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Drug Addiction Treatment Options

Person holding a pile of pillsDrug addiction is a serious disease that requires treatment to save the life of the afflicted person. However, drug addiction treatment is a complicated topic, as there are several modalities of treatment, and the best treatment for an individual struggling with drug addiction depends on the type and severity of their addiction.

Keep reading to learn about more about drug addiction treatment options so we can help you find the best option for you or your loved one.

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drugs involved in drug addiction are psychoactive substances that cross the blood-brain barrier, temporarily altering the chemical balance of the brain.

Addiction is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as an “inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with ones behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response.

As with other chronic diseases, addiction involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment, addiction is progressive and can result in death or disability.

The most commonly abused drugs involved in drug addiction are alcohol, heroin, and meth.

How Common Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is quite common, but most addicts do not receive the treatment they so desperately need.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 23.5 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems in 2014.

Of these, only 2.6 million who needed treatment (11.2 percent) received it at a specialty facility.

Treatment Options for Drug Addiction

The first step to treating drug addiction is for the addicted person is to acknowledge that there is a substance dependency problem (addiction problem).

The next step is to get help. There are various support groups, rehab programs, and professional services available.

The best treatment options for addiction depend on several factors, including what type of substance it is and how it affects the patient.

Treatment Programs

Treatment programs typically focus on getting sober and preventing relapses. Individual, group, and/or family sessions may form part of the program. Depending on the level of addiction, patient behaviors, and the type of substance, this may be in an outpatient or residential setting.

Self-Help Groups

Outpatient self-help groups help the patient meet and relate to other people with the same problem, which often boosts motivation. Self-help groups can be a useful source of education and information as well.

Treatment Options For Different Types of Drug Addiction

The doctor or addiction expert treating the addicted patient may recommend either an outpatient or inpatient residential treatment center. Withdrawal treatment options vary and depend mainly on what substance the individual is addicted to.

Addiction to Depressants

Some treatment programs cater to depressant addiction. Individuals with this type of addiction may be dependent on barbiturates or benzodiazepines, for example. During withdrawal, the patient may experience anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and restlessness.

Addiction to Stimulants

There are also addiction treatment options for stimulant addiction. Stimulant addicts include those addicted to cocaine, amphetamines, and other stimulants. During withdrawal, the patient may experience tiredness, depression, anxiety, moodiness, low enthusiasm, sleep disturbances, and low concentration.

Drug Addiction Treatment Options in Utah

At Alpine Recovery Lodge in Alpine, Utah, we offer medically supervised, holistic inpatient treatment for stimulant addiction, depressant addiction, and addictions to other substances including alcohol and prescription pills. We also treat people with co-morbid mental illness and addiction. Our individualized program incorporates faith-based principles and practices to heal both body and spirit.

You can find more information on drug addiction treatment options in our blog post on Utah Alcohol and Addiction Resources. Or, contact us to learn more about our inpatient addiction treatment program in Utah.

An infographic about drug addiction treatment options.