There is no doubt that opiates fall in the category of the most abused medical drugs. The level of addiction that results from their prolonged use is often quite difficult to break from. Relapses among addicts that have been treated are not uncommon. In spite of this, a strong will and a supportive social structure have helped many people regain control over their lives. There are a number of things on opiate addiction treatment Georgia patients need to know.
The treatment modalities of opiate addiction are in two major groups: pharmacological drugs and behavioral therapies. Both of these methods are effective and as a matter of fact they are often used alongside each other. Commonly, drugs are used first to manage the intensive phase of treatment and the behavioral interventions introduced later as a complementary intervention. The therapy itself is divided into three major phases.
The first step in the treatment process is called the detoxification or chemical withdrawal step. It is the stage at which the patient is required to cease the use of the drug. It is the most difficult part and is for this reason managed in an inpatient facility under the supervision of medical personnel. Withdrawal symptoms are common and may include shaking episodes, muscular pains, nausea and depression among others.
Most opiate addicts suffer from a state of dependence. This means that they find it very difficult to take part in regular activities unless they use these substances. The challenges even become more during withdrawal. A number of drugs are included in the treatment to enable them to cope with these challenges. They include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone among others.
The stage of chemical withdrawal is followed by therapy proper. This entails a number of counseling sessions. The aim here is to establish the factors that are contributing to the problem and the formulation of strategies that can reduce the need for the substances. Therapy is usually done at both individual and group level within the rehabilitation center. Individual therapy helps the addict to open up without fear since it is done privately.
Modern therapeutic strategies have adopted the use of residential homes in taking care of patients. The patient is allowed to enjoy the comfort of a home even as they embark on their recovery journey. Commonly, recreational activities are included in the program to keep patients occupied and to reduce dependence on substances of abuse. Such may include cycling, swimming, participating in drama, meditation and yoga among others.
The third step in the process is termed the maintenance step. As the name suggests, this step is designed for the long term and is initiated as soon as the patient leaves the therapy unit. Depending on the nature of the addiction, this step may last for months or even years. Regular visits to an outpatient rehabilitation center are needed to monitor the progress that being made by the patient.
Behavioral therapy remains the main form of treatment during the maintenance stage. The aim of this stage is to cement the gains that have been made in the other stages and to discourage relapse. Social support is important here since the patient will be spending more time with their relatives than with their healthcare providers.
The treatment modalities of opiate addiction are in two major groups: pharmacological drugs and behavioral therapies. Both of these methods are effective and as a matter of fact they are often used alongside each other. Commonly, drugs are used first to manage the intensive phase of treatment and the behavioral interventions introduced later as a complementary intervention. The therapy itself is divided into three major phases.
The first step in the treatment process is called the detoxification or chemical withdrawal step. It is the stage at which the patient is required to cease the use of the drug. It is the most difficult part and is for this reason managed in an inpatient facility under the supervision of medical personnel. Withdrawal symptoms are common and may include shaking episodes, muscular pains, nausea and depression among others.
Most opiate addicts suffer from a state of dependence. This means that they find it very difficult to take part in regular activities unless they use these substances. The challenges even become more during withdrawal. A number of drugs are included in the treatment to enable them to cope with these challenges. They include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone among others.
The stage of chemical withdrawal is followed by therapy proper. This entails a number of counseling sessions. The aim here is to establish the factors that are contributing to the problem and the formulation of strategies that can reduce the need for the substances. Therapy is usually done at both individual and group level within the rehabilitation center. Individual therapy helps the addict to open up without fear since it is done privately.
Modern therapeutic strategies have adopted the use of residential homes in taking care of patients. The patient is allowed to enjoy the comfort of a home even as they embark on their recovery journey. Commonly, recreational activities are included in the program to keep patients occupied and to reduce dependence on substances of abuse. Such may include cycling, swimming, participating in drama, meditation and yoga among others.
The third step in the process is termed the maintenance step. As the name suggests, this step is designed for the long term and is initiated as soon as the patient leaves the therapy unit. Depending on the nature of the addiction, this step may last for months or even years. Regular visits to an outpatient rehabilitation center are needed to monitor the progress that being made by the patient.
Behavioral therapy remains the main form of treatment during the maintenance stage. The aim of this stage is to cement the gains that have been made in the other stages and to discourage relapse. Social support is important here since the patient will be spending more time with their relatives than with their healthcare providers.
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