How to Overcome Drug Addiction
How can one adequately overcome drug addiction? Read on to learn about therapy, recovery, the detox process, and drug addiction rehab.
Overview
Developing an addiction to drugs does not signify a character flaw or lack of willpower. In most cases, some factors increase the risks of certain individuals experiencing substance use disorder. Some of these include genetics, environment, and dual diagnoses.
With the appropriate medical care and attention, it’s not impossible to overcome an addiction to drugs. The first step to overcoming addiction is an individual admitting to the challenge. Keep reading to understand the necessary steps for overcoming addiction.
About Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a mental health condition that affects the brain and behavior. When an individual experiences addiction, it becomes difficult to continuously resist the urge to consume these harmful substances. Regardless of the harmful health effects, such individuals would not discontinue intake of these addictive drugs. Some examples of these substances include alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine.1
How Can Substance Use Disorder Develop?
Substance use disorder begins with an experimental intake of a recreational drug in social gatherings for certain people. Some individuals also experience addiction due to prescription drugs like opioids from a licensed doctor. The risks of drug addiction vary, depending on the substance. Substances like opioids are more addictive compared to other drugs.
How Common is Drug Addiction?
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 19 million US adults experienced substance use disorder in 2017. The World Drug Report in 2019 also showed that around 35 million people worldwide experience drug use disorder. Only one in seven individuals received drug addiction treatment.
Causes of Drug Addiction
Individuals develop an addiction to drugs due to tolerance after repeated intake. Over time, such individuals develop dependence and may experience withdrawal symptoms with any sudden discontinuation of the drug’s intake. Some factors that play a role in addiction include:
- Family history
- Environment
- Genetics
How to Overcome Drug Addiction
The first step to overcoming drug addiction is recognizing the problem and understanding the need for drug addiction treatment. Overcoming drug addiction may also need help from social support and medical professionals. These options can help set the individual on the path to a successful recovery to overcoming drug addiction.
4 Phases of Drug Addiction Treatment
During drug addiction treatment, here are the four important phases. These phases will be detailed below.
Intake
The treatment facility creates a customized care plan for the individual during this stage. This process typically involves meeting with professionals to know the appropriate treatment options to follow. The goal of the intake stage is to develop a personalized plan based on a complete assessment of medical and emotional functioning.
If the individual is experiencing a co-occurring disorder apart from SUD, there may be a need for additional treatment options.
Detox
This phase involves the safe removal of addictive substances from the body. Without medical attention, detox can be dangerous and significantly unpleasant.3 Hence, detox should be under the treatment facility. In many instances, health professionals give medication during detox to help ease the drug’s withdrawal symptoms.
Rehab
Rehab for addiction may include inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization. The inpatient drug addiction rehab treatment program involves teaching individuals previously experiencing SUD how to live differently. Outpatient care is a good rehab for addiction option for people with mild drug addiction symptoms with work or family obligations.
Recovery and Aftercare
Aftercare involves making the necessary efforts to maintain sobriety. The process of aftercare helps individuals stay on track to avoid relapse. Recovery and aftercare also largely involve practicing learned techniques to prevent relapse in addiction rehabilitation.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Addiction Rehab
Some factors that influence addiction rehab costs will be detailed below.
Type of Treatment Facility
Inpatient addiction rehab and outpatient addiction rehab programs have different costs in overall addiction rehab. In most cases, the cost of inpatient programs for drug addiction rehab is high due to expensive housing and intensive care. The overall costs of inpatient and outpatient addiction rehab programs also depend on the length of the comprehensive drug addiction rehab program.
Treatments Provided
During rehab for drug addiction, some individuals may not require detox after starting rehab for addiction. For instance, individuals who experience cocaine use disorder don’t experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Hence, treatment centers may not need detox but close monitoring of individuals.
Available Amenities
Depending on the addiction rehab facility, the cost of amenities can be high. Examples include massages, acupuncture, and other necessary amenities.
Drug Detox and Withdrawal
Drug detox and managing the withdrawal symptoms of the substances come together. Here’s what to note about drug detox and withdrawal.
The Detox Process
The process of drug addiction detox typically involves:
Medically Supervised Detox
This process involves clearing the individual’s body of the drugs or toxins consumed. Mental health professionals may prescribe certain medications to manage withdrawal during this process. Medically supervised detox usually involves initial evaluation, stabilization, and preparing an entry to treatment.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the withdrawal symptoms that detox helps manage include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Severe anxiety
- Disorientation
- Mental confusion
- Nervousness
Therapy
Some of the significant therapy options required in combination with medication for detox include:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). CBT helps individuals identify their unhealthy thinking patterns and learn better ways to cope. MI focuses on helping the individual resolve ambivalence as motivation comes from the inside and not outside sources.
Family Counseling
This type of therapy for drug addiction works with families. Family counseling aims to change the system of interaction between family members that may lead to addiction.
Group Therapy
Compared to individual therapy, group therapy involves treating two or more individuals together. Therapy sessions may involve one or more therapists.
Aftercare Planning
These involve providing support for the individual after the treatment program. It’s a collective plan that helps support the individual during early recovery periods to avoid relapse.
Types of Drug Addiction Rehab Programs
The types of drug addiction rehabilitation programs include:
- Long-term residential treatment
- Short-term residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment programs
Rehab for Drug Addiction in Los Angeles
Get in touch with trusted mental health and addiction rehabilitation treatment facilities in Los Angeles. Here’s what to know:
How to Find Drug Addiction Rehab Near Me
If you or your loved one is ready to begin treatment for drug addiction, it’s helpful to find the right drug addiction rehab center. Look out for a trusted treatment center with drug addiction rehab facilities tailored for individual needs. Ensure the staff also cares and the cost of treatment is decent.
Drug Addiction Rehab Programs at Alta Centers
Alta Centers provides an addiction drug rehab treatment center providing individually tailored treatment programs in Los Angeles. We care, and for this reason, there’s a comprehensive program that helps you through all the necessary treatment stages.
Contact a Drug Addiction Counselor
Take a step to rehab for addiction treatment. Start your addiction treatment and drug addiction recovery journey and get the support you need throughout the process. Alta Centers provides drug addiction counseling to improve your overall quality of life. Contact a drug addiction counselor right now.
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/- understanding-drug-use-addiction
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/
- 2017-nsduh-annual-national-report
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK68219/
- sis
- ResourcesQuestions About Treatment?
Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.
