Drug And Alcohol Treatments

By: Peter Emerson
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:41:29
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Just like alcoholism, drug dependence is a disease and as such, it can be treated using rehabilitation programs. However, there are stark differences in the nature of the problems that are experienced by drug dependents. In some cases, physical effects are more pronounced as some drug dependents develop mental illness. In addition to this most drug addicts are also more prone to destructive behavior as compared to their alcoholic counterparts. This may be because the substances abused by drug addicts tend to have more adverse effects, as they are more “potent.” The wide varieties of drugs that are available also add to the complexity of drug addiction and its treatment.

Treatment

In the same way that alcoholism may require tailored treatment, treating drug addiction also employs tailor-fit rehabilitation programs, although there is a wider variety because programs are sometimes created for specific drug-users and specific substances. The usual process that drug addicts undergo in rehabilitation is also similar to what alcoholics undergo since programs also follow the three steps—intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation—that most rehabilitation centers use. During detoxification, patients also receive medications that not only help suppress withdrawal symptoms, but they also help block the effects of the substance to which the patient was addicted. During rehabilitation, patients also receive behavioral therapy, counseling, and family therapy.

The general principle in treating drug addiction is that the more the patient is treated, the higher the chances that the patient will be able to live a drug-free life after the program. Given this, drug dependents are encouraged to stay in the program longer and constant follow-ups through support groups are also encouraged.

Alcoholism and drug dependence are similar in a way because they both can be treated using the same rehabilitation programs and approaches. However, there are some differences on how these programs are administered because there are problems that are very specific to drug addiction. One of this includes programs that are created specifically for specific substances that are abused. Despite some differences, the goal of the treatment for both alcohol and drug dependence remains the same, which is to help people to successfully live cleaner lives and to successfully re-integrate themselves in society.

Article source: Expert Articles