Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that alters the brain's structure and function, resulting in changes that persist long after drug use has ceased.
This may explain why drug abusers are at risk for relapse even after long periods of abstinence and despite the potentially devastating consequences. Here are some standard approaches to combat addiction:
-Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual's particular problems and needs is critical to successful and productive future functioning.
-Treatment needs to be readily available. As with other chronic diseases, the earlier treatment is offered, the greater the likelihood of positive outcomes.
-To be effective, treatment must address the individual's drug abuse and any associated problems. It is also important that treatment is appropriate to the individual's age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.
-At least 3 months in treatment is needed to significantly reduce or stop drug use. Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment.
-Individual and group counselling are the most common forms of drug abuse treatment. Behavioural therapies may involve addressing a patient's motivation to change, providing incentives for abstinence, and facilitating better interpersonal relationships.
-Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders. Patients should be assessed for both. And when these problems arise concurrently, treatment should address both.
-Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse. Patients should be encouraged to continue drug treatment following detoxification.
-Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. Sanctions or enticements from family, employment settings and the law enforcement agencies system can significantly contribute in the ultimate success of drug treatment interventions.
News Source: The Daily Star