Treatment and recovery from drug addiction

Is it possible to successfully treat addiction?

Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of drug use disorders has led to the creation of research-based methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume a productive life, a process to which it's called recovery.

Can addiction be cured?

As with other chronic diseases, such as asthma or some heart disease, treatment of drug addiction usually does not constitute a cure. But it is possible to handle the addiction satisfactorily. The treatment allows people to counteract the detrimental effects of drugs on the brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.

Does the relapse in drug use mean that the treatment has failed?

No. The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people relapse- that is, re-using the drug after trying to quit-may be part of the process, although newer treatments are designed to help avoid it. The rates of relapse in drug use are similar to the rates of other chronic diseases. If a person stops following the treatment plan, they are likely to relapse.

What are the principles of effective treatment?

Research shows that in the treatment of opioid addiction (either prescription painkillers or drugs such as heroin or fentanyl) medication should be the first line of treatment. Usually, medication is combined with some form of behavioral therapy or professional psychological support. There are also medications to treat addiction to alcohol and nicotine.

Likewise, medications are used to help a person detoxify from drugs, although detoxification is not the same as treatment and is not enough to help the person recover. Detoxification alone, without further treatment, usually leads to resuming drug use.

Currently, there are no drugs available to assist in the treatment of drug addiction such as stimulants or cannabis, so the treatment for this type of addiction consists of behavioral therapies. The treatment must be personalized and contemplate the consumption patterns of each patient and their medical, mental and social problems related to the drug.

How do drug addiction treat behavioral therapies?

Behavioral therapies help people who are under treatment for drug addiction to modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to cope with stressful situations and various triggers that could cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also increase the effectiveness of medications and help the patient continue with the treatment for longer.

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help patients recognize, avoid and cope with situations that are more likely to use drugs.

The control of contingencies uses positive reaffirmation, such as granting rewards or privileges for not using drugs, attending psychological support sessions and actively participating in them or taking treatment medications according to the indications.

Motivational stimulation therapy uses strategies to make the most of a person's disposition to modify their behavior and initiate treatment.

How do good treatment programs help patients recover from addiction?

To stop using drugs is only one part of a recovery process that is complex and long. When a person initiates treatment, addiction has often created serious consequences in his life and has probably destabilized his health and the way he develops in his family environment, his work and the community.

Since addiction can affect so many aspects of a person's life, treatment must encompass the needs of the individual as a whole in order to succeed. To assist in recovery, counselors can choose from a variety of services that meet the specific medical, mental, social, occupational, family and legal needs of each patient. Here is Los Angeles rehab to recover from any kind of addiction.