Diagnosing a substance abuse disorder requires the help of a professional, whether it’s a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. It will require testing to assess the usage of drugs. These tests, however, cannot be regarded as diagnostic tests to determine the extent of addiction. But these tests are definitely very useful in keeping a track not just of the treatment given, but also the associated recovery.

Even though there is no cure for substance use disorder, this article discusses the alternate means of treating the disorder. These measures will help a person overcome addiction. The treatment will be based on the drug that was being used. In order to avoid any relapse, a follow-up in the long term becomes a necessity.

1. Detoxification
The prime aim of detoxification is also known as withdrawal therapy that enables a person to avoid the usage of addictive drugs as soon and as safely as possible. On an outpatient basis, opting for withdrawal therapy may be safe for a few patients. But there are others who may need to be admitted to a residential treatment center or a hospital. Withdrawing from the various categories of drugs like opioids, stimulants, or depressants can cause various types of side effects and several types of approaches are needed. A detox may include a slow reduction in the dosage of the drug, or other substances may be substituted on a temporary basis.

2. Drug treatment program
Behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy, is included in the drug treatment program. The patient might receive counseling from an alcohol and drug counselor. The counseling and therapy can be performed on a group, a family, or just a single individual. In this treatment, the counselor or therapist can address any other mental health condition. They can recommend means by which drugs can be avoided and thereby prevent the case from relapsing.

Additionally, the counselor can involve members of the family so that they can develop better communication skills and be supportive. The counselor can also help in developing means by which one can manage the craving of drugs, discuss issues related to the patient’s job, and relationships with friends and family, and also suggest ways through which the patient is able to handle the situation if the case relapses.

Many self-help support groups do make use of the twelve-step model that was first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. Narcotics Anonymous is a self-help support group that helps people addicted to drugs. The message of such groups is that addiction is also considered as a chronic disorder where there is a possibility of relapse. Such groups can reduce the feeling of being ashamed and isolated in the mind of the patient. The licensed counselor or therapist will help the patient to find a self-help support group.