|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Substance Abuse Treatment Strategies

Substance abuse constitutes the unhealthy use, or abuse, of substances, such as drugs or alcohol. Continued abuse of these substances usually results in a physical and psychological dependence, indicates the World Health Organization. Over time, substance abuse has a detrimental effect on the abuser's personal and professional lives, and can lead to job loss, homelessness and serious health issues.

  1. Counseling

    • Substance abuse counseling focuses on providing an individual with therapy, via a personalized treatment plan, that offers a successful recovery opportunity, according to Healthline. The treatment plan stems from the counselor's assessment and diagnosis of the addict. Depending on the needs of the individual, counseling can involve a combination of different therapeutic theories, such as cognitive-behavior therapy, which addresses the role thinking plays in a person's feelings and actions. Additional elements of counseling include training in life skills and behavior modification.

    Drug Therapy

    • Drug therapy sometimes constitutes a necessary treatment for drug abuse. Medication can temper withdrawal symptoms: a set of physical, emotional and psychological responses that occur after a person abruptly stops using a substance he was abusing, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If the substance abuse has altered the abuser's normal brain functions, a health care provider may prescribe medications that restore that function.

    Self-Help Treatment

    • An individual may use self-help groups, like Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous, as an additional form of therapy during or after other substance abuse treatments, suggests the MayoClinic.com. These groups usually follow a 12-step program that concentrates on tasks, such as recognizing an addiction, making amends for past mistakes and helping other substance abusers. Self-help groups allow addicts the opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts or issues concerning their substance abuse with others who have first-hand knowledge and experience with addiction.

    Relapse Prevention

    • When a substance abuse client leaves a treatment center, programs that aid her in relapse prevention become crucial in her recovery. Programs that offer health care, educational opportunities and vocational training assist individuals for a sober entry into their community on a professional and personal level, according to the Department of Justice. Combining the ongoing treatment for the addiction, as well as the use of aftercare programs that address issues, such as finding a home and a job, makes an effective strategy to combat a relapse.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles