Effective Strategies for Treating Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a severe illness that can have multiple causes and manifestations. The addiction is so strong that it is almost impossible to overcome it on your own. Find out why it is important to develop a strategy in the fight against drug addiction, what approach doctors use, and how the IsraRehab clinic can help addicts return to a normal life.

Is it possible to overcome drug addiction?

Drug addiction is one of the strongest addictions people face. Despite the fact that psychoactive substances do harm to health and deteriorate the overall quality of life, not everyone can set free from this bad habit. In many cases, the reason lies in the fact that addiction has two components:

• Chemical dependence. With constant use of psychoactive substances, the body gradually becomes accustomed to them, and the absence of the next dose causes serious withdrawal symptoms. Not always can these symptoms be endured, as severe symptoms can even lead to the need for urgent hospitalization and medical assistance.
• Psychological dependence. The psyche also becomes accustomed to the effects of drugs, so when they are discontinued, it seeks to experience the same sensations again. Getting rid of this attraction is possible only through work on psychology and the formation of a new behavioral model.

Some drug addicts realize that they need to fight addiction, and this is commendable. However, motivation and willpower alone cannot alleviate physiological symptoms or properly adjust behavior. Therefore, in the treatment of drug addiction, it is best to turn to specialists. A properly developed strategy will take into account all the patient’s characteristics and accelerate recovery.

Strategies and techniques for combating addiction

Since drug addiction is influenced by a complex of factors, its treatment is also carried out in two directions:

• The stage of detoxification and stabilization aimed at overcoming chemical addiction.
• The stage of rehabilitation and relapse prevention work, the goal of which is to strengthen the patient’s mental defenses.

Leading doctors and clinics worldwide, including the Israeli rehabilitation center IsraRehab, practice this comprehensive approach.

Detoxification and stabilization

This stage is necessary for those who suffer from withdrawal symptoms (commonly known as withdrawal or “breaking”). The patient is prescribed medications and provided with other medical assistance aimed at helping the body function normally and avoiding somatic disorders when abstaining from psychoactive substances. Acute manifestations of the syndrome need to be alleviated before they subside. This usually takes 3-5 days, but in cases of severe dependence on sedatives, the presence of concomitant psychosomatic disorders, or other factors, the period may be extended until the goal is achieved.

Besides detoxification, the medical approach to treating drug addiction helps stabilize the patient’s condition and prepare them for the implementation of behavioral changes that will help consolidate success and rehabilitate them. After this stage, a long-term treatment begins, which will help cope with cravings and acquire skills that can support the patient in maintaining a new lifestyle.

Rehabilitation and relapse prevention work

After overcoming intoxication and withdrawal syndrome, drug addicts still experience physiological consequences of substance abuse, as well as emotional dependence. During rehabilitation, therapists help to:

• Overcome the urge to relapse into drug abuse
• Improve physical health
• Restore self-esteem and social status
• Minimize the risk of relapse

There is no single strategy in this direction. Treatment methods are chosen by the doctor, taking into account genetic predisposition, the patient’s psychological state, social environment, and other factors. Medications may be prescribed at this stage, as well as psychological counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Such a program can last from 30-90 days to a year.

Clinical assistance in recovery and rehabilitation

Do not let the fight against drug addiction go unguided. Turn to the IsraRehab clinic to receive qualified assistance from the best specialists in Israeli medicine, who will help cope with withdrawal symptoms, get rid of chemical addiction, and minimize the risk of relapse. The advantages of the clinic:

• Cutting-edge treatment methods.
• Cozy rehabilitation center with attentive staff.
• Calm atmosphere.
• Beneficial Israeli climate.

Get more information about the treatment program and rehabilitation center, and IsraRehab will become a guide to a world free from dependencies.