Other than traditional psychotherapy for treating addiction, there are many new alternative forms of treatment that can be even more effective.
1. Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy: This is a kind of psychotherapy that is used most commonly to treat anxiety disorders and depression. This kind of therapy works by establishing the connection between thoughts and actions and then changing one to affect the other. Basically, doctors work with patients to either change the way they think which will then change the behavior or work is done to change the behavior which will then change the thought process. This can really strengthen a patients mind, so they are less likely to relapse after they leave treatment.
2. Medication: It may seem strange to give a drug addict medication to help cure them, but medication can help a lot, if it is administered correctly. Medication is mainly used early in treatment to help ease withdrawal symptoms. It can also help to correct the chemical changes abused substances can produce in the brain.
3. Animal- Assisted Therapy: This is a form of therapy that uses service animals to help provide addicts with an animal companion. The benefits of this therapy are presenting addicts with a non- judgmental companion and helping to give them something enjoyable to do. This form of treatment is also often used in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
4. Art- Based Therapy: This form of treatment give patients the opportunity to express themselves through art or music. This is often useful, because it allows a patient to create something that is personal and something that they can display and be proud of. Art forms can also often help individuals come to conclusions about themselves that they would not have otherwise discovered.
5. Hallucinogenic Substances: This treatment is different than a typical medication treatment, and is currently rather controversial. Obviously, you would not administer this treatment to a patient with an addiction to hallucinogenic substances, but for other addicts this can be very helpful. Hallucinogenic substances work similarly to art- based therapy, because they can help things become clear to a patient and therapist by allowing the patient to safely explore their subconscious. The chemicals in these substances also work on parts of the brain that affect a persons addiction. When administered correctly and by a doctor, these substances can actually help to eliminate cravings.
Many of these treatments are still experimental and rather controversial. They also are not usually used alone. By combing these treatments with traditional psychotherapy this can help doctors individualize treatment and lessen the risk of relapse after completing treatment.
I found your blog very interesting to read because I never realized there were so many alternatives to the traditional rehab treatments. As I was reading this I wondered if these treatments were used more if they would have a bigger effect on people stopping their drug use completely after getting out of rehab, rather than just picking up the drug again. It made me wonder that if my friend had any of these treatments, would he have still overdosed? Or would he be here today living life and having a chance at survival?
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