All drug addiction rehabs usually progress through the same phases of treatment. However, certain customizations can be incorporated within the individual recovery plan based on the type of drug being abused. Each category of drugs comes with its own set of complications and symptoms therefore the therapist is recommended to focus on the specific characteristics of a certain type of drug while maintaining the basic phases of rehab.
These specific characteristics are discussed below with reference to each type. Commonly used drugs can be categorized into seven major types based on their unique effects: Stimulants, Depressants, Opioids, Inhalants, Hallucinogens, Cannabis , and Dissociatives. It is important to note, whatever the type of drug may be each can lead to severe psychological and physical health issues negatively affecting interpersonal relationships and other important areas of life.
As mentioned before, the basic phases of rehab remain the same for all mentioned categories of drugs ranging from detoxification, abstinence, and rehabilitation to ongoing recovery. Cognitive behavior therapy, Motivation Enhancement Therapy, and Contingency management techniques are commonly used treatment options for managing drug abuse triggers and underlying causes.
Therapists need to identify the uniqueness each individual brings to rehab and their recovery program must be tailored accordingly. For example, those addicted to depressants must be encouraged to identify and deal with their stressors instead of escaping from them. While others addicted to drugs such as hallucinogens must definitely be medicated at first. Therefore, even if the path towards recovery varies for each drug and each individual there is always a healthier way out!