The Route Of Treating Drug Addiction

By James Handforth

Drug addiction is a condition, which is characterised by an irrepressible and compulsive need to use drugs. It is a complex, and chronic disease, which can take over your life, and make it difficult to focus on other aspects. It is a pathological condition, which is described in the Diagnostic, and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). It has been proved that prolonged drug use has a negative effect on brain functioning.

Although it is a highly dangerous state to be in, a cure is available for it. Special treatments have been designed for the different kinds of addiction. There are two types of drugs, hard drugs, and soft drugs. Hard drugs are those, which are relatively harder to give up. These include cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, and OxyContin. On the contrary, it is relatively easier to give up on a soft drug, which includes ecstasy, marijuana, medical drugs, and valium.

The first step in drug addiction treatment is to accept that you have a problem. This is something that is essential for true recovery. If any of your loved ones is in denial, then it is time to stage an intervention, and make them realise how their actions are ruining their life. The second step is to check yourself, or your loved one either into rehabilitation, or into a treatment centre. There are various types of programmes that offer help in drug rehabilitation, including residential treatment, outpatient, local support groups, extended care centres, and recovery, or sober houses.

The point of these drug addiction treatments is twofold. Its first part involves making the addict independent of this drug usage. A detoxification process through which the addict goes, aids with withdrawal symptoms. This usually lasts for two weeks. It is harder for those who are more dependent on the drug, as their brain is dependent on it, and makes it difficult to go on without it.

Secondly, it also targets the psychological dependency of the drug. Many drug addicts use drugs as a means of escaping their problems. Through treatment, they are helped in exploring other ways of handling stress, and becoming strong enough to say no to drugs.

In order to help with the withdrawal symptoms, and the need to take drugs, many drugs have been designed for this purpose. For the treatment of drugs like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone, treatment centres assign medications of an opioid kind like methadone, and buprenorphine. In order to help with the psychological and physical urge to consume drugs, another drug like Ibogaine, is used for the treatment of addictions from narcotics, stimulants, alcohol, and nicotine. Antidepressants are also used to help in the process.

Amongst the many treatment programmes offered, the twelve-step program is quite well known for its results amongst addicts. In order to make the most out of it, it should be followed religiously, and not be abandoned after leaving the rehabilitation centre. One very good way through which one could beat this addiction, is to join a group of recovering addicts, like Alcohol Anonymous, that help cope with stress, and problems associated with urges to take the drug again.

No matter what kind of treatment you choose, it will not work until you are committed to it. It is important not to give up, and take your time in the healing process. - 29881

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