To treat drug addiction, you need to know how severe your addiction is and what treatment options are available for you. Drug addiction treatments are tailored to treat the individual needs of a drug user, as addiction is often a complex condition.1
Although friends and family play a big part in helping you through the treatment, it’s essential to choose a professional drug addiction treatment program for lasting results. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, understanding how drug addiction is treated and reaching out for professional help can be the first step toward recovery.
Nurture Nexus Recovery offers evidence-based drug addiction treatment programs to help you get started on the road to recovery. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or schedule an appointment!
5 Steps to Take if You Want to Recover From Drug Addiction
Recovering from drug addiction is a complex process with its ups and downs. The path to recovery is hardly linear, and many people tend to relapse before they reach the final step.2 What’s important is that you try to remain in recovery even if you have relapses.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Intake
The first step to getting treatment is booking an initial consultation with the treatment center of your choice. At the center, they will ask about your addiction history, what you’re expecting, verify your insurance, and walk you through their program policies. After this initial consultation, they may begin the intake process.
Step 2: Medical Check-Up & Detox
Almost every treatment center will take a detailed medical check-up to understand how at-risk you are and the degree of addiction you have.3 Once the medical team has assessed your addiction needs, they may request a detox or facilitate one. Not all treatment centers provide residential detox, but it is a prerequisite to participate in most programs.
Step 3: Choosing a Treatment Plan
Once you’re ready to be admitted into a treatment program, the treatment provider will help you choose a treatment plan based on your addiction needs. Most treatment plans are a combination of medication management and psychotherapies. These are provided in different contexts, including outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
Step 4: Additional Treatment Resources
Treatment options vary based on the needs of the patient and how their addiction impacts their life. Some people benefit from traditional treatment modalities such as intensive outpatient programs, while others benefit from non-traditional approaches to treatment, like music therapy, animal therapy, yoga, etc. Community-oriented support groups like 12-step programs, SMART groups are also helpful.
These additional treatment resources help you get back on track with daily life and understand that other people struggle with addiction as well. This method of treatment is particularly effective for people who feel helpless in addiction and need inspiration to recover.4
Step 5: Post-Treatment Care
Most treatment programs last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days, and some can go on for longer based on the structure of the program and the unique needs of the individual. Once the initial phase of treatment is over, it is recommended that most patients continue to engage in recovery-promoting activities or post-treatment care.
This may include bi-monthly meetings with counsellors, attendance at community support groups, and ad hoc sessions to cope with triggers and relapse.5
What Makes a Drug Addiction Treatment Effective?
Many people try to quit on their own and successfully do so. However, drug addiction can be notoriously difficult to overcome without support. Substance abuse treatment provides a safe, structured environment to detox, manage withdrawal, and change behaviors associated with substance use. A professional treatment center understands the science behind addiction and its treatment and can provide you with the support you need.6
But what makes a drug addiction treatment effective?
- When a treatment program caters to all the issues surrounding drug addiction (mental health, physical health, social needs), along with the addiction itself.
- The use of evidence-based and holistic treatment methods provides a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Representation and equal opportunity for drug addiction treatment without bias on the basis of gender, age, sexual orientation, etc.
- Flexible treatment options that take into account the unique needs of the patient.
- Inclusion of social integration for recovered patients so they can go back to their normal life without getting caught up in addiction or drug-related activities.
Know Your Drug Addiction Type for Personalized Treatment
According to the WHO, there are many types of drug addictions. The most common addictions include:
Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction includes addiction to codeine, heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc. It often requires the use of specialized medication-assisted treatments like methadone or buprenorphine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in addition to psychotherapy.7
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction treatment often includes detox with medications to prevent potentially fatal complications, along with counseling geared towards behavioral change.8
Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant addiction, including substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants, can have severe physical and psychological consequences. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, to help individuals manage cravings and develop coping strategies. Medications may not be as effective for stimulant addiction as they are for other substance use disorders, but research is ongoing to find effective pharmacological treatments. Support groups and peer support can also play a crucial role in recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan, tailored to the individual’s needs, is often the most effective approach to overcoming stimulant addiction.
