Overcome the– double demons Substance abuse and depression

As opposed to popular belief substance abuse and alcoholism cannot be strictly classified as a social problem, neither can you shun people with this condition to be morally weak. Addiction is a brain disease that is characterized by chronic or often relapsing behavior, wherein the subject suffers from compulsive drug/alcohol seeking conduct.

This is a delicate condition that needs to be handled with care and proper guidance. Medical science advises a holistic approach to rehabilitating patients. If you are worried about a friend or someone you know, it’s important to understand that help is available. There are several professional programs conducted by experienced medical practitioners/organizations that help patients overcome this condition. The treatment method basically deals with a thorough understanding of the nature of the drug abuse. It would cover various aspects like how the tendency develops, the various symptoms and why it has such a powerful hold on the patient.

Another challenge to treating substance abuse is dual diagnosis and chronic relapse. Addiction is a brain disease; continuous substance abuse causes drastic changes in the structure and function of the brain. Though use of drugs and alcohol is initiated voluntarily by individuals, over time the brain begins to function differently resulting in an intense impulse to take drugs repeatedly.

These very changes in the structural and functional aspects of the brain make it even more challenging to overcome addiction. It affects an individual’s self-control and the ability to make rational decisions. That is why it’s important to understand addiction as a whole and provide an integrated approach to treating the condition. The patient would require all the support and care from his/her family and friends to battle this disease. Treatment centers focus on both behavioral therapies and on counteracting the disruptive effects of addiction. 

As per the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study conducted by the National Institute on Health one-third of individuals diagnosed with depression had a comorbid substance abuse disorder. Rehabilitation centers now deal with dual diagnosis and chronic relapse as integral facets of their professional program.  Treatment approaches today vary depending on individual patient requirements that cover the patient’s addiction pattern, other medical conditions as well as psychiatric and social problems that have a role in the patient’s recovery.

There are several misconceptions that revolve around addiction and its treatment. Most people assume that overcoming addiction wholly depends on the will power of the patient. But the significant changes in the brain that drug abuse results in, cannot be reversed by sheer force of will. That is exactly why it is important to treat patients as early as possible. The recovery process is better when diagnosed early because - the stronger the addiction, the more difficult it is to treat. Another popular myth is that the patient wouldn’t recover, unless he /she voluntarily want help.  This is not at all true, as when the patient is under the influence of drugs/alcohol they are unable to judge or make rational decisions. But once the treatment begins and they sober-up, most of them realize that it is eventually for their good.

Another frequently discussed issue is that of Relapse. Most friends and relatives of the patient don’t always respond well to relapses. It is important to understand that recovery from drug addiction is a long process that involves several setbacks. Research shows that 54 percent of patients are expected relapse. Also of the patients susceptible to relapse 61 percent would show multiple periods of relapse. During treatment relapse should be seen as a symptom of drug abuse as it is preventable. Social adjustment is key to preventing chronic relapse and the patient should be put back on treatment under such circumstances. Relapse should not be seen as a failure but as a signal to reinstate treatment.

Professional programs that most rehabilitation centers provide encompass different approaches to treating addiction. Most of them have separate Inpatient Addiction and Alcoholism treatment and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Some establishments also provide employee assistance programs to incorporate treatment methods without disrupting your profession and professional life. These centers tailor a healing therapy that takes into account dual diagnosis and chronic relapse to ensure superior medical care and guidance.