Effective De-Addiction Treatment: Things a GP must know

Abstract

Addiction is a disease and in addition to stopping substance abuse, the goal of treatment is to return people to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. Effective de-addiction treatment consists of medically supervised detoxification, psychotherapy session as per the stage of recovery, psychoeducation to client and family, comorbidity assessment and intervention and at last relapse prevention and continuous care plan. Addiction is relapse prone. Relapse doesn’t mean that the treatment failed and/or the client lacks motivation. It only suggests that some tailor-made recovery activities need to be re-designed. Evidence-based practices and medicines along with psychotherapy help clients maintain their recovery. Empathic, open and unconditional medical & psychological services can definitely make a huge difference in the lives of people suffering from substance abuse.