Some Facts On Opiate Addiction Treatment Georgia Patients Need To Have

By Mark Jackson


Opiates are among the most commonly abused drugs worldwide. They are also among those that cause the highest levels of addictions as evidenced by the increased relapses among patients that have undergone addiction therapy. In spite of this, an equally high number of people have been able to free themselves from these substances thanks to their strong will and strong social support. There are several things on opiate addiction treatment Georgia patients need to understand.

The treatment modalities of opiate addiction are in two major groups: pharmacological drugs and behavioral therapies. Both of these methods are effective and as a matter of fact they are often used alongside each other. Commonly, drugs are used first to manage the intensive phase of treatment and the behavioral interventions introduced later as a complementary intervention. The therapy itself is divided into three major phases.

The first step is where the addict is required to completely cease from using these substances. This is also known as chemical withdrawal or detoxification. This has to be carried out in a medical facility under close supervision of medical personnel. The stage is characterized by a number of withdrawal symptoms that are variable. They include, among others, depression, nausea, muscular pains and shaking 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 third and final step of therapy is the maintenance stage. This is the long term plan of management and starts as soon as one is released from the inpatient facility. It may last for months or years depending on the response that is exhibited by the recovering addict. The patient will be required to make regular clinic visits for assessment on their progressive. Treatment approaches may be changed or modified during such visits.

Behavioral therapy remains the main form of treatment during the maintenance stage. The aim of this stage is to cement the gains that have been made in the other stages and to discourage relapse. Social support is important here since the patient will be spending more time with their relatives than with their healthcare providers.




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