Drug addiction treatment is a process of medical or psychological treatment specifically for addiction to psychoactive substances like alcohol, marijuana, prescription medicines, and illegal street drugs such as crack cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. This kind of addiction is often associated with other mental disorders including depression, anxiety and psychosis. The treatment that a patient receives should include therapies, medication, or both, in order to overcome their addiction and become productive members of society again. In fact, it is considered one of the most effective ways to treat addiction today, especially since the number of people who have developed drug addictions has increased by more than eighty percent during the last two decades.
The types of programs that are available vary, depending on the type of drug addiction treatment programs that are being sought. Some patients may be able to receive individual therapy that allows them to work through their problems individually and receive the support that they need to recover and be cured. On the other hand, there are group therapy programs that allow for an environment where patients can receive help from an experienced professional while still allowing the anonymity of one-on-one therapy. If the patient is already undergoing treatment, then there is a possibility that an in-clinic addiction treatment program may also be available in order to allow the patient to receive treatment in a doctor’s office setting without having to leave the comfort of home.
The type of treatment that is used for drug addiction is usually determined through a series of tests and examinations. The doctor will perform tests that show whether or not a person is a likely candidate for drug addiction, including the fact that he or she suffers from any of the psychological illnesses that can lead to addiction, and a medical history, which includes any physical disorders that could contribute to substance abuse. Once the doctor has determined whether or not the patient is an eligible candidate for treatment, the treatment plan will begin. Most addicts will undergo therapy before beginning treatment, so that they can learn the most about the nature of their disease and the things that need to be done in order to be fully recovered.