Common types of Treatments

Depending on the individual and the rehab center, there may be different forms of drug addiction treatments available. Where the "twelve-step program" was once the primary form of treatment, today many experts are saying that this process is not enough. As a result, the common types of treatments may now take alternative approaches and may significantly differ from years ago. To add to the debate is the question regarding the disease aspect of addiction. Some professionals believe it is a disease that is difficult to control on one's own, while others hypothesize that addiction is mind over matter. Either way, treatments are crucial to the addict's long life and good health.

Indeed, the mind over matter approach does have some merit in the sense that every part of the body is interconnected. And, it has been proven that emotional issues directly impact the physical health of a person. The reverse is true, as well. If someone has a chronic pain, for instance, their defenses are down, and they feel bad about themselves, and have a negative view of the world in general. Because of this, more doctors are combining standard therapies with holistic approaches, trying to balance out all functions of the human being. Treating the total mind, body and soul of an addicted individual is often referred to as integrated therapy.

Another common treatment for drug addiction caused by depression, for example, is the creation of hobbies or interests that take up free time, helping the addict to avoid original triggers to abuse. Cognitive therapy has been shown to provide relief for drug addictions by changing how people think about things. Whether the addiction started because they thought they were obese and began a course of diet pills, or whether they became addicted trying to cope with anxiety and fears, showing them how to walk through their weakest periods can in fact help them to move on from the addictive behaviors.

Medications are another form of treatment which sounds counter-productive, but which does improve many people's lives. Drugs are used for several purposes when dealing with addiction. First, those with severe drug addictions, for example, to opioids, will need other types of drugs to substitute while detoxifying. Second, individuals who are addicted to prescription drugs because of chronic pain may not be aware of more modern drugs that can help them with their original problems. Third, in the case of mental illnesses, patients may be self-medicating because they do not understand what is happening to them. But, once on the proper medications to control specific diseases, then they no longer have a need for their drugs of choice.

Lastly, counseling still remains a constant in the treatment of drug addictions. It will be necessary for addicts to seek either group or individual sessions with a qualified practitioner. But, how long the sessions last and the frequency will depend upon the individuals themselves.

A final note about the common types of treatments is the fact that everyone deals with addiction in a different way. For some, the best remedy is found by a rigorous in-patient schedule, while others, are able to combat their demons through out-patient facilities. Some are forced into treatment through the court system, others go because of a family intervention, and others realize that they have reached rock-bottom and go because they want to get better. Regardless of how people seek treatment, or how they manage their treatments, various programs do exist to best match the individuals' needs.