To be effective, addiction programs must provide treatment to patients on many levels. Addicts can benefit greatly from psychological, physical, and often even spiritual services. Employing one of these methods of treating addiction will not be nearly as effective as using all three. Individuals should seek out a comprehensive treatment programs that will offer the various types of support that they need.
Physical
Addiction treatment usually starts out with the physical aspect of detox. Ridding the addict’s body of the substances of drug addiction and alcoholism is necessary before real counseling can begin. Detox typically lasts a few days and can be extremely uncomfortable. The patient’s body has been used to living on these substances for a long time. After they stop using drugs and alcohol, the addict’s body must get rid of the toxins left behind and readjust to operating normally. Many rehab facilities will give patients medication to make this less painful. They then begin to rebuild the body back to health through a nutritious diet.
Psychological
Counseling can take many forms in addiction treatment, from behavioral therapy to psychotherapy to support groups. Getting some type of both individual and group counseling can be very beneficial. Learning new coping skills, replacing old behaviors, and understanding one’s past are all essential parts of addiction recovery. Not paying enough attention to mental and emotional issues is a common reason for relapses. The psychological aspect is especially important for patients with a dual diagnosis, or a mental illness along with addiction.
Spiritual
A recent study found that a great deal of individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction increase their spirituality. They didn’t necessarily join a church or organized religion, but they tried to find more meaning in life. Those who did increase their spirituality had a better chance of successful long-term recovery.