Forms Of Therapy

Once a person has recognised the fact that they need help with their drug addiction then there are several forms of therapy to choose from. The one that is right for each patient will depend on their individual circumstances. The particular substance that they are addicted to will also be a factor.

When discussing addiction issues with a doctor, the patient will be helped with coming up with a tailored treatment plan. Talking therapies will be one of the first options to try out. It allows the addict to discuss their thoughts and feelings in order to better understand their behaviour. There is a rise in the amount of doctors that prescribe cognitive behavioural therapy for dealing with the psychological dependence on drugs.

Substitute Drugs

However, if a person is chemically dependent on a hard substance then talking therapy will form just one part of the treatment plan. Those who are hooked on heroin and similar opioids will be offered substitute drugs such as methadone. They can then be slowly weaned off it by taking smaller and smaller doses.

It may seem controversial to give out drugs to addicts. However, this is often a much safer option than allowing them to go cold turkey. It also prevents them from buying street drugs. If a patient wants to be completely detoxed then they can completely stop taking opioids while under medical observation. The main issue with this is that withdrawal can sometimes be dangerous.

There is also the self help option. Organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous can be an invaluable resource for addicts. However, this is not ideal for everyone as some people may require a higher level of medical attention.