There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction. In most cases, addiction treatments will be tailored to the specific needs of the individual and their particular addiction. As you can imagine, the treatment for a shopping addiction is very different from treatment for drug addiction. However, despite the type of addiction you may be experiencing, it’s important to be mindful of the level of care you may require.
For example, will you require treatment with medication? And if so, will your medication be covered by your drug plan or will you be paying for them out of pocket? There’s certainly a lot to consider when thinking about addiction treatment, but the most important consideration is your long term health and wellbeing. To support you as you start down the path of recovery, we have summarized some of the more popular forms addiction treatments below:
Detoxification
Medically-assisted detoxification (detox) affords your body the ability to rid itself of addictive substances in a safe, supervised environment. This approach is highly beneficial for those suffering from substance addiction, as the physical symptoms of withdrawal can be very unpleasant and in some cases life threatening. It’s important to note that detoxification does not address the underlying behavioral issues related to addiction, so detox is generally used in combination with other forms of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly valuable treatment option, as it can be used to address many different forms of addiction including, food addiction, alcohol addiction and prescription drug addiction. One of the main benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that it can help individuals recognize unhealthy behavioral patterns, while helping the individual identify their unique triggers and develop the appropriate coping skills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is frequently combined with other forms of therapy to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help individuals identify and recognize the negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of worthlessness and self-defeat. At a high level, the goal of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is to help individuals realize that the power of rational thinking lies within themselves and is in no way related to external situations or sources of stress. The phrase “mind over matter” often comes to mind with regards to REBT.
Online Therapy
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. As a result, the consumption of alcohol and drugs have increased at a time when individuals are unable to see their doctor or attend group therapy sessions in-person. Hence, the popularity of online therapy. Much like in-person therapy, the of online therapy goal is to provide the patient with the means to address their problems in a safe and supportive environment.
Contingency Management Therapy
Contingency Management (CM) therapy is used to treat a wide variety of addictions including alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Contingency management therapy aims to reinforce positive behavior (ie. sobriety) by providing the patient with meaningful, tangible rewards. This form of addiction treatment has been employed successfully to mitigate the risk of relapse, according to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
12-Step Facilitation Therapy
12-step facilitation therapy (otherwise known as 12-step programs) has proven to be a successful tool in the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse. A popular form of group therapy, 12-step facilitation therapy helps the patient understand that addiction can have several negative consequences, including social, emotional, spiritual and physical consequences. This form of therapy begins with acceptance, then progresses to surrender to a higher power, and eventually transitions to attendance and involvement with in-person group meetings. Programs like the popular Alcoholics Anonymous use group meetings for discussion and to create a safe, supportive environment that allows attendees to provide each other with mutual support.
Treatment with Medication
Combined with various behavioral therapies, medication can play an important role in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Medications can help reduce cravings, improve mood, and decrease addictive behaviors in those suffering from addiction to alcohol and drugs. For example, the FDA recently approved a drug called lofexidine to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients receiving treatment for opioid drug addiction. Another such example is Acamprosate, which can help reduce withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol dependence. Acamprosate, sold under the brand name Campral, is a medication used along with counselling to treat alcohol use disorder.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Please discuss your challenges with a loved one and seek the guidance of an experienced medical professional with a specialty in addiction treatment. As detailed above, there are a number of treatments available to help you overcome your addiction once and for all. Best of luck!