Admitting to having a problem is first step before detox

When it comes to drug abuse treatments, there are often certain stages that an individual has to progress through in order to maximise their chances of success in the long term.  Admitting to having a problem is the first and most important step alongside deciding to get help, following this, a detox programme is often next, then a formal rehabilitation period, and then after this it's often down to the individual to choose where they will progress next. 

Unfortunately, after the set stages of rehab treatment, people often feel at a loss of how to proceed, and despite the fact that an individual may have performed exceptionally during treatment, and make huge strides towards long term sobriety, in the real world, even the smallest set back can lead to relapse, and this can be a serious downfall for many. 

Trying to find ways to reduce levels of relapse is often the focus of researchers, and they have investigated virtually every avenue, from how others affect outcomes, to how location may play a role.  But some of the newest developments in this area are looking at how pharmaceuticals may be able to help encourage long term sobriety, and prevent relapse (Yahyavi-Firouz-Abadi, & See, 2009).

Researchers anticipate that medications may be able to help people in the initial stages, helping to control cravings and physical urges that may be difficult to defeat otherwise, and as an individual progresses in their recovery, eventually they would be weaned off the medications, and hopefully feel confident in not turning to drugs in the future.  Although this approach may not suit everybody, for those who would benefit, it could mean the difference between success and relapse, and may allow them the chance to rebuild their lives and begin living a more fulfilling drug free existence.

Yahyavi-Firouz-Abadi, N., & See, R.  (2009).  Anti-relapse medications: Preclinical models for drug addiction treatment.  Pharmacological therapies, 124, 235-247. 

Published by on 25/01/2020.