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Treatment for Drug Addiction: 5 Options to Consider

Are you trying to figure out your options for treating addiction? Read this article to learn more about treatment for drug addiction.

More than 70,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania had the most deaths when adjusted for age.

The numbers are no doubt grim. But there is hope. Treatment for drug addiction is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic.

That said, there are numerous types of drug addiction treatment. If you need help, keep reading to learn about five common options. 

  1. Detox

Detoxing is often the first step in treatment for drug addiction. It's also one that too many people try to handle on their own.

It's partly a pride thing. Some people think, "I got myself into this; so now I have to try and get myself out of it." But detox can get complicated fast. 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a good example. Benzos like Valium and Xanax depress the central nervous system. Physical dependence develops swiftly. 

Withdrawal is especially brutal. Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, tremors, nausea, and delirium. A doctor can help you detox with fewer symptoms. 

  1. 12-Step Programs

Detox is only step one. For some people, joining a 12-step program is an effective way to continue treating drug addiction.

If you've heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, then you've heard of 12-step programs. 

It's a lot more than sitting in a room and introducing yourself by saying "I'm an alcoholic." At its best, groups like AA help you find a community that will support you in your recovery. 

  1. Residential Treatment

Outpatient care works for many people, but it's not the right solution for everyone. In some cases, inpatient residential care is the best way to treat addiction.

There are multiple types of residential treatment. Some last a few days, while others can last weeks or even months.

Structured support is one of the biggest selling points here. You'll have a schedule every day. You'll also have constant access to a trained medical support staff. 

  1. Gender Specific Treatment

You may not think of your gender as playing a role in your addiction, but it can.

For instance, women are often trained to please other people, while men are often trained to suppress any feelings that make them seem weak. Both those things can come into play when someone develops an addiction.

A man might turn to drugs because he thinks talk therapy isn't manly enough. Gender specific treatment creates a safe space for men to look at how such standards can hurt them. For more on gender specific treatment, look at this website. 

  1. Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

A co-occurring disorder is something like depression that exacerbates addiction issues. If someone is drinking because they feel depressed, then you must address both the drinking and the depression. You can't ignore one in favor of the other. 

PTSD, anxiety, and personality disorders are also commonly discovered when treating drug or alcohol addiction. Addressing both problems at once allows people to stop self-medicating and start finding real solutions.

Talk therapy and medications are two of the most common treatments for co-occurring disorders.

Finding Treatment for Drug Addiction

Getting treatment for drug addiction isn't a quick fix. It's a process with peaks and valleys. 

Starting the process is painful, but it's one of the best things you can do for both yourself and your loved ones.

If you want more information on leading a healthier life, bookmark our blog. We've got tips to help you stay on the right path.