Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: The implications of denial
Almost everybody today is aware of the problems that are associated with drug addiction. The worry is, even with the knowledge of addiction, the problem seems to be gaining ground day in day out. The time has now come for all of us to support the campaign that is wording towards addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment by all means. We spoke to one of the veteran experts in addiction doctor Dalal Akoury about this and this is what she had to say. In her line of duty doctor Akoury acknowledges that the prevalence of drug addiction is worrying and very little is being done at least in relation to other diseases. Noting that there is a gap, Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This is one of the mile stones in addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment and the sooner you get the problem solved the better not just for you but to the whole family and even to the society. And now let us get into the discussion of finding out the remedies of some of the known challenges.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: Long-Term Residential Treatment
One of the ways of addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment is by taking the long-term residential treatment that provides care 24 hours a day. This is generally in non-hospital settings. The best-known residential treatment model is the therapeutic community (TC) with planned lengths of stay of between 6 and 12 months. The focus of this is on the “re-socialization” of the individual and uses the program’s entire community including other residents, staff, and the social context as active components of treatment.
In most cases addiction is viewed in the context of an individual’s social and psychological deficits, and with that treatment will focus on developing personal accountability and responsibility as well as socially productive lives. Under this concept, treatment is highly structured and can be confrontational at times, with activities designed to help residents examine damaging beliefs, self-concepts, and destructive patterns of behavior and adopt new, more harmonious and constructive ways to interact with others.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: Short-Term Residential Treatment
Short-term residential programs provide intensive but relatively brief treatment based on a modified 12-step approach. These programs were originally designed to treat alcohol problems however during the cocaine epidemic of the mid-1980s many began to treat other types of substance use disorders. The original residential treatment model consisted of a 3- to 6-week hospital-based inpatient treatment phase followed by extended outpatient therapy and participation in a self-help group, such as AA. Following stays in residential treatment programs, it is important for individuals to remain engaged in outpatient treatment programs or aftercare programs. These programs help to reduce the risk of relapse once a patient leaves the residential setting.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment varies in the types and intensity of services offered. The cost of treatment is minimal than residential or inpatient treatment and often tailored for busy people with jobs or extensive social supports. It should be noted, however, that low-intensity programs may offer little more than drug education. Other outpatient models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual patient’s characteristics and needs. In many outpatient programs, group counseling can be a major component. Some outpatient programs are also designed to treat patients with medical or other mental health problems in addition to their drug disorders.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: Individualized Drug Counseling
Individualized drug counseling not only focuses on reducing or stopping illicit drug or alcohol use; but it also addresses related areas of impaired functioning such as employment status, illegal activity, and family/social relations as well as the content and structure of the patient’s recovery program. Through its emphasis on short-term behavioral goals, individualized counseling helps the patient develop coping strategies and tools to abstain from drug use and maintain abstinence. The addiction counselor encourages 12-step participation (at least one or two times per week) and makes referrals for needed supplemental medical, psychiatric, employment, and other services.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: Group Counseling
Many therapeutic settings use group therapy to capitalize on the social reinforcement offered by peer discussion and to help promote drug-free lifestyles. Research has shown that when group therapy either is offered in conjunction with individualized drug counseling or is formatted to reflect the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management, positive outcomes are achieved.
Finally many at times drug abusers come into contact with the criminal justice system earlier than other health or social systems, presenting opportunities for intervention and treatment prior to, during, after, or in lieu of incarceration. Research findings have shown that combining criminal justice sanctions with drug treatment can be effective in decreasing drug abuse and related crime. Individuals under legal coercion tend to stay in treatment longer and do as well as or better than those not under legal pressure. Studies show that for incarcerated individuals with drug problems, starting drug abuse treatment in prison and continuing the same treatment upon release in other words, a seamless continuum of services results in better outcomes: less drug use and less criminal behavior. And remember that in all matters relating to drug addiction treatment, you will need an experienced professional in drug addiction to help you with all your concerns. You could want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery.
Addressing the challenges of drug addiction treatment: The implications of denial
