction and understand that abstinence is the only way to overcome the disease.
Surrendering entails giving oneself over to a higher power. These individuals rely on fellowship and support from their group peers and group leaders.
Active involvement entails attending meetings regularly and participating in the process.
Contact your local drug addiction treatment facility for more information.
