Drug Counseling In Addiction Treatment

by Bridget on January 31, 2012

Beating an addiction to prescription pain medications can be quite challenging. Pain medications, or opioids, are highly addictive prescription drugs. For individuals with an opioid addiction, drug detox is the first step to rid the body of the substance. This is followed by drug counseling which is a vital component for any therapy plan.

Detox

There are many approaches to counseling that can be included in an individual therapy program. Once an individual has completed detox and the poison of the drug is gone from the body, they are ready to begin their treatment plan. Each persons plan is individualized to meet their specific needs. Often, there are several concerns that must be dealt with through treatment that are the result of their addiction.

Different Therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, is an approach used in treatment along with other types of therapies like family counseling. Psychotherapy is also used in some situations to deal with mental health conditions that can contribute to a drug addiction. Unless psychological and social concerns are dealt with they can strongly motivate an individual to use drugs again.

Addiction

Unfortunately, even when the body is rid of the opioid and the is no longer physically dependent, there is a very high risk of relapsing. Temptations like spending time with those who are still addicted, going to a particular area in town, and life stress, can lead a person to start using again. Therapy will help the person learn new skills for coping with the stressors of life.

Treatment

Treatment plans for individuals with drug addictions utilize several different therapies. There is no particular therapy that is seen as better or more successful than another. Additionally, there is no specific method that is right for every individual. Each person will have their own treatment plan developed with their specific addiction and needs in mind.

Support Programs

Usually group therapy is preferred to individual therapy sessions. People find support from peers through these group therapy sessions. In addition, they are challenged by their peers. Twelve step programs are very well known resources that are free to those who need it. In this kind of a therapy group the individual will feel comfortable learning from other people in the same situation.

Counseling

Private and individual therapy is more appropriate for people who have been dual diagnosed. A person may be dealing with a mental health disorder like depression or bipolar as well as addiction problem. It is important that therapy deals separately with the addiction to drugs and the mental health disorder.

Intensive Outpatient and residential treatment programs will involve drug counseling as a major part of their therapy plan. Although a residential facility may be preferred because it separates the individual from the atmosphere that may have let them to addiction, it can be expensive. Also, there is no evidence that shows that either inpatient or outpatient treatment gets better long term results. No matter what program a person goes through it is evident that the individual must continue with counseling and therapies to remain drug free.

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