Content
Treatment to stop using drugs should be started when the person has a chemical dependency that puts his life at risk and damages him and his family. The essential thing is that the person wants to stop using the drug and get treated, because willpower is the most important ingredient for the health team and family members to help to stop the addiction.
It may be indicated to look for a CAPS or an internment in a specialized clinic, which guarantee that during this period there is no contact with any drug, except for the drugs indicated for treatment. The hospitalization can be partial, that is to say only during the day, or full, where the person only leaves when he is completely recovered.
This type of treatment is indicated for people who use drugs that cause physical and / or psychological dependence, such as:
- Cocaine;
- Heroin;
- Crack;
- Marijuana;
- Ecstasy;
- LSD.
Hospitalization to treat drug addiction can happen voluntarily, when the person wants to start treatment, or it can be involuntary when family members make a request to the doctor to hospitalize the person against their will, especially when there is a high risk to her life and that of the people around her, however, involuntary hospitalizations have been less and less recommended and used.
Clinics specializing in the treatment of substance addiction can still help in the treatment of alcohol abuse, but in this case there are also other institutions aimed at those who consume alcoholic beverages and even support groups in the community, known as Alcoholics Anonymous, for example. See how treatment against alcohol abuse is done.
How is the treatment process
During the internment at the specialized clinic, the team of professionals works together to find the best combination of treatment for each case and, therefore, the process can change from one person to another. However, some of the most widely used forms of treatment include:
1. Drug Remedies
The drugs to treat drug addiction should be used only with supervision, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that the person can carry out the treatment correctly and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Initially, to combat "craving", which is the imminent desire to use the drug, anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, for example, can be used.
The drugs against drug use vary according to the drug causing the addiction:
- Marijuana: Fluoxetine and Buspirone, which try to reduce withdrawal symptoms;
- Cocaine: Topiramate and Modafinil, for example, although there are several drugs that can be used;
- Crack: Risperidone, Topiramate or Modafinil, which try to alleviate withdrawal symptoms;
- Heroin: Methadone and Naloxone, which act on the brain by altering the reward and pleasure system.
In addition to these, it is common for other antibiotic and antiviral drugs to be indicated to combat health problems that the user may have, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV or syphilis, for example.
2. Therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist
Although family support and help is very important and a fundamental part of treatment against drug addiction, monitoring by a psychologist or psychiatrist is also essential to help stop using it, as it offers useful tools for the person to avoid contact and consumption of drugs, in addition to helping the family, who learn how to live together and help the person to continue treatment.
In addition, when the user stops using drugs, he / she goes through a period of abstinence in which he / she faces strong feelings of anxiety and various emotional disorders and, therefore, it is important to ensure that there is psychological monitoring, so that the person can manage their emotions well without having to resort to drugs.
3. Changing behaviors
Another important factor in combating drug addiction is behavior change, as often the person's social reality makes him want to consume the drug, such as meeting with some friends who use drugs and going to places where he used drugs. To decrease the risk of relapse, a person needs to be instructed to change their lifestyle.
In addition, contact with even milder drugs and alcoholic beverages should be avoided, as they also increase the risk of relapse.
4. Drug use in controlled locations
Not always seen with good eyes, another form of treatment is the consumption of the drug in a specialized place, where the necessary tools are provided so that the consumption does not lead to the appearance of diseases.
Usually these places are available in other countries, but the person does not stop using drugs, nor does he start using smaller doses, he only consumes them in a clean place, where he can have immediate medical assistance if he overdoses.
Where to find free drug treatment
It is possible to access free treatment in several places in the country, but places are limited. Anyone who wants to be admitted to treat drug addiction should first seek guidance from their family doctor, who will recommend institutions that can help with treatment.
The Psychosocial Care Centers - CAPS are an example of government institutions that assist in the treatment of drugs. These centers are open every day throughout the day and have a team of general practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers.
The monitoring of dependents in these centers is daily and allows the individual to feel able to work and play again, thus strengthening their mental health.
One of the many advantages of the psychosocial care centers is to replace the patient's need for hospitalization, integrating it into the treatment itself, making him responsible for going daily to the CAPS in his municipality.
How long does recovery take
It is necessary to monitor the individual for at least 6 months, and it may take from 1 to 5 years to monitor the person, depending on adherence to the individual treatment plan.
In the first 6 months the treatment team tries to leave the person completely free of drugs, always working on several aspects to prevent a relapse, and so that the person can rebuild his life. In the following months, the monitoring aims to strengthen new attitudes and empowerment.
After that period the person may have a relapse, but the important thing is to persevere and move forward with the treatment. Sometimes, the person will still need a follow-up, having 2 or 3 consultations per year, for a long period.