For those struggling with chemical dependency, the road to recovery can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. Quitting anything cold turkey can be daunting, not to mention emotionally and physically taxing. However, many drug addiction treatment programs focus on a multipronged approach to the recovery process. This article outlines some of the many facets of programs designed to help those suffering from chemical dependency.
Behavior Therapy
Many drug addiction treatment programs involve a considerable amount of behavioral therapy. The psychological and physical allure of illicit substances can be strong, and it is important to develop equally strong incentives for staying away from such substances.
With regards to chemical dependency, behavioral therapy helps create a shift in an individual's attitude towards drugs.
This includes helping the individual understand the importance of remaining abstinent for work and personal relationships, and how to deal with certain external cues that can trigger the urge to use. Behavioral therapy can also shed light on the fact that the perception that drugs make life more enjoyable is simply that—an individual's personal, mental construct. In acknowledging this fact, behavioral therapy seeks to enlighten the individual concerning the true nature of chemical dependency.
Pharmacotherapy
Another integral component of chemical dependence rehabilitation programs is pharmacotherapy. Drug addiction treatment facilities understand that users who have spent months or even years addicted to powerful substances may need to be weaned off of them slowly. While facilities cannot distribute illicit substances to patients, pharmacotherapy is designed to provide the individual with legal alternatives to the drug, to reduce the psychologically and physically detrimental effects of withdrawal.
This type of medication assisted treatment, or MAT as it is commonly referred to, is not only intended to increase a patient's chances of successfully eliminating chemical dependencies, but also to ensure a brighter future. While pharmacotherapy can decrease the use of illicit substances, it has also been shown to decrease the possibility of future criminal activities, increase one's chances of finding employment, and even mitigate the adverse of effects of substance abuse in perinatal addicts.
Support Groups
Although you can probably find support groups in your area, it is important to understand that support groups are a complimentary component of the recovery process for chemical dependency. Alone, there is little that they accomplish, but in conjunction with behavioral and pharmacotherapy, support groups are often what really pushes people to kick their addiction, especially for teens and young adults.
Ultimately, drug addiction treatment programs are the most beneficial when they incorporate a variety of treatments. However, behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and support groups are certainly three of the most important. For more information, visit sites like http://www.olalla.org.
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