Millions of people suffer from addiction worldwide. This can be an incredibly frustrating fact of life, not only for them but for their loved ones as well. Substance abuse treatment is a combination of things designed to help the individual stop unhealthy habits and get back to living their best life. Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic problem, so a short, one-time treatment is rarely enough. Instead, a combination of treatments over an extended period is needed.
Behavioral Therapies for Substance Abuse Treatment
In order to stop using, a new way of thinking and approaching life must be learned. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help the person many important skills, including:
- Healthy coping mechanisms
- How to deal with cravings
- Communication skills for talking to their loved ones
- How to reach out for help when they need it
- How to avoid drugs/alcohol and prevent relapse
Behavioral therapies can occur one-on-one or in a group setting. On top of dealing with issues surrounding their drug or alcohol use, general life strategies can be addressed. This can include things like parenting, relationship, and job-finding skills.
Group therapies can be useful, but not in all circumstances. Certain groups have actually been shown more likely to use after a group session, which is why working closely with a counselor who understands the situation is so important. For many people, however, group therapy can offer social reinforcement. Types of therapies that were traditionally individual, such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management, are being adapted to be useful in a group setting.
Medications for Substance Abuse Treatment
When the individual is struggling with opioid addiction, medications can be useful. The same is true for those who are wanting to stop using nicotine products at the same time.
Drugs that have a stimulant effect, such as cocaine, do not have a medication yet to help with addiction. The same is true of addiction to prescription stimulants. In these cases, therapy alone has to be enough.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, substance abuse treatment at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta can help. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and we can begin working on a plan for recovery. Our friendly staff is here for you and look forward to the opportunity to help you through this difficult time of life.