Substance abuse is a worldwide problem that is estimated to affect 296 million people. It’s a huge problem that we face as a collective people, but thankfully, decades of research into the issue has supplied diligent healthcare professionals with the tools they need to help people get back on track.
In this article, you’ll learn about three of the best treatment protocols for those dealing with substance abuse, and what makes them so effective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT has been the gold standard for many different mental health problems, and it has a huge application where substance abuse is concerned. The therapy works by tackling the problematic thinking patterns and subsequent behaviors that directly lead to people being stuck in the addiction cycle, and because it deals with those two areas simultaneously, a potent reduction in the need for the drugs results over time.
One of the great things about CBT is that it allows for structured, measurable progress. People suffering to beat their addictions often get trapped in a cycle of taking one step forward, but one step back – seeing their progress using measurable scales can make a huge difference in this regard, motivating the individual to stay on track, and instilling confidence in their capabilities. CBT is routinely offered at dedicated addiction treatment centers.
Group Therapy
Most people have heard of or have seen group therapy sessions in action – groups like the AA (alcoholics anonymous) are commonly portrayed in films and TV shows, and their popularity as a go-to visual depiction of addiction treatment is well-deserved.
Group therapy brings together many people from different walks of life to connect, with the session being mediated by a qualified therapist. The group talks together about the struggles they’ve faced and gets to know each other, with attendees often making life-long friends.
People battling addiction often feel very lonely, so having people to talk to who have experienced the same problems they have can be an invaluable asset.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT places a focus on certain medications that have been proven to help support people with substance use disorder. These programs seek to combine the powerful effects of such medication with other modalities of treatment, such as CBT described above, to offer a more complete, holistic approach to treating more resistant cases.
This can often be particularly effective for those experiencing severe cases of withdrawal – the medication serves to bring the intensity of the person’s craving down so that they are better able to focus on the therapy at hand. This form of treatment requires close collaboration between doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
Final Thoughts
There are, of course, several other forms of treatment, but the above represents three of the most widely researched, evidenced-based protocols available: it may be that a person combines all of these treatments into one package for maximum effect.
Overcoming substance use disorder is an incredibly tough battle, but with the right team, the right care plan, and a loving support network, anyone can regain their life.