Drug addiction treatment is a complex process which involves the medical, psychological or social treatment of an individual suffering from drug addiction. In simple terms it refers to the rehabilitation of an addict, which involves the use of all available tools in the treatment process. In drug treatment, the main purpose is to rehabilitate a person who is addicted to addictive substances or behaviors. Generally an addict enters a drug rehab program under the guidance of a qualified professional and follows his or her treatment program with total dedication and sincerity. Drug addiction treatment is the process of therapy or medical or psychological treatment of an individual suffering from dependence on psychoactive substances including alcohol, street drugs like heroin or crack cocaine, and prescription medications such as morphine, codeine or hydrocodone. In addition to this, rehabilitation programs also include alcoholics being treated for their alcohol dependence, patients with psychiatric disorders or those suffering from serious mental illness. A complete rehabilitation program for addicts should not only include detoxification, counseling and education but also a long-term outpatient treatment.
Drug addiction treatment programs have evolved over the years to suit the changing needs and demands of patients. Today most people seek treatment to overcome addiction because of either physical, emotional or social factors. However, there are numerous treatment programs offered by different centers and hospitals. Some programs offer intensive rehabilitation, while others offer a more moderate approach. Some centers offer both inpatient and outpatient treatments, while others only offer the one or the other. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the addict’s addiction. In addition to that, treatment programs may also vary depending upon the type of addict.
Adolescents and young adults are the most affected groups of addicts. The majority of teenagers and college students use the drug on a regular basis and most of them become dependent on these substances during their teenage years. Some also become dependent on these substances after graduating from college. In most cases, alcoholics, opiate addicts, sex offenders, prison inmates and substance abusers are treated at a residential rehab center, while others are given outpatient or self-treatment programs at a community center or even in a family therapy group. Many individuals undergo a combination of both in order to treat them effectively. Although an addict cannot be cured overnight, there are several ways of treating an addict successfully and permanently.
