9 Ways To Make Addiction Treatment More Effective

Substance use and addictive disorder, which is more commonly known as just “addiction,” is a complex physiological and psychological disease that consists of repeated use of a substance or engaging in harmful behavior despite experiencing negative consequences as a result. 

Like any other disease, addiction requires treatment. 

There are a variety of treatments available to address both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction. With all of the options available today, it can be confusing to decide when you are seeking drug rehab treatment. 

We have put together a list of elements that any drug rehab treatment should include. The following list includes factors that can make addiction treatment more effective.

The goal of this information is to help you make a more informed decision as you seek help, whether it be for yourself or a loved one.

Here are 9 factors that make addiction treatment more effective.

1. Address All Components of the Disease

Addiction has physical, mental, and spiritual components to it. Therefore, a treatment program should address all three parts components of a person to work and have lasting positive effects.  

Instead of just isolating one singular aspect of the disease, proper treatments will consider everything that may be affecting the condition. 

Medical detox, along with other treatments (e.g., nutrition, exercise, yoga/meditation, etc.), should address the physical side of the disease. Evidence-based psychological therapies and support groups can help address the mental and spiritual side of the disease.

2. Medical Detox First

A full medical detox should be the first kind of treatment to consider because you cannot be accurately assessed and treated for psychological issues until the addictive substances are out of your system. 

If done incorrectly, withdrawal from an addictive substance can be fatal (for example, alcohol, and benzodiazepines). As you get your body away from the substance, medical monitoring and treatment are needed right away to provide the safest detox possible. 

3. Create a Customized Treatment Plan

When it comes to addiction treatment plans, one size does not fit all. Therefore, you should have a customized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. 

If you have a history of trauma, for example, you will need to have a treatment plan that is different from someone who has a mental health disorder. Your age, gender, race, and cultural background can also affect how a health professional will approach your needs. 

4. Easy Access to Facilities

When looking for the best treatment options, take into consideration the availability and accessibility of the facility. If there is a long waiting list, or if the facility would impose difficulties for your daily life, it would be wise to continue your search. 

The timing of your treatment is essential. The sooner you can get help, the sooner you can get on the road to recovery. 

5. Commit to 90 Days or More

The best amount of time to be in treatment is 90 days or more because it allows time for your body to completely detox and for you to solely focus on psychological work. After 90 days or more, you will be less likely to relapse because you have been away from your addictive substance and behavior longer.

6. Evidence-Based Therapy and Family Therapy

The psychological treatment offered at the facility should consist of evidence-based therapies (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, etc.). Also, family therapy should be part of the program because your family is most likely codependent and has been dramatically affected by your addiction.

7. Get Diagnosed For Mental Health Disorders

Over half of people who struggle with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Therefore, you should be assessed for co-occurring mental health disorders and treated. 

8. Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication should be included in treatment to help with withdrawal, co-occurring disorders, and repeated relapses. These drugs may consist of naltrexone, suboxone, methadone, Vivitrol, anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety, or anti-psychotics. 

9. Get Tested

Active substance use puts you at risk for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other sexually transmitted and infectious diseases. You should be tested and treated for these upon entering treatment, and treatment should educate you on preventing these diseases.

Summary

It is possible to beat addictions, and we hope this article helps you seek treatment for yourself if it’s something you’re struggling with, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.