Drug addiction is one of the most severe and destructive addictions. Drugs are quickly addictive and cause both mental and physical damage, which is why people who have decided to fight addiction need good support. Drug addiction therapy is a long-term process, but it brings very good results.
Stages of drug addiction therapy
The treatment process can be divided into several stages: detoxification, basic therapy and in-depth therapy. Below we present their course.
Detoxification
Detoxification, or detoxification of the body, is often done under medical supervision, because after drug withdrawal, there is a withdrawal syndrome. Its symptoms include severe drug cravings, muscle and joint pain, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insomnia, irritability, severe anxiety. Appropriate medications are able to alleviate these ailments, and thus make it easier for the addicted person to fight the addiction.
Basic therapy
Only after detoxification is completed can we start proper therapeutic work. The first weeks are the so-called basic therapy, in which we focus on the patient understanding and learning about the mechanisms of addiction. Thanks to this, the client learns to recognize triggers, i.e. situations and events that prompt him to reach for drugs. Sometimes basic therapy takes place in a closed facility, but in many situations this is not necessary.
In-depth therapy
Then we move on to in-depth therapy. We focus here, among other things, on the causes of the problem, i.e. on what prompted the patient to use drugs. Many people reach for them because of difficult emotions, such as anxiety, sadness or a sense of emptiness. Motivation is also often provided by past experiences, i.e. traumas and family problems. Drugs can then serve as an escape from reality or a way to cope with tension.
At the same time, we are working to ensure that the patient fully returns to social life. Drug addiction causes problems in interpersonal relationships, leads to a loss of trust and isolation from loved ones and the environment.
Group therapy as support for individual drug therapy
When working with people addicted to drugs, we often combine individual therapy with group therapy. Group therapy is attended by several or a dozen people who meet regularly, of course, always under the supervision of an experienced therapist.
Members of the group share their experiences and support each other in the fight against addiction. Thanks to this, the addicted person has a sense of understanding and at the same time can work on the development of social skills.
Types of drugs
Currently, we no longer use the division into hard and soft drugs. Such a classification suggests that there are drugs that are less harmful to humans.
However, we can distinguish opiates, cannabinols and stimulants.
Opiates and opioids
This is a group of substances that are obtained from poppy seeds (opiates) or their synthetic counterparts (opioids). They act on opioid receptors in the brain and mimic natural endorphins. People who take them experience a “shutdown” of physical and emotional pain.
This group includes heroin, morphine, codeine and strong painkillers (e.g. fentanyl, oxycodone).
These are some of the most addictive substances. When trying to quit, there is a very painful withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, addicts often require hospitalization during the first stage of treatment.
Cannabinols
These are derivatives of cannabis, the main psychoactive ingredient of which is THC. It binds to receptors in the brain, causes relaxation, but sometimes also anxiety or paranoia.
Hashish and marijuana belong to this group. Marijuana, extracted from cannabis inflorescences, typically contains up to 5% THC. However, for some varieties, it can be as high as 15%.
Hashish is made from hemp resin and is distinguished by a higher concentration of THC – up to 20%.
Stimulants
Stimulants rapidly increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels. A person who has taken them feels a surge of energy, an increase in self-confidence and alertness. However, the arousal phase is followed by a deep descent, i.e. a deterioration in mood and exhaustion.
This group includes cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Hallucinogenics (psychedelics)
These are substances that drastically change the way sensory stimuli are processed. After taking them, a person can experience visions, hallucinations and a change in their sense of self. The exact effects are difficult to predict, which is why hallucinogenic drugs are very dangerous.
These include LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT and mescaline.
