Opiates are among the most addictive substances of abuse known. This has been shown by the difficulty experienced by addicts in breaking away from the use of these substances even in the presence of a strong will and adequate medical and social support. This notwithstanding, many persons have managed to remain drug free for years by following the right processes. If they wish to undergo opiate addiction treatment Georgia residents need to know a number of things.
The available interventions are divided into two main types: medical therapy and behavioral therapy. In most cases pharmaceutical agents are used alongside behavioral therapy interventions so as to increase the chances of success as much as possible. Experts generally recommended the use of drugs for the intensive phase of therapy and introduction of behavioral modification strategies as a long term measure. There are three main distinct stages that are used.
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.
Addiction to opiates is associated with a state of dependence. This simply means that affected persons find it extremely difficult to take part in any activity if they have not used the substances in question. These challenges can also be seen during therapy. This is why many of them will be put on drugs that produce the same effects as the opiates during the recovery period. Such will include, for example, buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone.
Therapy proper follows the chemical withdrawal stage. The main activity here is counseling. The patient will be enrolled for regular counseling sessions that are done both at individual level and at group level. At individual level, the therapist will seek to establish the cause of the problem and together with the addict come up with strategies that help in reducing the desire for the substances. Group therapy mainly helps in instilling coping skills.
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 final step in the therapy is commonly known as maintenance treatment. It takes a long term approach and is initiated when one leaves the hospital to join relatives. Regular clinic visits have to be made to see the therapist who will assess the progress that is being made. Changes in drug dosages or frequency of therapy sessions may be recommended.
Although drugs may be given from time to time, behavioral therapy is the mainstay of treatment at the maintenance stage. The main role of this stage is to prevent relapse among recovering addicts. It is important for the patient to benefit from all the social support that they can get at this point and not rely on the services of the healthcare provider only.
The available interventions are divided into two main types: medical therapy and behavioral therapy. In most cases pharmaceutical agents are used alongside behavioral therapy interventions so as to increase the chances of success as much as possible. Experts generally recommended the use of drugs for the intensive phase of therapy and introduction of behavioral modification strategies as a long term measure. There are three main distinct stages that are used.
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.
Addiction to opiates is associated with a state of dependence. This simply means that affected persons find it extremely difficult to take part in any activity if they have not used the substances in question. These challenges can also be seen during therapy. This is why many of them will be put on drugs that produce the same effects as the opiates during the recovery period. Such will include, for example, buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone.
Therapy proper follows the chemical withdrawal stage. The main activity here is counseling. The patient will be enrolled for regular counseling sessions that are done both at individual level and at group level. At individual level, the therapist will seek to establish the cause of the problem and together with the addict come up with strategies that help in reducing the desire for the substances. Group therapy mainly helps in instilling coping skills.
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 final step in the therapy is commonly known as maintenance treatment. It takes a long term approach and is initiated when one leaves the hospital to join relatives. Regular clinic visits have to be made to see the therapist who will assess the progress that is being made. Changes in drug dosages or frequency of therapy sessions may be recommended.
Although drugs may be given from time to time, behavioral therapy is the mainstay of treatment at the maintenance stage. The main role of this stage is to prevent relapse among recovering addicts. It is important for the patient to benefit from all the social support that they can get at this point and not rely on the services of the healthcare provider only.
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