When an addict makes the decision to fight back against drugs, they must face a confusing and difficult question. By what means shall they attempt to beat their addiction?
Modern theories abound on the best and most efficient ways to handle issues of chronic substance abuse. But the truth is there are many valid paths that an addict can take to the sober life. Everyone has to figure out and choose what is right for them.
The most popular option by far remains residential drug treatment therapy. It has become so commonplace in contemporary culture that pop stars even sing songs about it on the radio. But there is obviously a reason as to why it is so widely known. Rehab is the most well developed and researched approach to conquering substance abuse. It is trusted by psychologists as the first line of defense for the hopelessly addicted.
Usually, when the first attempt at an inpatient treatment program does not work, the addict is encouraged to try again. But if round two is a failure as well, the next step for many is to begin exploring alternative techniques for beating addiction. There are a number of holistic approaches often employed to the benefit of treatment-resistant addicts. These include eastern methods like guided meditation and acupuncture, as well as modern practices such as hydrotherapy and sensory deprivation. Even increasing the amount of exercise you do in a given week can prove effective in cutting down on substance abuse. It’s worth noting that something like exercise can be done while simultaneously trying treatment for the third time, rather than attempt unproven methods.
There has been a great deal of recent interest in hallucinogenic drug therapies. Although they are still in the early stages of development, researchers have seen a great deal of success with substances like Ibogaine, ayahuasca, and even LSD. It may seem counterintuitive to give a person drugs in order to get them off of drugs, but there is good science and sound psychology driving the experimentation.
Heroin addicts have shown a drastic reduction in withdrawal symptoms after the administration of Ibogaine. This is not fully understood on a medical or biological level, but anecdotally it is not an uncommon occurrence. Many patients also claim that after an Ayahuasca session they have a complete lack of desire to interact with their drug of choice.
While hallucinogens are considered by most to be a more controversial addiction treatment, they are certainly not the only one. Medically assisted programs that give patients substances like Methadone and Suboxone have become normalized in the wake of the current opioid crisis.
Many psychiatrists and treatment professionals, however, are still adamantly against these programs. They argue that replacing one substance with another is really no treatment at all. The only difference is that the patient acquires their drugs from a pharmacy and under the supervision of a doctor. But if the measure of success is relative functionality in terms of social behavior, medically assisted treatment is at the top of the list.
Treating the disease of addiction requires a complete willingness from the patient, and an open mind from the caregiver. The complex mixture of biological and environmental factors means that most people will require multiple forms of treatment. Getting clean is not easy, but for many addicts, it is the only chance they have at a happy and productive life.
