5 Highly Successful Drug Addiction Treatments

It takes incredible strength and perseverance to overcome drug addiction, but with the right treatment and guidance, it is possible to turn your life around for the better.

Some addiction treatment programs are solely dedicated to detoxification, while others may focus on counseling as well, and so on. Drug addiction treatment programs that address the underlying causes of addiction and provide long-term support are the most effective.

In this article, we’ll briefly explore some of the most effective drug addiction treatments that have given positive outcomes consistently.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, stop searching for “drug addiction treatment near me” on Google. Instead, seek help from our Durham, NC addiction treatment center.

Types of Drug Addiction Treatments

The most effective drug addiction treatments address the underlying causes of addiction and help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Such options include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Contingency Management
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • 12-Step Facilitation

The most effective drug addiction treatment plan will vary for each individual and may involve a combination of these treatment types. Patients need to work with a treatment professional to develop a personalized plan that meets their specific needs and goals.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most effective drug addiction treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that assists individuals in changing their thoughts and behaviors.

It works by helping people identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are causing their problems.

For example, someone with an addiction to drugs may have negative thoughts about themselves and their ability to cope without using drugs. With this treatment, they can challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones.

Additionally, CBT can help people with addiction by teaching new and healthier ways of coping with stress and emotions.

CBT can be used to treat a wide range of addictions, including but not limited to alcohol addiction, food addiction, and prescription medication addiction. Mostly, it is pursued in outpatient settings, such as drug treatment centers or mental health clinics. It can also be delivered in inpatient settings such as hospitals or residential treatment facilities.

2. Contingency Management

Contingency management uses a system of rewards to motivate patients to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

The voucher system is a common type of contingency management technique. Patients earn vouchers for each day they stay abstinent under this system. These vouchers can be exchanged for prizes like gift cards or free movie tickets.

Contingency management has been demonstrated to be especially effective in treating cocaine and methamphetamine addicts. Patients treated with contingency management are proven to be twice as likely to remain abstinent at the end of treatment as compared to those who did not.

If anyone around you is struggling with drug addiction, consider seeking a treatment program that offers contingency management. This proven treatment method can help increase the chances of achieving long-term sobriety.

drug addiction concept image, colorful pills

3. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that employs a strengths-based approach to increase clients’ motivation to stop using drugs or alcohol. MET is founded on the idea that clients are more likely to change their behavior when they are intrinsically motivated to do so.

This therapy focuses on assisting clients in exploring and resolving their ambivalence about changing their substance use. Clients gain a better understanding of themselves this way.

Understanding the personal costs and consequences of addiction can lead to increased motivation to make changes. MET is effective in treating patients with alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine dependence.

4. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for substance use disorders involving medications, along with behavioral therapy and counseling. MAT aims to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

The medications used in MAT can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the effects of addictive substances. Some commonly used medications in MAT include methadone for opioid addiction, buprenorphine for opioid and alcohol addiction, and naltrexone for opioid and alcohol addiction.

MAT is effective in helping individuals with substance use disorders achieve and maintain sobriety. It is also considered to be a harm reduction approach, as it can help reduce the risk of overdose and other negative consequences associated with substance abuse.

It’s important to note that MAT should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes behavioral therapy and support services. The use of medication alone is not enough to achieve long-term recovery and prevent relapse.

5. 12-Step Facilitation 

12-Step Facilitation is a form of behavioral therapy. It is based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a widely-used self-help program for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

The program helps individuals understand and work through each of the 12 steps, which include acknowledging powerlessness over their addiction, seeking support from a higher power, making amends for past wrongdoings, and so on.

It is a type of group treatment that acknowledges that addiction has a variety of negative repercussions that might be social, emotional, spiritual, or physical. The goal is to help individuals develop a strong support system, gain insights into their addiction troubles, and develop the skills and mindset needed for long-term recovery.

Let Our Durham, NC Addiction Treatment Center Help You In Your Journey to Sobriety

Timely treatment can help individuals struggling with substance abuse overcome their addiction-related challenges and achieve long-term sobriety. A personalized addiction treatment plan includes a range of services such as 12-step facilitation, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and contingency management.

We, at the Recovery Center of the Carolinas Durham, NC Addiction Treatment Center, offer a safe and supportive environment, allowing our patients to focus on their recovery and avoid triggers and temptations. Additionally, we can connect patients with community resources and support groups that can assist in maintaining sobriety over the long term.

Reach out to us now to get started on rebuilding your life and moving past the troubles of addiction!