There is no doubt that opiates fall in the category of the most abused medical drugs. The level of addiction that results from their prolonged use is often quite difficult to break from. Relapses among addicts that have been treated are not uncommon. In spite of this, a strong will and a supportive social structure have helped many people regain control over their lives. There are a number of things on opiate addiction treatment Georgia patients need to know.
The available interventions are divided into two main types: medical therapy and behavioral therapy. In most cases pharmaceutical agents are used alongside behavioral therapy interventions so as to increase the chances of success as much as possible. Experts generally recommended the use of drugs for the intensive phase of therapy and introduction of behavioral modification strategies as a long term measure. There are three main distinct stages that are used.
The first step in the treatment process is called the detoxification or chemical withdrawal step. It is the stage at which the patient is required to cease the use of the drug. It is the most difficult part and is for this reason managed in an inpatient facility under the supervision of medical personnel. Withdrawal symptoms are common and may include shaking episodes, muscular pains, nausea and depression among others.
Addiction to opiates is associated with a state of dependence. This simply means that affected persons find it extremely difficult to take part in any activity if they have not used the substances in question. These challenges can also be seen during therapy. This is why many of them will be put on drugs that produce the same effects as the opiates during the recovery period. Such will include, for example, buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone.
Chemical withdrawal gives way to therapy proper, the second stage. Here, the addict is taken through various counseling sessions. These are usually done at individual level (individualized therapy) and at group level (group therapy). The objective is to identify the factors that contribute to the addiction and to formulate solutions for the same. The sharing of experiences that takes place during group therapy helps addicts to develop coping skills.
The use of residential homes in helping the addicts recover is a strategy that has readily been embraced. It has been shown that persons that are treated in such settings tend to exhibit better outcomes than those that are treated in the traditional restrictive environments. Perhaps the biggest contributing factor is the fact that there is an opportunity to take part in recreational activities and reduce dependence on the drugs.
The third and final step of therapy is the maintenance stage. This is the long term plan of management and starts as soon as one is released from the inpatient facility. It may last for months or years depending on the response that is exhibited by the recovering addict. The patient will be required to make regular clinic visits for assessment on their progressive. Treatment approaches may be changed or modified during such visits.
Behavioral therapy remains the main form of treatment during the maintenance stage. The aim of this stage is to cement the gains that have been made in the other stages and to discourage relapse. Social support is important here since the patient will be spending more time with their relatives than with their healthcare providers.
The available interventions are divided into two main types: medical therapy and behavioral therapy. In most cases pharmaceutical agents are used alongside behavioral therapy interventions so as to increase the chances of success as much as possible. Experts generally recommended the use of drugs for the intensive phase of therapy and introduction of behavioral modification strategies as a long term measure. There are three main distinct stages that are used.
The first step in the treatment process is called the detoxification or chemical withdrawal step. It is the stage at which the patient is required to cease the use of the drug. It is the most difficult part and is for this reason managed in an inpatient facility under the supervision of medical personnel. Withdrawal symptoms are common and may include shaking episodes, muscular pains, nausea and depression among others.
Addiction to opiates is associated with a state of dependence. This simply means that affected persons find it extremely difficult to take part in any activity if they have not used the substances in question. These challenges can also be seen during therapy. This is why many of them will be put on drugs that produce the same effects as the opiates during the recovery period. Such will include, for example, buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone.
Chemical withdrawal gives way to therapy proper, the second stage. Here, the addict is taken through various counseling sessions. These are usually done at individual level (individualized therapy) and at group level (group therapy). The objective is to identify the factors that contribute to the addiction and to formulate solutions for the same. The sharing of experiences that takes place during group therapy helps addicts to develop coping skills.
The use of residential homes in helping the addicts recover is a strategy that has readily been embraced. It has been shown that persons that are treated in such settings tend to exhibit better outcomes than those that are treated in the traditional restrictive environments. Perhaps the biggest contributing factor is the fact that there is an opportunity to take part in recreational activities and reduce dependence on the drugs.
The third and final step of therapy is the maintenance stage. This is the long term plan of management and starts as soon as one is released from the inpatient facility. It may last for months or years depending on the response that is exhibited by the recovering addict. The patient will be required to make regular clinic visits for assessment on their progressive. Treatment approaches may be changed or modified during such visits.
Behavioral therapy remains the main form of treatment during the maintenance stage. The aim of this stage is to cement the gains that have been made in the other stages and to discourage relapse. Social support is important here since the patient will be spending more time with their relatives than with their healthcare providers.
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