dimanche 31 janvier 2016

The Main Options In Addiction Therapy Toronto Residents Should Know

By Barbara Graham


There are different types of addictions that exist. These addictions may either be related to substances or behaviors. Prescription drugs, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco and alcohol are among those that are most addictive. The addict may have a strong will to change their behavior but this will may not be strong enough to overcome the desire for the substance. In this article, we will consider the options in addiction therapy Toronto residents can use.

Since the nature and magnitude of the problem tends to vary from one person to another, treatment is usually individualized. The available therapies are usually used in combination to increase the chances of success. Cognitive behavior therapy (or CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for most of the addictions. In the treatment, the addict participates in the process by helping identify the problem and formulate a treatment plan together with the therapist.

Some forms of prescription drugs addictions such as those in which opioids are involved are chronic and relapsing. Addicts frequently require maintenance therapy that is lifelong in some cases. Depending on the exact opioid, methadone or naloxone may be used for this. It is not uncommon for these drugs to be administered for decades. Experts recommend that counseling be offered alongside the drugs to improve the chances of success.

Several other drugs are available for use in the management of the other types of addictions. Nicotine preparations are usually given to persons who are addicted to tobacco. The preparations are available in various formulations such as patches, gum, nasal sprays and lozenges. Drugs such as bupropion may also be prescribed together with the preparations. Drugs administered for alcohol dependence include naltrexone, disulfuram and acamprosate.

Success rates are greatly determined by remaining on treatment for the entire duration of the program. Factors that influence this include individual motivation, social support structures, relationship between the therapist and the patient. The clinician should strive to have a treatment plan in which they cooperate with the patient. The patient should understand what is expected of them. Regular medical and psychiatric evaluations should be scheduled to asses for progress.

It should be understood that drug addiction affects close family members as well. For this reason, they should be incorporated into the treatment process through family and couples counseling. One of the benefits of this approach is that it empowers the family members to act as agents of change that can help change the life of the addict for the better. The family members also begin to heal from the emotional stress that they have suffered.

Treatment may be given to an individual or a group. Group therapy is generally preferred. Individual treatment is more helpful when the addict has other conditions such as bipolar mood disorder or depression. The main advantage of group therapy is the fact that peers can learn from each other and support by forming groups such as alcoholic anonymous.

Other categories of treatments include outpatient and residential therapies. In the former type, one visits the therapist from time to time but they generally retain their normal routine. In the latter type, they have to be housed in place away from home for a certain period of time. This helps them escape from their old environment and effectively expedites the recovery process.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire