Substance Use and Abuse Rehabilitation Therapies

Dependency on psychoactive substances is difficult to deal with and in most of the cases, the patient needs diverse therapies in their rehabilitation process. These therapies usually focus on the individual and their psychology rather than on the substance itself. While this issue is a complex and multifaceted one, it can be successfully treated. The main goal of drug rehabilitation therapies is to cease the addiction in the patient and allow them to once again function properly and fully. While the psychological aspect of the process is highly important in treating substance addiction, medication is oftentimes more important, and it can bring a sensitive aid to the process. Below are described some of the most effective rehabilitation therapies currently used to cure substance abuse.

#1. Behavioural Therapy

This kind of therapy is usually focused on identifying damaging and undesirable, while helping the patient continue and sustain a normal life. In many patient’s cases, substance abuse appears as a coping technique in case of trauma, severe pain or various mental health disorders. In these cases, the substance is used to numb unpleasant sensations and induce a well-being state. While in these patient’s case the unhealthy behaviour is very likely to continue, in spite of the obvious negative reactions, a behavioural therapist has the ability to properly approach the matter.

• Relaxation training. If substances are used to induce a relaxed state, the therapist will teach the patient new and effective relaxation techniques that decrease the chances of a relapse.
• Functional analysis. This approach is usually used in reverse and will offer the patient a better insight into the ways in which they reinforce drug and substance use and abuse.
• Exposure. After a number of sessions, the patient will be exposed to the stimuli, to their triggers and must learn how to resist.

While behavioural therapy is much more complex than this, the description above will offer you a clearer insight on what rehabilitation therapies of this kind usually involve.

#2. Medication Assisted Treatment Therapy

Medication Assisted Treatment Therapy puts an increased accent on the patient as an individual and their own particular rehabilitation needs. This type of therapy is usually paired with behavioural therapy and counselling, to achieve proper results. This is a more complex approach that counselling alone, as it follows the patient in each of their aspects and needs. Pharmacotherapy may be the exact therapy development that substance abuse patients were needing, as it opens new gates for new, more effective methods. This kind of therapy might work on itself, but it’s better paired with counselling and behavioural therapy, for a more effective approach.

These two great therapies might help substance abuse victims acknowledge their issues and learn to live a fulfilling life without using toxic substances. Psychotherapy is also incredibly effective, but also paired with a medication assisted treatment therapy. Substance abuse is deeply rooted in many individual’s brains and is also somewhat difficult to cure, but with the right therapy, it can be cured.