In 2017, 19.7 million adults in America have struggled with substance abuse. Drug use can easily develop into a destructive habit, which leads to negative health consequences and destroys relationships among friends and family.
Although most individuals diagnosed with psychosis don’t engage in violence, domestic abuse patterns are linked to the psychological effects of drug addiction.
It’s important to know that willpower alone isn’t enough for people to overcome drug addiction. Regaining sobriety often requires professional help from therapists who acknowledge the distorted thinking and intense craving that comes with addiction. It can be reassuring to know that successful addiction treatment is possible.
Why People Become Addicted
There are several factors that contribute to substance abuse. Genetic makeup can increase a person’s susceptibility to addiction, as genes are passed on by both parents and can influence how certain people behave. Many people with mental disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, are more likely to develop an addiction.
Several drugs flood the brain with excess dopamine, which makes people feel pleasurable sensations. The brain produces less dopamine of its own and relies on the drug to supply the chemical. Dopamine deficiency creates a pattern of dependence, making it difficult to overcome addiction. Environmental factors can also exacerbate the problem. Although peer groups that share drugs do it to feel better and relieve stress, it can still cause problems and make neighborhoods more unsafe. Addiction can also cause problems in the workplace and bring chaos to the household.
Two Types of Patient Care
Therapists who treat their patients in addiction treatment centers understand the delicate nature of addiction. Treatment centers provide both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on the severity of the patient’s addiction. Inpatient care requires constant supervision from a physician or nurse.
The most severe cases of addiction initially require inpatient care before physicians discuss a transition plan to help patients receive outpatient care. There are two types of outpatient care, both having different intensity treatment levels. Intensive outpatient care, abbreviated as IOP, is suitable for people able to live at home but still require additional care. The benefits of evening IOP include group counseling, ability to maintain social contacts, treatment plans that combat relapse and the flexibility to schedule sessions on an as-needed basis. General outpatient care is less intensive and serves as the final phase of patient treatment.
How Holistic Therapies Help
Addiction recovery also relies on holistic therapies, ranging from yoga to acupuncture, to treat the whole person. Holistic therapies don’t simply target the patient’s symptoms and instead focus on developing a healthy body, mind and spirit.
Therapists who use these treatments take the patient’s social background into greater account and encourage patients to express their emotions. Struggling addicts often feel a sense of disconnect with themselves, meaning they’re unaware of how they feel. Disclosing thoughts to a therapist with confidentiality is an important part of successful treatment. Holistic therapies help the patient overcome their disconnect and make them feel like active participants in their recovery, which could potentially inspire them to take greater control over their own lives after treatment.
Types of Holistic Therapies
Patients can use several techniques to restore lost balance. Practicing yoga helps the patient relieve stress by strengthening muscles with different poses. Some exercises encourage patients to breathe more deeply and regulate the intensity of their physical routine, enabling them to take control over their bodies.
Meditation helps improve concentration and focus. It is a technique that feels relaxing and helps regulate the pace of thought, which can calm a person down. Eating a healthy, balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and can also help feel better about themselves. Drug addicts sometimes use drugs to the extent of neglecting food, raising the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. Engaging in physical sports is one way to help patients cope and can develop into a personal hobby. Spirituality can also help a person recover from addiction. There are several types of holistic therapies that benefit patients.
Coping from recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but generally does require the patient to have a support group. It’s important for patients to discuss the struggles of addiction. Patients may also find it helpful to engage in activities that feel more refreshing and invigorating. Holistic therapies and patient care are two effective types of treatment that encourage and facilitate recovery. Both forms of treatment focus on the ability to understand addiction and help the patient transition to a more healthy lifestyle.
