The Most Effective & Best Treatment For Addiction
Every person is different and each person will have a different story behind their addiction. Therefore, treatment must be done on an individual level, spending time in assessing requirements and deciding on the right course of action for that person. There is no one best treatment for addiction although there are tried and tested routes, the subject of the addiction will also have a bearing on the best course of action. The best treatment for alcohol addiction may not be the best treatment for drug addiction and vice-versa. There will be a best treatment for you.
Wherever you are on your journey to recover, be it the first few steps or some way down the road, there will be a treatment that can help. The most important thing is that you are not alone, there are people who can and will guide you along the way and help you reach your goal of sobriety and stability.
So, to make things somewhat easier, here you will be looking at which are the best treatment for addiction in two categories:
DISCLAIMER: As you may already know, everyone is different. Therefore what might be best for someone else might not be the best for you. So please make sure you choose one that best suits your needs and circumstances.
Best Treatment For Alcohol Addiction
Are you wondering which are the most effective treatments for alcohol addiction? Below you will find five treatment methods for alcohol addiction:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a positive talking therapy used to combat many issues, one of which is addiction. Often the thoughts and behavior that lead to drug and alcohol abuse have been built up over a considerable amount of time. CBT looks to disrupt the circle of habits which have been normalized and helps people to focus on breaking the chain by implementing alternative, positive behavior. The self-awareness which CBT introduces arms people with an array of coping mechanisms which can be utilized in triggering situations and can enable positive outcomes with other concurrent issues such as mental or physical disorders.
2. Individual, Group & Family Therapy
Different people feel happier in different situations, some may find one to one therapy sessions far more beneficial, while others may prefer group therapy where there is interaction and discussion with one’s peers in a safe environment, and others still may prefer sessions with family and loved ones.
3. 12 -Step Facilitation
The 12-Step facilitation program is a tried and tested route to recovery, utilized as it is by recognised organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. It sets out an agenda of 12 ideals which can be used as the crux on which people can build their rehabilitation. Working alongside these principles is the importance of a peer support group.
4. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Although DBT is more commonly used in association with the treatment of severe personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, it can be used to help those with addiction issues to reduce cravings and assist in allowing people to avoid situations where they might relapse. Similar to CBT, it works to reinforce positive attributes and encourages mindfulness and ‘living in the moment’ whilst tackling emotional regulation and distress tolerances.
5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
It is often the case that alcohol abuse is a response to some sort of traumatic experience. EMDR is highly thought of in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma conditions, having been officially approved by the American Psychological Association for this treatment and so can have very positive results in this field. The therapy itself involves identifying past trauma and revisiting it in order to forge new mental connections and allowing mental scars to heal through the use of dual attention stimuli, visual and touch, often finger tapping, and/or auditory stimulus. These new connections enable a more normal emotional response to triggering situations and thus allow a better and more stable sensibility.
Most Common & Best Treatment For Drug Addiction
In search of the most common and best treatment for drug addiction? Here are the top five treatments most commonly used for treating drug addiction:
1. Contingency Management (CM)
CM is widely recognised as being successful in the treatment of substance abuse, the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines recommend its use. It’s basically positive reinforcement, giving material rewards for abstinence which in turn creates the habit of sobriety. The two major issues when tackling drug addiction are dropping out and relapse; however, CM has been shown to result in a reduction of these problems.
2. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI is beneficial in the battle against drug abuse as, although the therapy is instigated by the therapist, the process is moved forward by the person themselves which allows for a better sense of achievement and success. The mental hand-holding of MI offers an individual support but any progress is made by their own doing, thus allowing a sense of control. The path is set by each person with the assistance and reassurance from the therapist but not dictated or steered by them. MI helps to build a sense of self worth, an important element on the road to recovery.
3. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
REBT is a type of CBT which enables people to re-evaluate their irrational responses to life events and circumstances and allows them to reassess their reactions. The idea is that people learn how to promote their own rational thinking which had previously been overshadowed by far-fetched or extreme reactions which in turn leads to a more balanced and positive emotional strength.This process of actively seeking a balanced rational cements the idea that external situations are not what creates happiness, that this has to come from within.
4. Seeking Safety & Other Trauma Focused Therapies
Seeking safety was originally developed through a grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) by Lisa M. Najavits, Ph.D. and is based on the idea of creating a safe environment through therapy, building a coping mechanism and learning about the issues faced. The process enables people to build safety into their thinking, their emotions, their behavior and their relationships and opposes the loss of ideals through substance abuse with new, positive ideals; building a path to recovery.
5. Matrix Model
The Matrix Model draws on several key elements of therapeutic systems. Primarily it was developed for those who were suffering from stimulant addictions but it can be utilized for other issues. It combines a reward mechanism which reinforces good behavior with a program of education which enables people to feel good about themselves through higher self-esteem, better self-worth and a sense of dignity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes the Matrix Model as mostly focused on “relapse prevention, family and group therapies, drug education, and self-help participation”.
TAKING THE FIRST STER
To progress and continue with your alcohol or drug addiction recovery journey, a secondary care is highly recommended. At FLOW RECOVERY PHUKET, we have a program that will help structure your recovery and your approach for living. Most importantly educating you on what to eat, and how to develop yourself personally and professionally.
The first step is often the hardest, if that first step for you was reading this blog, then that makes us very happy. We hope you found it useful and that it’s given you some ideas and insight on where you might go or what you might do next. And just to remind you, you don’t need to fight this battle alone. If you need any help or someone to talk to and get consultation from please feel free to give us a call or send us a message on FACEBOOK or WHATSAPP. We are ready to help you with anything you need!.