If you are wondering whether drug addiction treatment focuses on physical or mental health, the answer is that the best results come from focusing on both through a holistic approach to treatment. Drug addiction is most certainly a physical condition. Drug addiction greatly affects the health of the entire body in a variety of negative ways. From severe issues like heart and liver ailments to over-arching issues like fatigue, dehydration, lack of motivation, and exhaustion, drug addiction comes with plenty of physical symptoms. However, treating the physical symptoms of drug addiction alone doesn’t fully address the underlying problems that contribute to drug addiction. A dual-diagnosis approach also focuses on treating the mental health aspects of addiction.
A Dual-Diagnosis Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment
We believe in treating both the mental and physical symptoms of drug abuse and addiction. Our team consists of physicians, nurses, licensed counselors and caseworkers that work hand-in-hand to holistically approach and treat drug abuse and addiction. Additionally, a treatment model that focuses on physical and mental health increases the likelihood of a lasting recovery through an understanding of addiction.
Physical Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment
The physical symptoms of drug abuse are the most dangerous. The initial phase of stopping the use of drugs is called withdrawal. This is a very dangerous period where the body is first introduced to life without drugs in the system, leading to a shock as the body attempts to readjust and heal itself. Withdrawal period varies in each individual and will depend on things such as:
- Type of substance that was abused
- Length of time abusing the substance and volume of substance taken
- Tolerance built up to the substance
- Method of intake of the substance
- The individual’s overall physical and mental health
- Family history and underlying medical conditions
For example, someone who has drunk alcohol daily for a period of several years and has a family history of addiction and is also suffering from depression will likely have a longer period of withdrawal and will likely experience stronger symptoms than someone who has used a smaller amount over the span of several months.
Symptoms of withdrawal can last anywhere from three days to a period of several weeks. Symptoms tend to start within the first 24 hours that the last dose of drugs or alcohol is taken. Withdrawal should always be monitored under the care and guidance of a medical professional. Based on the presentation of symptoms, specific medications are often used by medical professionals to treat the symptoms and lessen the potentially harmful effects.
The majority of withdrawal symptoms present during the acute or initial phase of the withdrawal process may include:
- Tremors and shaking
- Anxiety and tension
- Inability to sleep or disturbed sleeping patterns
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations and/or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches and migraines
- Hypertension
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- Trouble concentrating
More serious withdrawal side effects can occur, some of which can be life-threatening symptoms. This is another reason why withdrawal should always be monitored closely under the care of a medical professional in a supervised facility.
Mental Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment
An integrated treatment that centers on both the physical and mental aspects of addiction have been proven to have the greatest recovery outcomes and a lower chance of relapse in the future. People who struggle with addiction offer struggle with mental health issues ranging from depression to underlying past issues that haven’t been dealt with properly. Additionally, during the path of addiction, many people find themselves in a progressive decline in overall life performance. Many people see a decline in their work or school performance, failure to meet obligations or deadlines, and an overall lack of focus on daily activities. All of these issues are dealt with as part of a dual-diagnosis approach to treating addiction.
Our team includes not only medical professionals, but we also have a highly experienced staff of licensed therapists, counselors specializing in addiction treatment, caseworkers, and client advocates. This segment of our team works very closely with our team of medical professionals to create a holistic plan of care. Additionally, each person who walks through our doors receives a plan of care that is tailored specifically to their personal issues with addiction and any other underlying issues that may be present. We know that no two people have the same struggle with addiction.
Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is a difficult thing to overcome. A dual-diagnosis approach to treating addiction and the issues that led to the abuse of drugs or alcohol has been shown to provide the best results. Our counselors are available for your 24 hours a day. Call 302-842-2390 to speak to someone today.
