Thirteen Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment

The Thirteen Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment as defined by the National Institute of Drug Abuse are as follows:

1.   Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. 

Excess and extreme substance abuse can over time alter the brain’s structure and function. These symptoms can even continue and have lasting side effects long after drug and alcohol use has been stopped.

2.   No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.

Every patient that enters into rehab presents unique concerns when it comes to their addiction. Each patient needs individualized care, treatment and interventions to help him or her achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

3.   Treatment needs to be readily available.

Individuals who seek addiction recovery rehab can take the appropriate steps in order to receive the necessary treatment. Many individuals are uncertain about seeking out an addiction treatment and it can be an overwhelming and confusing process. At Hotel California by the Sea, we accept all commercial health insurance policies along with some affordable care policies. If you or a loved one is seeking help for alcohol addiction, our experienced admissions team is available to assist you.  

4.   Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.

Addiction treatment is more than a physical condition. Treatment should include a holistic approach of medical treatments, therapies for co-occurring mental health disorders and other psychiatric disorders. 

5.   Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is crucial. 

The timeline and duration for addiction recovery treatment depend on the individual needs of each patient. Factors include how long the substance has been abused, the amounts of substances that have been abused, and any other co-occurring mental health disorders that may also be present. The average treatment time is about 90 days.

6.   Behavioral therapies – including individual, family or group counseling – are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment. for everyone.

Behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT and EMDR are the most common forms of addiction treatment used to help understand the underlying causes of a patient’s addiction. Patients learn various coping skills to implement into their newly drug-free lives. These techniques include problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and replacing drug-using activities with more constructive and positive activities.

7.   Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.

Depending on the severity of the substance abuse and the types of drugs being abused, patients will often receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms. Medications used are generally categorized into two groups: taper medications and comfort medications. Taper medications can include Suboxone, Valium, and Lucemyra. Comfort medications can include Clonidine, Hydroxyzine and Propranolol.

8.   An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs.

Addiction treatment should be individualized, altered and adjusted as per the needs of the patient. Treatment plan intensity should be adjusted accordingly throughout the duration of their stay in rehab. Some patients may need a combination of treatments including various cognitive therapies, medical services and even social or legal services. Long-term continuing care is an important factor in the success of an individual’s recovery journey. 

9.   Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.

Individuals suffering from substance abuse often experience co-occurring mental health disorders. Because of this treatments should work to address both medical and psychological issues simultaneously through the appropriate medications or various therapies. 

10.   Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse.

Detoxification is only the first step in rehab and long-lasting sobriety. Medication management in addition to cognitive and behavioral therapies will greatly increase the probability of lasting recovery. Long-term addiction treatments teach patients skills, strategies and motives to improve their lives and live happily free of drugs and alcohol.  

11.   Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.

There are generally two types of treatments: voluntary and involuntary. Many times individuals, on their own accord, seek out alcohol abuse treatment and voluntarily welcome professional help. Other times, professional addiction treatment requirements can be a necessary path for individuals who are in denial and need support for long-term recovery.  

12.   Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.

During substance abuse rehab, a patient’s needs will constantly change throughout the duration of their stay. Consistent monitoring will allow medical providers the right information to adjust and re-adjust treatment care plans accordingly to achieve the best possible outcome for each patient. Continuous and close monitoring can also create an incentive for patients to make drastic changes and improve on their condition. 

13.   Treatment programs offer testing for infectious diseases if appropriate as well as provide targeted risk-reduction counseling, linking patients to treatment if necessary. 

Substance abuse treatment programs not only address drug-related issues, but issues related to infectious diseases. This is because drug-related activity and behavior can often lead to risk of infectious diseases. Testing and treatment for diseases is available to all patients if necessary along with the appropriate therapy and counseling to address how to reduce the risk of contracting such diseases.