Finding Effective Treatment For Drug Addiction
Finding effective treatment for drug addiction is often elusive for addicts and their family members. Some individuals attempt to find the right treatment for years, moving from one program to another while frequently relapsing. What began as a choice to first take an illicit drug or use a prescription drug for non-medical purposes becomes an uncontrollable craving for the individual and treatment may only be sought after the person experiences consequences stemming from the drug abuse and subsequent behavior related to that abuse.
Addicts attempting to manage their drug use alone face innumerable challenges to overcome the compulsion. Abuse of certain drugs can cause the untreated addict to suffer permanent physical damage to the brain and other organs and even death. But awareness of these consequences may not be enough to alter the compulsive behavior due to the impact of addiction on brain function, especially in areas involving learning and memory, the pleasure center, and inhibitory control over behavior.
The complex nature of drug addiction and the multiple variables involved in each individual disallow one treatment approach as a means to recovery for all drug addicts. Instead, effective treatment programs carefully consider individual traits and needs of each drug addict. Following the evaluation of the type of drug addiction and level of severity, a treatment plan aims to help an individual stop drug use, remain drug-free following treatment, function at a high level in both personal and professional settings.