There are many different approaches to drug treatment. In the most extreme cases, involuntary commitment and detox is necessary.  Ideally, the process would be voluntary and the recovering addict compliant and receptive. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and the family might choose a more persuasive course of action.

Some facilities take a medical, clinical-style approach to drug treatment. This is typically a very sterile environment, not necessarily focused on providing all the comforts of home. The primary goal of these types of facilities is to rid, or “detox,” the body of all harmful substances with medical intervention to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Addiction detox is a traumatic ordeal for the recovering addict, and physical, mental or emotional complications occasionally arise during the process. That is why medical supervision should be provided during detox and follow-up counseling provided throughout the recovery process, regardless of whether or not the facility has a medical focus.

Other types of drug treatment facilities might take a holistic approach, focusing equally on mind, body and soul. This treatment approach commonly utilizes meditation, proper nutrition and all-natural therapeutic avenues of healing the entire body. These will typically feature environments more closely resembling home, with peace and serenity surrounded by wilderness and beautiful scenery.

Drug treatment facilities might also vary in terms of length of stay, or even type of stay. For instance, some provide overnight services for a few days to a week, some provide long-term residential services up to two years, and others provide outpatient treatment services during business hours only. It is important to find the approach to drug treatment and schedule that best suits your needs. This can depend on your personal philosophies, the intensity and type of addiction, and external circumstances like family or job responsibilities. Qualified professionals can provide expert assistance in sorting out the many options and making a good decision.

Different approaches to Drug Treatment

Though it has been scoffed at by some over the years, drug treatment has been scientifically proven to be effective. It can help people change their self-destructive behavior patterns and end their drug abuse for good. It can help them reach their potential and achieve the productive, healthy life they desire.

As many as 23.6 million people, ages 12 and older, needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol problem in 2006. About 21.2 million of those never received treatment in a specialized drug treatment program. This is unfortunate, because the societal cost of drug use is great, and treatment can be highly effective when exercised correctly.

One must remember that there is no single approach suitable to all recovering addicts. All treatment approaches should, however, address the addiction, as well as all the multiple issues that typically accompany addiction.

When it comes to drug treatment, there are medical and non-medical approaches. Medicine can be an effective aid, particularly in the initial phase of withdrawal. Behavioral treatments are effective alone, or paired with medical assistance. This can use such methods as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and goal-setting.

Drug  treatment can be administered in an outpatient setting, typically during business hours, as is convenient for the individual. This is ideal for less intense addictions, and when the addicts have stable, supportive, substance-free home environments. Treatment can also be offered in the residential setting, short-term or long-term. This is common for more intense, prolonged addictions. It can be a clinical, hospital-style environment or more of a peaceful resort-style environment. Treatment can also be court-ordered, a program that has been shown to reduce the rate of repeat offenders. Whichever drug treatment approach is chosen, it is best to continue treatment as the recovering addict transitions back into his or her regular daily life. This can alleviate stress by offering coping methods other than substance abuse.