Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

One of the most challenging issues that a person can face is addiction. Often stigmatized by society at large as a moral failing, addiction is in fact both a physical and mental health challenge and should be treated as an illness. The good news is that there are many services that can help people overcome addiction. Whether it’s through in-person or online addiction counseling, read on to learn more about the different ways that mental health professionals can support a person overcome their addiction. 

 

How Does Drug Addiction Work?

The chronic illness of drug addiction can be characterized by the compulsive drug-seeking behaviors associated with the disease. These compulsive drug-seeking behaviors can alter brain chemistry and have long-last impacts on both the mind and body. While the initial choice to consume a drug is not a compulsion, over time a person’s ability to choose becomes less and less a possibility as the addiction takes over. An addiction can impact brain chemistry, as well as the parts of the brain that dictate learning, memory, behavior, and impulse control. 

 

Drug Addiction Treatment Principles

Drug addiction can be treated, however, it’s important to know that for the most part, people can’t just choose to stop using drugs and suddenly be cured after a few days. Oftentimes, long-term treatment and care is needed for recovery. A few important principles to remember about addiction treatment is that there is no singular process that will be a cure for everyone. Addiction is a complex illness that requires individual treatment plans that will need to be reviewed and modified often. Medications can often be helpful in treating addiction, particularly if they are combined with cognitive therapies. 

 

 Effective Addiction Treatment

Luckily, there are many proven and effective methods for treating addictions. One aspect includes both in-person or online addiction counseling specifically in the area of cognitive and behavioral therapy. Medication is also commonly employed along with medical devices and tools to help treat withdrawal symptoms or to be used for goal setting like non-nicotine-based vaporizers or digital applications. Treatment will likely also employ assessment and treatment of any other co-existing mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression and will also involve long-term check-ins and follow-ups. 

 

Online Addiction Counseling & More

 If you’re looking for expert online addiction counseling, check out some of the amazing services we provide at ACT Teletherapy. Our experienced mental health professionals will work with you to determine an individualized treatment plan so that you gain the knowledge to overcome your addictions and navigate daily life without the constraint of drugs.  Get in touch with us today and let us find the right support for you!