Treatment Options for Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Substance and alcohol abuse is seen in people with destructive and incorrigible addiction issues, and various treatment options are catered to each individual. Researchers termed these terms when they found out that such abuse could be linked to mental health issues and handled professionally. This disease could get compulsive, destructive, uncontrollable and harmful to the human body. Some people do not seek help and have these issues lasting lifelong.
Brain functions and behavior are affected due to the uncontrollable abuse of alcohol and substances. While some people manage to avoid and control the use, some find it really hard to get out of addiction. The consequences of alcohol and substance abuse are dire, and treatment options for underlying issues are the key to the problem.
12-step Program
This is a de-addiction program wherein the patterns of substance and alcohol abuse are learned, and a treatment option in the form of reverse psychology is provided to the patient. This program includes behavioral treatment, conceptualization, terminal illness management, lifestyle changes, network community formation, orientation, medication, psychological help, therapy, etc. This approach was published in the 1939 self-help book for alcoholics anonymous called “The Big Book.” The patients who have undergone this approach of de-addiction have said this gave them physical and mental peace.
Mutual Support Groups
Like the 12-step program, there are other anonymous groups that conduct support as a treatment option for those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. These groups comprise people with similar problems trying to solve them together with the help of one another.
Residential Treatment
This can be very helpful for patients who do not want their issues to be known in the public or by another external factor other than friends or family. These treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse are licensed and have personalized staff for help. The staff takes care of the patient through medication, therapies, family help, family counseling, etc. The first week would be the cleansing ritual, the second week is the detoxification, and the third to fourth week would be the time where the patient needs to be stabilized. Withdrawal symptoms come during this time and to help such patients there should be complete mental support. Some programs take up to 6 months also based on each individual the treatment is catered to. Short term residential treatment focuses on the detoxification plan. This includes intensive counseling and flushing out toxic substances with better food and nutritious elements.
Medications
For younger people at home trying to recover from alcohol and substance abuse, medications can help them from the craving. This will help them get back the normal health and able to identify underlying issues relating to the abuse. Opioids, stimulants, and mood stabilizers are the major ones. Among opioids medicines like Vicodin and Percocet help numb a patient’s nerve and help them alleviate the pain. Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, etc. help with mental functionality. They help regain your energy and make one more alert towards their daily routine. Mood stabilizers like lithium can help with the mood swings that come and go as part of withdrawal symptoms.
These treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse will help an individual conquer addiction and lead a healthy life.