What should I know about drug treatment?

If you’re facing a drug charge in North Carolina, you may feel like you’ve lost control of your life. In many cases, people faced with drug offenses have a deeper issue with drug use and abuse, and these issues often need to be addressed on a professional basis. The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers the following information on how you can get help for your drug addiction.

Different types of treatments

Many people need a few different methods to break the cycle of addiction. This often entails behavioral counseling, which treats underlying mental and emotional issues that can influence drug use. Some people use substances as a form of self-medication and working out these issues is essential to recovery. You may also be prescribed medication, which can curb cravings and reduce the effects drugs have on you. Additionally, many people require long-term assistance, such as a support group, to stay off drugs.

What makes treatment successful

No matter what type of treatment you choose, it must have certain components to have the best chance of success. First and foremost, treatment must be easily accessible. If it’s difficult to attain, the person is likely to continue doing drugs. Also, treatment must last as long as the person needs. That’s why some people check into long-term rehabs to forge a good foundation for sobriety. Treatment plans may also need to be changed over time to suit the patient’s evolving needs.

The role of medications

As stated above, medications often play a role in recovery from substance abuse. People with severe addictions will go through withdrawal, and medications can be administered to make this a safer, more tolerable process. If a person is addicted to opioids, they will likely be provided medications to prevent relapses. This includes things like methadone, which blocks receptors in the brain that respond to drugs. In the event of a mental health issue, the patient may also be prescribed anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications.