- Treatment Alternatives
- A selection of regional treatment centres can be found at
- Addiction Today - Treatment Directory
- Treatment can be supplied by counsellors (educational, professional both medical and psychological), general practitioners and hospitals. They will offer a range of treatment alternatives, which may include:-
- Detoxification – Suddenly halting the use of an addictive substance e.g. alcohol or drugs, can result in emotional and physical withdrawal. Medical detoxification, or “detox” is occasionally utilised as a treatment option.
- De-tox is a physician aided step by step process where an addictive substance, is actively withdrawn from the addicts body. Depending upon the addictive substance, medications with in-patient care may help to control various withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium and shaking. E.g. Alcohol addiction is often treated with benzodiazepines, carbamazepine and clonidine. Tranquilizers may also be used with outpatient care. Cocaine which
- is often associated with depression and anxiety, can be treated with antidepressant drugs.
- De-tox, when combined with a recovery program, can play a significant role in the improving the overall health of the patient.
Inpatient / Outpatient Services – Inpatient services like de-tox may be available at hospitals and residential treatment centres, and are believed to result in relatively quick recovery. The latter is only possible, when the patient is carefully monitored to ensure that no addictive substances are used during treatment.- Outpatient services are performed in private, or via central/locally funded treatment centres. This option is less expensive and intrusive on day-to-day life (especially with those continuing in employment). Outpatient care is most effective in situations where support is well planned and where the addict takes full advantage of the help provided.
Nutrition - Unfortunately, good nutrition habits are often neglected by addicts, regardless of whether the substance is alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc. In order to improve and addicts overall health (mental and physical), good nutrition is taught and supplements are often encouraged.
Retreats / Rehabs - There is a wide variety of rehabilitation centres, the purpose of which is to aid recovery and healing programs. Options include rehabs for Teens, Christian-based Programs, Executives, Gay & Lesbian Programs, Prescription Addiction, Residential Treatment and Intervention programs.
Intervention - Another popular recovery tool is Intervention.
