The primary goal of drug addiction treatment is to help a person with addiction stop using their drug of choice. Once this occurs, treatment transitions into helping these individuals remain drug-free by taking the steps needed to prevent a relapse. But how effective is drug addiction treatment for achieving these goals? The answer to this question depends, in part, on how effectiveness is measured.
Measuring Effectiveness of drug rehabs in Ventura County
Effective drug rehabs in Ventura County has to do more than stop a person from using drugs and help them remain drug-free. It must also achieve three additional goals, which are:.
To become a productive member of their family.
To contribute within the workplace.
To participate positively in society as a whole.
Therefore, to measure drug addiction treatment effectiveness, abstinence is not the only factor to be considered. The improved ability of the person to function at home, work, and in the community needs to be reviewed as well. We must look at their quality of life.
Whether a drug rehabs in Ventura County is effective can also potentially be measured by its ability to reduce criminal behaviors as the two are often associated.1 So, there are many facets to consider when deciding whether a specific treatment actually works. Drug Treatment program Results
. NIDA research shows that drug addiction relapse, regardless of treatment method, is fairly common at 40% to 60%. Though, patients being treated for physical conditions, such as hypertension and asthma, relapse more often, or 50% to 70% of the time.2.
This suggests that drug treatment programs are equally as effective, if not more so, than many of the health-based programs used to help patients better manage other health conditions. How do individual therapy options fare?
Effectiveness of Medications for Reducing Addiction.
Medications may be prescribed during drug rehabs in Ventura County. These are generally provided to either help manage drug withdrawal symptoms or to treat underlying conditions that may be contributing to the addiction, such as anxiety or depression.
For example, methadone is a drug that can be prescribed to people recovering from addiction to heroin, opioids, and other prescription pain-relievers. One study notes that this treatment is effective for reducing drug use and, ultimately, improving quality of life.
Workplace-Based Drug Addiction Therapies.
Some employers offer their staff access to drug addiction treatments in the workplace. One study reviewed eight clinical trials involving the use of this type of therapy and found that these programs can be effective for helping people obtain and maintain drug recovery.
Complementary and Alternative Drug Treatments.
Some drug treatment therapies fall under the category of complementary and alternative. Acupuncture is one that has been found beneficial for treating depression and anxiety. Though, its ability to treat drug addiction is somewhat mixed.
The reason for this is that vaccines stop drugs from passing the blood/brain barrier. In turn, this prevents people from getting the "high" they typically obtain from the drug. So, this option needs to be explored further before deciding its safety and effectiveness.
