The statistics showing the rapid increase in the number of drug addicts around the world are terrifying. Behind these dry numbers are the broken destinies of people who take drugs, the pain, tears and despair of their relatives and friends. Every year, overdoses and diseases, one way or another related to drugs, cause the death of millions of people on the planet. Moreover, in most cases, death takes away young people whose lives were cut short in the prime of life.
Experts say that drug addiction is incurable. Indeed, this form of addiction is recurrent in nature. But, high-quality treatment makes it possible to rid a person of a harmful passion and return him to a normal life. This is a complex process consisting of several stages, each of which is important to obtain the expected result.
Narcologists face a difficult task. They need to bring the patient out of the drug dope, relieve the craving for drug use and make it possible for the former drug addict to return to normal life. Achieving the goal is possible only with high-quality implementation of each stage of treatment using effective techniques.
The first stage of drug addiction treatment
At the first stage, it is necessary to create conditions in which the patient will no longer be able to use drugs. Therefore, hospitalization in a drug treatment clinic is necessary. Abruptly stopping drug use causes withdrawal symptoms and is a stressful situation for the body. But experts believe this approach is the most effective. There are several reasons why this technique cannot be used:
- Elderly age.
- Long-term drug use.
- General weakness of the body.
For such patients, a gradual reduction in the dose of narcotic substances is provided.
Initially, detoxification is carried out, during which narcotic substances are removed from the body. The use of painkillers makes the withdrawal process easier.
Isolation from the outside world at the first stage is completely justified. Two to three weeks after abruptly stopping drug use, the patient develops a strong craving for a new dose. The exacerbation lasts several days. During this period, the patient requires support provided by a psychiatrist. It helps drug addicts to believe in themselves and in the positive outcome of treatment.
The first stage lasts 3-4 weeks. During this time, the body is cleansed of toxic substances, and functions impaired as a result of drug use are restored. Tranquilizers are also prescribed to patients, making it possible to relieve them of anxiety and bring them into a calm state. Small dosages of such drugs eliminate the formation of a feeling of addiction. Physiotherapeutic procedures, auto-training, and hypnotic effects also help in restoring mental health.
Second stage of drug addiction treatment
Drug use gradually destroys the body. There are malfunctions in the functioning of organs and systems, and toxins accumulate. Therefore, in the second stage, effective treatment with medications is used. This makes it possible to restore all existing disorders and improve health.
Psychotherapy plays an important role at this stage. During consultations, specialists identify the cause that caused the addiction and determine the individual abilities of the patient. This makes it possible to strengthen his confidence in the need to give up drugs and in a positive final result. The psychotherapist, together with the former drug addict, develops plans for the future, discusses the prospects that he will have, and the advantages of living without drugs.
At the second stage, group training is also conducted. During such conversations, patients talk freely about their problems and desires. This makes it possible to feel the support of fellow sufferers and to strengthen one’s desire to renounce a destructive passion.
The third stage of drug addiction treatment
At the third stage of treatment, hospitalization is not required, and no medications are used. However, it is he who is considered the most difficult and important. The degree of risk of relapse and relapse depends on how high-quality the rehabilitation of a former drug addict is.
During this period, an important role belongs to the patient’s family and close people. He needs reliable support, faith in his strength, and the desire to start a new life. Under no circumstances should you reproach a former drug addict or express doubts about his recovery. On the contrary, he should feel as soon as possible that he, like everyone else, is a worthy member of society.
Clinic specialists must maintain contact with the patient during this period. Consultations with a psychotherapist during rehabilitation allow you to avoid a breakdown and make it easier and more painless to adapt to new conditions. The specialist also works with the patient’s family, helps them find the right approach, explains how they need to behave in order for the former drug addict to feel confident.
Rehabilitation of former drug addicts
Modern Recovery Arizona, offering Phoenix IOP for teens, is a specialized center that provides high-quality rehabilitation for former drug addicts. In them, patients have the opportunity to communicate with people who are also going through a difficult path of recovery. In the centers, former drug addicts work and have the opportunity to engage in creativity. Typically, such institutions cooperate with drug treatment clinics.
