Thursday, August 23, 2012

Definition Of Drug Treatment Program

With the 2008 National Survey on Drug use and Health showing an estimated nearly 20.1 million illicit drug users in the United States, more people are requiring the services of drug treatment programs. Drug treatment programs provide the support and skills needed to quit using alcohol and drugs for good.


Professional Intervention


One of the most important aspects of drug treatment program is its staff of professional caregivers. Most staff that work for drug treatment programs are either certified drug and alcohol counselors, or have a professional medical or psychological certification (such as nurses and psychiatrists).


Detox


Another defining aspect of a drug treatment program is the resources and facilities for detoxification or detox. The effectiveness of drug treatment programs is dependent upon the removal (complete metabolism) of drugs out of users systems. Often times this requires close supervision, and in serious cases medical intervention and monitoring.


Individual Therapy


Another defining aspect of drug treatment is individualized therapy. Many drug programs offer treatment plans based on individual requirements to help identify and change behaviors and habits that keep the addict returning to substance abuse.


Group Therapy


Some drug treatment facilities offer group therapy sessions. Group therapy allows individuals to work with other drug addicts for support, skills training, and role play to help overcome some of the different aspects of their addiction.


Additional Options








Drug treatment programs also provide other treatment options that may not be available outside of a treatment center. These options include maintenance (such as the use of methadone for opiate addictions), and the availability of prescription medications to help curb cravings (such as Buprenorphine for opiate addiction, or Gabitrol for cocaine addiction).

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