Drug Treatment - Overview

There are many misconceptions about drug addiction and about drug treatment as well. Drug addiction begins with occasional drug use but before too many times of using the substance, it is no longer a choice of using or not using. The person inevitably becomes a compulsive user and at that point the brain actually becomes changed to the point where drug use becomes compulsive and at times uncontrollable.

Every drug which is part of substance abuse creates a change in the basic function of the brain. No matter which particular drug is the drug of choice for the addict, the way in which the brain is affected is similar. Brain changes include actual differences in the cells which make up the brain tissue, mood swings or variations, changes in the way memory is retained and in such basic motor skills as speaking and walking. The changes in the brain cells are what has the impact on the abuser's behavior. The drug is the motivator for the addict's existence. The addict will do almost anything to get the drug because the brain itself and the way it functions has been changed in ways that are critical.

Drug treatment is rarely something which the addict chooses for themself. The two major reasons for treatment are that it was court ordered, or that family and friends strongly urged treatment. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean that treatment won't be effective. Studies have demonstrated that those who have significant pressure to face their addiction do better in drug treatment programs, no matter what the reason for commencing the treatment.

Drug treatment is rarely a one-shot deal. Often those who are addicted will require treatment over a longer term and often will require more than one treatment in order to maintain long-term abstinence. Likewise, there is no single drug treatment program which will work on all types of drug abuse problems or all types of addicts. Two addicts using the same drug may not respond the same way to similar drug treatment programs,
Once a person becomes addicted, it is very difficult to maintain long term abstinence from the drug of choice. This is because the brain function itself is changed, resulting in an almost insatiable drive to obtain and use the drug. Since children become addicted faster than adults, it's even more important to intervene early to prevent harm from the use of illicit drugs. It is almost never possible for the addict to successfully quit by using will power.

Drug treatment can and does help reduce drug usage by up to 60%. It also has a major impact on lowering criminal activity during and following drug treatment. Other benefits for drug treatment is reduced likelihood of contracting HIV and improved prospects for obtaining and holding a job.

Many factors play a part in causing a person to seek drug treatment. The addict may have received pressure from employers, family members and friends. He or she may come to recognize personally that there is a problem. Schools are playing an increasing role in getting more adolescents into treatment earlier in the course of the addiction.
Drug treatment doesn't need to be by choice of the addict in order to be successful. In fact people sent into treatment by edict of the legal system may actually be more likely to refrain from drugs long-term, because they are usually in treatment for a longer period of time.

While there are similar components in most drug treatment programs, one method doesn't necessarily work for all addicts. Those programs which are most successful prepare a unique treatment schedule following a complete assessment of the patient's problems and personality. The treatment plan can incline several methods which are adjusted to meet the person's particular needs. Treatment plans can include medications, behavioral treatment including psychotherapy, cognitive therapy or counseling, or both. Treatment components can include referrals to social services, other medical specialties or psychological treatment. Treatment for adolescents tends to be very different than that for adults, with more emphasis on family involvement and adult intervention, especially during recovery. Teens tend to be more susceptible to peer influences, so that must be taken into consideration as well.

Just because one treatment program is not effective doesn't mean that the person can't find help to treat their addiction. Continuing in recovery may mean trying several doctors or treatment centers.

Drug treatment programs typically require at least three months of treatment for both outpatient and residential drug free programs. At least 21 days are needed to short term programs aimed at inpatients. It is essential that these programs must be followed up by support and supervision. The length of time spent in a program is directly correlated with the success of long term abstinence. A patient who remains in treatment for at least one year have a success rate at twice the level. With adolescents, the success rate is one and a half times higher. It must be realized, though, that completion of a recovery program is not the end of the process, but merely the beginning component of what is usually a life long struggle against the addictive habits.

It is important to realize that people to continue to abuse substances or who return to the use of drugs following their treatment regimens are not hopeless. Addiction recovery is a long term issue and occasional relapse doesn't mean the failure of the individual. Sometimes psychological stresses from family or work problems continue or recur, socially triggered cues such as meeting individuals with whom one shared drug habits or experiences, or even places, objects or smells from the environment which were associated with drug use can cause a relapse. For addicts, the most vulnerable time to return to drug use is during the period immediately after the release from the treatment program. Adolescents and children are at highest risk during this time as well, when they must return to the same type of situations and environment which initially let them to use and abuse drugs. Recovery is not a quick fix and often needs several attempts at treatment before it can be said to have resulted in consistent sobriety.