Every human being has to deal with stress and pressure. Sometimes they try to find an easy way out and fall prey to bad habits such as substance abuse. There are a few sportspersons too who are made to believe that the drugs will improve their performance but that it is totally momentary and ruins their lives and career forever. So, is there any way out to save these lives? Certainly yes. There is the facility of drug de-addiction available throughout the country. Simply walk in and get yourself or the patient assessed and begin with the treatment.
What will happen in the treatment?
The treatment is aimed at reducing and then completely removing the addiction to the substance. Treatment for each person is different, it takes different time and the format is also different. It depends on the phase of addiction and the substance that has been used. There can be chronic disorders associated with it. There is a comprehensive approach including medication, exercise, and counseling. Family and society playa major role in the treatment. There may be relapses but the patient and family have to stay strong and work in the forward direction.
What are the different steps of the treatment?
Various evidence-based approaches are followed. Medication and behavioral therapy go hand in hand for drug addiction treatment. Sometimes the patients need to be admitted and kept at the center for treatment. They are called in-patients. While others are allowed to stay at their home and take proper medication. The support of family is a must. Also, there can be a change in stage, inpatient can be sent home after a few days when there has been a significant change in condition. The treatment also varies depending on the substance that had been used as a drug.
Treatment for those on opioids can be done by the use of medication such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. While for those on nicotine the medication can involve patches, lozenges, gum, and nasal spray. Those addicted to tobacco are treated by using varenicline and bupropion. For those addicted to alcohol medicine such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are used. There can be a mix and match of these medicines as per the requirement for each patient.
What are changes seen in the patient during the treatment?
- Anxiety: there can be a sever urge to consume the substance. When the patient tries to refrain there is an unsettling feeling of anxiousness. He/ she feels restless and can not think properly.
- Sweating: there are excessive sweating and palpitation. The heartbeats also can go up. The body shows signals that it may collapse in the absence of the substance.
- Irritability: the person feels weak from within. The guilt feeling makes him/ her overreact to even the smallest of situations.
- Depression: the nervousness and guilt feeling can make a patient go into depression. They may stop talking to the family member as well. As a reluctance to do anything they may also come across negative thoughts.
- Diarrhea: stopping a substance immediately can make the bowel irritable and hence diarrhea can occur.
- Insomnia: when the patient keeps thinking about the same thing day and night they tend to lose sleep. The body does not allow him/ her to relax in wait for one single weak moment.
- Headaches: severe headaches can be caused as the body has been habituated to stay high and out of senses most of the time.
- Nausea/ vomiting: the irritated bowel can lead to vomiting and nausea. There can be a very upsetting feeling.
The combined use of medication and counseling will help the patient become sober again and regain control over his/ her life. Do not waste time go to drug addiction treatment center and get yourself or your loved one enrolled for treatment. Help them become suitable for society and become good citizens.
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