Drug abuse and addiction exact a high toll on modern society, with problematic drug users known to suffer from a range of physical and psychological issues. In order to break the bonds of addiction, people struggling with substance abuse often need to engage with professional treatment programs and substance abuse treatment. Drug treatment facilities tackle addiction on a number of levels, with detox enabling the cessation of drug use, rehab helping to address the precedents of addiction, and aftercare supporting the recovery process.

Reason’s Why Substance Abuse Treatment Totally Works

Let’s take a look at five reasons why substance abuse treatment works so well.

1. Detox helps people stop drug use

Detox marks the start of the treatment process for many people, with residential programs often used to enable drug and alcohol cessation. Drug treatment centers often include detox facilities, including dedicated detox clinics that offer medication and around-the-clock medical support. Medical detox is especially important for substances that produce a physical withdrawal syndrome, including alcohol, heroin, prescription opiates, and sedatives. Detox typically includes an initial drug treatment evaluation, followed by medication to help stabilize the patient and a consultation phase where they are directed towards further treatment.

2. Behavioral therapy treats the root causes of substance addiction

While detox is an important aspect of drug treatment programs, it does not address the deeper issues that underpin addiction. In order to tackle substance abuse in a comprehensive fashion, extensive psychotherapy measures are also needed. Behavioral therapy forms the basis of most rehab programs, with common drug treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and various motivational programs. A drug treatment specialist can apply the right treatment for each case, with the substance and extent of dependence greatly influencing treatment methods.

3. Aftercare promotes long-term recovery

If detox enables drug discontinuation and rehab addresses the emotional and social issues surrounding addiction, then aftercare provides patients with the skills they need for long-term recovery. Aftercare programs take place after the completion of residential or out-patient rehab, with commercial drug treatment centers and nonprofit organizations both offering aftercare support. Drug treatment options should always include aftercare support to give people the best chance of a full recovery.

4. Treatment programs provide support and encouragement

Drug addiction can be a complex and lonely condition. Community support and guidance play an important role in rehabilitation, with people much less likely to relapse when they have access to help from trained professionals and others in a similar situation. Support can come from many places, from professional counselors through to peer support groups and 12-step facilitation. A number of drug treatment methods also depend on practical support, including access to education, training programs, and community housing.

5. Drug treatment reduces the chance of relapse

Drug abuse and addiction are both learned behaviors based on brain changes that take place over time. In order to prevent relapse, patients need to learn how to make new physical and psychological connections. Relapse prevention programs are an important part of both rehab and aftercare, with recovering addicts learning how to avoid triggers and cope with challenging life events as they arise. Drug treatment centers can help with every aspect of relapse prevention, with motivational and behavioral techniques initiated to help people turn their lives around.