Friday, January 20, 2017

Some Facts On Opiate Addiction Treatment Georgia Patients Need To Have

By Mark Jackson


Opiates are among the most addictive substances of abuse known. This has been shown by the difficulty experienced by addicts in breaking away from the use of these substances even in the presence of a strong will and adequate medical and social support. This notwithstanding, many persons have managed to remain drug free for years by following the right processes. If they wish to undergo opiate addiction treatment Georgia residents need to know a number of things.

The therapies that are used in the management of this kind of addiction fall under two major categories. Pharmacological based therapies and behavioral therapies. The common practice is to use both of these methods concurrently so as to increase the chances of success. The drugs are used in the initial phases and the behavioral therapy interventions introduced later on. Three main stages of treatment exist.

The first phase is referred to as the detoxification or chemical withdrawal stage. This is the most difficult part of the treatment and is usually managed in a medical facility where complications can be monitored by trained medical personnel. Patients may suffer from a number of withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, depression, muscular pains and shaking episodes among others.

Most opiate addicts suffer from a state of dependence. This means that they find it very difficult to take part in regular activities unless they use these substances. The challenges even become more during withdrawal. A number of drugs are included in the treatment to enable them to cope with these challenges. They include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone among others.

The stage of chemical withdrawal is followed by therapy proper. This entails a number of counseling sessions. The aim here is to establish the factors that are contributing to the problem and the formulation of strategies that can reduce the need for the substances. Therapy is usually done at both individual and group level within the rehabilitation center. Individual therapy helps the addict to open up without fear since it is done privately.

Modern therapeutic strategies have adopted the use of residential homes in taking care of patients. The patient is allowed to enjoy the comfort of a home even as they embark on their recovery journey. Commonly, recreational activities are included in the program to keep patients occupied and to reduce dependence on substances of abuse. Such may include cycling, swimming, participating in drama, meditation and yoga among others.

The final step in the therapy is commonly known as maintenance treatment. It takes a long term approach and is initiated when one leaves the hospital to join relatives. Regular clinic visits have to be made to see the therapist who will assess the progress that is being made. Changes in drug dosages or frequency of therapy sessions may be recommended.

Even if drugs are administered during the maintenance stage, the mainstay of therapy is behavioral therapy. The objective of this step is to help in mitigating against relapse which are quite common. Apart from the efforts that are made by the therapists, there is a need to have a strong social support structure bearing in mind that the patient is mainly treated from home.




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