Why You Need to Make Lifestyle Changes if You Want to Stay in Recovery
Staying in recovery requires lifestyle changes that help you avoid triggers and any situation that can lead to relapse. Since drug addiction is a behavioral issue as well, changing the way you live helps promote healthy habits that keep you away from substances.
Some changes that you need to make include:
- Identify and Manage Triggers
Understanding the people, places, and situations that increase the risk of relapse allows you to develop practical plans for avoidance or coping with the triggers.
- Cultivate a Supportive Social Network
Surrounding yourself with individuals who encourage your recovery and personal growth fosters a sense of belonging and accountability that facilitates your recovery. .
- Adopt Healthy Daily Routines
Incorporating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep patterns strengthens physical and mental well-being.
- Develop Effective Stress Management Techniques
Learning mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in enjoyable hobbies equips you with healthy ways to handle stress without turning to substances.
- Find Purposeful Ways To Pass Time
Setting meaningful and achievable goals at work, home, and in your social life helps build self-esteem and leads to feelings of fulfilment.
- Connect With Groups for Support and Accountability
Continuing participation in therapy or support groups offers guidance, encouragement, and tools to navigate challenges.
- Prepare for and Respond to Challenges
Accepting that setbacks can occur and having a proactive plan to address cravings or difficult situations reduces the risk of prolonged relapse.
Do Drug Addiction Treatments Have Permanent Results? Understanding Relapse and What to Do After
Drug addiction treatments can result in lasting effects but a lot of people need to undergo treatment several times before they experience lasting recovery. Often, due to personal factors, peer pressure, environmental exposure, and a plethora of other reasons, patients tend to relapse. Studies show that effective treatment that consists of both medication and behavioral counselling reduces the chances of relapse in the long run.10
If relapse occurs:
- Reach out for help immediately to reassess and adjust your treatment plan
- Learn from the experience and identify what triggered the relapse
- Renew commitment to sobriety with new coping strategies
- Lean on support groups and counselling
Remember, recovery is a journey. Persistence and professional support can get you back on track.
Drug Addiction Treatment Programs in Texas That Can Turn Your Life Around
Living with drug addiction isn’t easy, and you may face many obstacles when trying to get the help you need. It’s important to find a treatment program that caters to your individual needs and provides drug addiction treatment that helps you stay sober.
At Nurture Nexus Recovery, we provide evidence-based addiction treatments to help patients with substance abuse addiction, alcohol use disorder, co-occurring disorders, and more. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to schedule an appointment today!
FAQs — How to Treat Drug Addiction
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Drug Addiction?
The most effective treatment for addiction typically involves a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual’s needs, incorporating evidence-based treatments.
How Is Methadone Used to Treat Drug Addiction?
Methadone is a man-made opioid that helps reduce feelings of craving and can help patients get through withdrawal. It may also help treat chronic pain in patients who have co-occurring chronic pain issues, thus further reducing risk of relapse due to poor pain control.
What Happens if Someone in Recovery Relapses?
Relapse is a common occurrence in patients who are undergoing treatment or completed their treatment a while back. If someone you know has relapsed while in recovery, encourage them to talk about it with their treatment provider and motivate them to continue with treatment.
Do You Have to Start Treatment All Over Again if You Relapse?
Many treatment programs factor in relapse as part of the treatment process and don’t necessarily restart treatment depending on the severity of the relapse and the timing of discovery. They continue to treat people in recovery and help them overcome addiction.
How Much Does Drug Addiction Treatment Cost?
The cost of addiction treatment in Texas can greatly vary based on whether your treatment center is a public or private organization. In general, state-funded or public treatment centers are easier to afford. However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed private treatment coverage by many insurance providers to make treatment more affordable.
