6 Approaches of Effective Addiction Treatment
May 14th, 2012
There are many different approaches used to treat addiction, alcohol and drug abuse. Effective treatments of this difficult malady consist of a multifaceted approach. This effort treats far more than just the conditions of the alcohol and drug abuse, It also addresses the emotional, social, psychological and physical aspects of the individual. Here are six approaches used in effectively treating addiction by alcohol and drug rehab programs and centers today.
1. Sufficient Time - The length within a treatment program can be critical. Sufficient time within a treatment setting greatly increases the effectiveness of it and the likelihood of getting into and staying in recovery. Studies have indicated that individuals who have lengthier treatments and recovery programs have better outcomes. Many alcohol and drug rehabs have changed curriculum to lengthier programs as well. Addiction treatment professionals should be able to work with the individual on what is an appropriate length of treatment and programs for them.
2. Individualized Programming - Alcohol and drug rehab can come in different forms of group and individual programs. The most effective approach is one that personally addresses the individual according to what they stand in need of from treatment. Each person is unique and what they can require from treatment can vary. A multifaceted program should be not only able to offer the individual the treatment and services needed to address their alcohol and drug abuse, but also any underlying concerns, family issues and personal struggles that can be involved in the substance abuse.
3. Counseling - Proper counseling is an integral part to addiction treatment and also to rehabilitation. Alcohol and drug rehab can involve plenty of counseling. Individual counseling addresses the personal struggles. Group counseling provides support from peers and also different perspectives with the common problems of chemical dependency. Many alcohol and drug rehab programs will also involve forms of family and couples counseling to address the home life. Counseling can also involve the efforts of cognitive behavioral therapies and experiential learning therapies in their approach.
4. Activity - Active programs in alcohol and drug rehab treatment help to address the physical side of addiction recovery. A physical approach to addiction treatment can involve exercise programs, experiential therapies and varying levels of physical fitness. Yoga is also something that is introduced to those in addiction treatment. Yoga can be used as a positive not only for exercise, but also for its effective qualities with meditation and balance. Physical activities are a positive recovery tool after the completion of treatment. Daily exercise activities can be a mode of relapse prevention and a means to staying focused on recovery goals.
5. Co-occurring Treatments - Effective alcohol and drug rehab treatment must also involve counseling and services for co-occurring mental health concerns. Co-occurring treatments is also referred to as dual diagnosis care by addiction programs. A very good percentage of alcohol and drug abusers also struggle with a form of mental health disorder. This can be the reason for the substance abuse in the first place, or can be developed through prolonged substance abuse and what it does to the central nervous system over time. Co-occurring treatments help to address the mental health concerns. A co-occurring program or dual diagnostic drug rehab will integrate treatment to address both the substance abuse and mental health issue.
6. Medication - Medications can be an effective means to curbing cravings, dealing with addiction withdrawal and stabilizing an individual who is coming off of drugs or alcohol. Medications are also used to address co-occurring mental health concerns (if any). This is oftentimes combined within programs that offer effective counseling and also behavioral programs.
Across most of the United States, treatment for addiction is readily available to address substance abuse problems. Still, far too few of those that struggle with alcohol and drugs get into rehab for their problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2007 an estimate of 23.2 million individuals were classed as having a drug abuse problem. That is about 9.4% of the population. Of these 23 million people, only around 10% got proper addiction treatment for their struggles. It can be up to a loved one or coworkers to get those they know into an alcohol or drug rehab program.











Prescription drugs when used for the right reasons can be life savers. Painkillers can be a short term solution for dealing with severe pain. However, the narcotic elements in many prescription pain relievers have shown to be quite addictive and harming. The United States has seen a large increase in the abuse and addiction of painkillers. This had led to an increase of accidental overdose deaths, and admissions into drug rehab treatment programs to address the problems of such medications.

Article was originally posted to the web by Cirque Lodge on April 4, 2008 discussing the different concepts used in addressing addiction.
This article was originally posted by Cirque Lodge on 8-13-2008. Discussing advantages to residential addiction treatment:
Recovery from addiction is a process. After completing alcohol or drug rehab, an addict or alcoholic can once again be faced with the realities of life and the triggers that can lead to relapse. Proper measures of care are put into place to assist with relapse prevention. At Cirque Lodge, we allow clients to return and receive needed residential care for a short term before a relapse occurs. This is known as the Guesting Privilege. It is available to each and every graduate of the Cirque Lodge drug rehab program and supplies just one more tool for maintaining a long term-sobriety.
When an alcoholic or drug addict enters into treatment for their addictions they can be going through quite a rough patch. The initial stages of detox, intervention and giving up a substance of abuse can take its toll. When such individuals come for alcohol treatment or drug rehab at Cirque Lodge, we strive to surround them with comfort, privacy and supportive care to help them in this time of critical need. As one of the finest addiction treatment facilities, the Cirque Lodge focus is on a private and exclusive drug rehab and recovery experience.
When you are looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one it can be a daunting task. Calling a drug rehab center can be a good way to learn about what is offered by the program. It can greatly benefit you to be a questioning consumer when contacting addiction treatment providers about their services. Treatment programs and providers are prepared to answer your questions regarding alcohol and drug rehab care that they provide. Different services from a treatment provider and also facility can be a great help in determining in what is best. Residential programs can vary and asking questions can help you to better determine where to send your loved one or receive care for yourself. 
