Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse Misconceptions and Treatment Options
By Jonathan Huttner
People across the nation continue to question how people become addicted to drugs and get to the point where drug abuse becomes the primary focus of their lives. They see drug abuse as strictly a social problem and speak of the people suffering from it as mentally weak. One very common belief is that people under the grips of drug abuse should just be able to change their behavior and stop. Unfortunately they do not understand that drug abuse and addiction are brain diseases, which makes stopping drug use more than simply a matter of willpower. Through years of research, scientists now have a better understanding of how drugs interact with the brain. This research has dramatically shaped the way new drug abuse treatment programs manage the detox and rehabilitation process. The results have been very positive.
If you require help in locating a safe and effective drug abuse treatment center, call 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). All calls are confidential.
Another common misconception is that drug abuse and drug addiction are entirely different. While there is a difference between drug abuse and drug addiction, the difference is slight. The individual suffering from drug addiction has lost all control over their drug use, while the person dealing with drug abuse can still manage their drug use to some degree. However, a person who abuses drugs still experiences many negative consequences. The fact is that almost every person who abuses drugs eventually crosses the line into drug addiction. Once a person is addicted, it is extremely rare to turn back without professional help.
Drug Abuse Treatment - Holistic Approach is Best
As stated, there is drug abuse treatment that works and works extremely well. The most effective model of care is holistic drug abuse treatment. Holistic drug abuse treatment is focused on treating the "whole person" and the root causes of the drug use, not just the symptoms. Some of the holistic services provided in most drug abuse treatment programs include, but are not limited to; nutritional counseling, meditation, yoga, tai chi, breath work and acupuncture. This type of treatment aims to help the individual establish balance and moderation in their lives, and change the "black or white" view they have had most of their lives.
Other Things to Look for
In addition to holistic services, any drug abuse treatment program must still address the root causes of the drug abuse. The program should include individual, group, family and experiential therapy where the person can deal with family issues, self esteem and pain from the past. In addition, a relapse prevention component should be an essential part of any drug abuse treatment protocol.
No matter what type of drug abuse treatment programs you are considering, every primary care provider needs to be licensed and or credentialed in their particular discipline. The other aspect to review is the experience of the treatment providers. Just because someone has a degree in a particular type of care does not mean they can provide quality treatment. That comes through experience and experience through working in quality drug abuse treatment settings.
Call Now for Drug Abuse Treatment
99 Detox has become one of the nation's leading referral sources in the area of drug abuse and addiction treatment. If you, or someone you love, is in need of treatment for drug abuse or addiction, please call our confidential, toll-free helpline at 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). Professionals are available 24/7 to take your call and help you on your road to recovery.
Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the past 25 years.
