Rethinking Approaches to Addiction Treatment

Treating drug addiction is one of the most challenging tasks in medicine. Over the years, various methods have been applied to patients, including some of questionable effectiveness. We explain why the method of rehabilitation matters, the dangers of forced treatment, and how IsraRehab clinic uses advanced techniques to help overcome addiction.

Addiction to psychoactive substances is a complex combination of chemical, emotional, behavioral, and psychological dependencies. For rehabilitation to be effective, treatment must address all these aspects simultaneously. Otherwise, the result is usually short-lived, and the risk of relapse remains high.

For a long time, addiction clinics focused only on stopping substance intake and detoxification, often even against the patient’s will. However, this approach is largely ineffective: despite the widespread network of addiction centers, addiction remains undefeated. This proves that a comprehensive approach addressing all facets of addiction is crucial.

Forced Treatment: A Practice That Does More Harm

By law, addiction treatment is only possible with the patient’s consent. Forced treatment is permitted exclusively by court order. Otherwise, doctors cannot treat a patient without voluntary agreement.

Sometimes there is “conditionally forced” treatment — when a person agrees to rehabilitation under pressure from relatives to avoid conflict, although they themselves see no real problem.

In such cases, only detoxification and stabilization are usually successful, since medical efforts suffice to eliminate substances from the body.

However, this is insufficient for full recovery, as psychological dependence remains. If the patient does not acknowledge the problem and develop motivation for change, psychotherapy will not be effective, and relapse will likely follow.

How mental health influences the success of addiction treatment →

The Essence and Benefits of a New Approach

Modern specialists, including those at IsraRehab, apply a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses chemical dependency, mental health, and behavioral patterns. An essential element of this approach is the intervention method.

Often, the addicted person cannot objectively assess their condition and believes they are in control, so they see no reason to stop using.

Intervention is a qualified psychological engagement aimed at changing the patient’s perspective. The doctor communicates with the patient and their relatives, persuading them that substance use is a serious threat leading to broken relationships, illness, and death.

This approach helps the patient see their situation from the outside, accept the support of loved ones and doctors, and realize the necessity of fighting the addiction. This boosts motivation and enhances the effectiveness of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other treatment methods.

The patient leaves the center confident in their victory over addiction and empowered to resist temptation.

Effective Addiction Treatment at IsraRehab

IsraRehab clinic offers effective treatment programs for patients and their families. Key advantages include:

• Personalized treatment plans.
• Experienced doctors using modern techniques.
• Caring staff.
• Comfortable accommodations, recreation areas, and sports facilities.
• Healing Israeli climate with opportunities for excursions and seaside trips.

Specialists help patients recognize the problem and voluntarily commit to treatment. The individualized program ensures complete elimination of both physiological and psychological dependence, allowing the person to start a new, free life.