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Factors which have an effect on addiction treatment

Drug treatment is usually a challenging but necessary step for those who suffer from addiction.

Addiction is unique to each person, and effective drugs rehab treatment will aim to address the specific needs of the individual. A number of factors have been highlighted as having an effect on the treatment approach taken, these include the type of drug used, severity of the dependence, and the frequency and situation surrounding any previous attempts to cease drug use (Volkow, 1999).

As addiction is seen as a chronic disorder, long term treatment and maintenance of recovery is usually necessary for a drug free future (Volkow, 1999). Short term one-off treatments are not usually effective in maintaining long term recovery. Several features of treatment have been identified as important in regards to its effectiveness. 

Typically drug treatment programmes will address both the physical and psychological aspects of the dependence, but due to the additional health, familial, occupational, social and legal issues created by an addiction, further support will be required in order to address these detrimental aspects of the addiction as well (Volkow, 1999).

Drug rehab UK based programmes have been proven to be very effective, especially for those with long standing or severe addictions (The National Treatment Outcome Research Study, 1996). The aim of rehab drug programmes is to focus recovery towards resocialization, therefore addressing many of the detrimental aspects of an addiction previously mentioned, whilst working towards a drug and crime-free lifestyle (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009).  Another factor unique to residential treatment is that it provides an environment sheltered from many of the challenges and associations of the individuals previous drug related surroundings.

An effective support network is another factor important to an individuals recovery. For some this may not be available, and another benefit of drug rehab treatment highlighted by National Institute on Drug Abuse (2009) is the community support created within a clinic. The influence from experienced staff and peers in recovery can help challenge and change the drug related perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of many service users.

Residential drug rehab addiction programmes will aim to also use a range of treatment approaches in order to give an overall comprehensive approach to address the compulsive drug-seeking and drug-using behaviours of those seeking treatment. For those engaging with outpatient or community support, it will be important to avoid accessing one single form of treatment, and instead aim to build a range of services and support which are easily accessible.

Reference

Volkow, N.D. (1999). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (2nd Ed.).

National institute on drug abuse (NIDA) (2009). InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction

NTORS The National Treatment Outcome Research Study: Summary of the project, the clients, and preliminary findings: First Bulletin. (1996). Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., Edwards, C., Lehmann, P., Wilson, A., & Segar, G. Department of Health: London.

Published by on 25/01/2012.

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