Break the Chains: Evidence-Based Treatments for Substance Abuse
Drug addiction and substance abuse are rampant in this day and age. In 2016, around 7.4 million Americans over the age of 12 suffered from illicit drug dependency.
Drug abuse regularly costs the economy billions. Substance abuse cost the United States economy $193 billion in 2007.
There are more treatment options than any other time in history, currently. How do you differentiate the snake oil salesmen from the genuine thing?
Evidence-based treatment.
We’re here to tell you about evidence-based treatment. We’ll look at how it can help you or your loved one combat the disease of addiction.
What You Need To Know Evidence-Based Treatment
Addiction is a nefarious, multifaceted disease. Psychological components are as much a part of the condition as the physical. This makes gathering quantitative evidence decidedly tricky. It also makes it unbelievably important.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse breaks down evidence-based treatment into two categories. Let’s take a look at both.
Pharmacotherapies
Pharmacotherapies are when substance abuse and drug addiction are treated with pharmacological substances. Opioid treatment is the most common example of this.
Some Common Types Of Pharmacotherapies include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies address the psychological components of addiction and recovery. The thoughts around addiction are often even harder to kick than the physical.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in alcohol addiction treatment. Motivational enhancement therapy is another common form of treatment. Contingency management interventions are another common form of treatment.
A combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapies is often the most effective treatment.
How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Works
Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses both the physical and mental components of addiction. It’s known to be effective in treating the ongoing aspects of recovery.
Talk therapy is the heart of cognitive-behavioral therapy. They’ll work with trained counselors and therapists during their sessions. This will help them assess their behaviors and underlying motivations for substance abuse. It also helps them to learn how to process the challenges that arise in sobriety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people identify their problems more clearly. It helps them become aware of subliminal thoughts that might be causing them harm. It helps them to realize incorrect assumptions lurking in their minds.
Sharing their thoughts with therapists will help them see what thoughts are real and which ones aren’t. It also helps to decrease the feelings of imminent disaster that are so common when living with addiction.
Recovering from addiction offers a whole new lease on life. It’s amazing to watch the lights return to the eyes while they discover a newfound passion for living.
Want More Tips On Healthy Living?
Healthy living improves your life in every conceivable way. You’ll feel better, physically, which will make you a more pleasant, patient person. Your thinking will become more positive and you’ll attract good things into your life.
Evidence-based treatment can change your life. Browse our other Health and Fitness articles today and start on the road to wellness!