Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Drug and alcohol treatment options

Drug and alcohol treatment is carried out through various methods. The most important and widely used are:
  • Detoxification
  • Medications that are recommended only if needed
  • Behavioral therapy including several programs
  • Diet and Exercise to improve overall health
Detoxification
It is part of almost every alcohol rehab process and is very effective. By detoxifying the body of the addict the toxic matter accumulated inside over the passage of a time is expelled out. This purifies blood and ensures proper functioning, metabolism that in turn allows a patient to regain his previous drug free condition. The poisonous effects of drugs adversely affect the physiological system of the person indulged in this fatal habit especially one for a long time.

Medications
In patients with severe level of addiction simple therapies do not suffice and they have to be kept on medications as long as they need. It offers several benefits such as:

Withdrawal: It is possible to suppress the symptoms of withdrawal by taking the right medicines prescribed by a professional physician. Sometimes it is incorporated with detoxification to make the treatment more effective and long-lasting. But it is the tip of the ice berg. The remaining treatment procedures are still to be implemented to complete the rehab program.

Physiology: Proper medicines enable normal functioning of the brain as it can overcome cravings and help in the prevention of relapse. The drugs treated with the medicines are:
  • Tobacco (nicotine)
  • Opioids( morphine, heroine)
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cannabis( marijuana)
  • Alcohol
Behavioral therapy
It is now proven worldwide that drug addiction is something more akin to mental disturbance, so it is a vital part of every drug rehab program to give a patient a behavioral treatment under the supervision of expert psychologists or psychiatrists. It includes:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Family counseling
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Contingency management
Diet and Exercise
A healthy nutritious diet is an important part of the treatment program that ensures improved health of the patients. In exercise, relaxation therapies are also included such as yoga, meditation, massage and spiritual healing techniques to enhance mental functioning of the addicts and create self-awareness among them.

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