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Theory of Addiction Recovery

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the primary factors influencing the theory and practice of addiction recovery is the concept that an addiction is uncontrollable without the aid of outside resources. An addict can not control his use of drugs or alcohol despite the harm it is causing him, and he must rely on outside support from doctors, psychologists, support groups or a treatment program to help him control his addiction and abstain from use.

  1. Features of Effective Treatment Programs

    • According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a disease that can be treated. NIDA notes that the most effective treatment programs combine behavioral therapy techniques with the use of medications that can curb depression, anxiety, and cravings for the substance. Most importantly, experts at NIDA notes that effective treatment plans are individually designed to meet a patient's unique social issues, behavioral patterns and emotional challenges.

    Withdrawal from Substances

    • NIDA suggests that withdrawal is an extremely critical first stage in the treatment of addiction because patients can experience very unpleasant symptoms such as restlessness, sleeplessness and, depending on the substance, even a heightened sense of pain. During this stage of treatment doctors will often prescribe medications to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and allow a patient to participate in counseling and support groups without suffering from excess anxiety.

    Behavioral Therapies and Addiction Treatment

    • Experts at NIDA suggest that behavioral therapies are a key component in effective treatment. Behavioral therapies help a patient identify his reasons for using drugs or alcohol, and patients also learn about the social or emotional triggers that prompt them to use. With these insights patients can gradually alter the behaviors that lead them to use and abuse substances and replace these behaviors will alternative activities. Behavioral therapy encourages patients to use support groups and counseling as alternatives to substance use. The theory is that learning to communicate with other individuals about stressful situations can slowly replace the substance abuse.

    Prescription Medications and Addiction Treatment

    • NIDA notes that medications can be effective tools in the process of withdrawal and the prevention of relapse. Some medications are used to treat underlying disorders such as depression and anxiety that lead to substance abuse. Other medications can be used to curb cravings for substances such as alcohol or nicotine. Finally there are medications that are used to gradually replace the substance that is being abused as a user cuts down and quits. Methadone is a medication that is often used in a clinical capacity to help addicts abstain from the use of heroin or other opioids.

    Preventing Relapse

    • Experts at NIDA note that the prevention of relapse is central to most drug treatment programs. Patients are encouraged to use outpatient counseling and 12-step support groups to prevent relapse over the long-term. NIDA does note, however, that addiction is a chronic disease and a relapse does not indicate that treatment was ineffective. If relapse occurs the original treatment often needs to be reinstated and adjusted.

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