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Learn the ins and outs of addiction treatment

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Learn the ins and outs of addiction treatment

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Group therapy

Addiction is a form of compulsive behaviour, the symptom of which is a strong desire to consume a particular drug or perform an activity. There are many types of addiction (including alcohol, drugs, gambling and the internet). There is no precise definition that defines the problem of addiction. Still, many people find out after the fact that someone close to them has fallen into addiction. Find out what treatment is and where to seek help.

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Table of contents:

  1. Addictions - characteristics
  2. Addiction- types and treatment
  3. Addiction - where to find help
  4. Advice centre
  5. Day centre
  6. A drop-in centre
  7. Hospital

Addiction is the disease of civilisation in the 21st century. It is difficult to say where the source of this affliction lies. In fact, one can become addicted to anything. The most common addiction is to alcohol.

Important! Statistics show that almost 80 million people are addicted to alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Addictions - characteristics

Addiction is categorised as a disease entity characterised by difficulties in normal mental, physical and social functioning.

Important! In the majority of cases, the person affected by addiction is unaware of his or her addiction, the consequence of which is a lot of damage (affects mental and physical health).

A patient who has fallen into addiction acts in a standard way. The need to obtain a substance or perform an activity is constantly increasing, resulting in the need to spend more time and resources.

There are many reasons for reaching for stimulants. Among the most common are:

  • financial difficulties,
  • problems at work,
  • problems at home,
  • low self-esteem,
  • lack of understanding of their surroundings,
  • inability to relate to peers.

Addictions - types and treatment

There are two types of addiction:

1.Physical (physiological) - the disease is manifested by an uncontrollable desire to consume a substance that the addict believes is the only cure for getting rid of any pain (including headaches, joint pain), as well as insomnia problems.

When the patient stops using the substance, certain symptoms worsen. In addition, other symptoms appear (e.g. vomiting, feeling cold). Physically addictive substances include:

  • alcohol,
  • drugs,
  • nicotine,
  • drugs (sleeping pills, psychotropic drugs).

The treatment of this type of addiction is based on the principle of detoxification (detoxification) of the patient. Afterwards, the patient is given drugs (among others, derivatives of the drug taken), which are designed to alleviate the effects of drug withdrawal, thus reducing the amount of the addictive substance.

2.Psychological - this addiction manifests itself as an increased, acquired need to use a substance or perform a specific activity. Failure to fulfil this "need" results in severe physiological consequences. Specific features of addiction include:

  • the need to acquire and increase addictive substances,
  • weakened willpower,
  • chronic, unremitting need to consume addictive substances or to perform an activity,
  • deception and justification of addiction.

Important! There is no effective method to fully cure this type of addiction - psychotherapy is the basis. The disease can be calmed down and some behaviours can be reduced (not removed completely).

Addiction - where to look for help

Treatment for addiction is not only based on pharmacology and medical care. An extremely important therapeutic measure to 'cope' with addiction - is therapy. There are many different therapeutic facilities, both closed and open, to help addicts.

The patient and his or her relatives can receive psychiatric care and addiction treatment (depending on their needs and state of health) at the following facilities within the framework of the National Health Fund:

Outpatient clinic

The patient does not need a referral if he or she decides to seek help from a psychiatric specialist at this facility. In the case of a psychologist or psychotherapist, a referral is required, which is issued by the health insurance doctor.

At the mental health clinic, the patient can, among other things:

  • seek advice from a psychiatrist,
  • psychological advice and diagnosis,
  • receive psychotherapy sessions.

In justified cases, the patient is entitled to a free home visit by a psychiatrist (psychologist or nurse). If necessary, free sanitary transport is also available.

Important! Examinations in connection with psychiatric treatment provided under the NHF contract are free of charge. The provider may not charge additional fees. An exception is the charge provided for in separate regulations.

In the addiction treatment centre, people addicted to, among other things, alcohol, gambling are treated.

Important! Treatment of patients who have not given their consent takes place on the basis of a referral from the municipal commission for solving alcohol problems or a court decision.

Addictions, Addiction-treatment, Types-of-addictionAlcohol addiction, photo: shutterstock

Day centre

People who cannot be treated in an outpatient centre are treated in this type of facility. They do not require a permanent stay in hospital. During treatment the patient is provided with:

  • necessary diagnostic tests,
  • specialist consultations.
  • necessary medicines,
  • medical devices,
  • food,
  • therapeutic services (psychotherapy),
  • rehabilitation.

The patient's family is provided with educational and counselling activities.

Reception room

The patient is guaranteed emergency assistance around the clock. This includes diagnostic and therapeutic assistance. If the patient needs to continue specialist treatment, medical cover and transport are provided.

Hospital

Patients requiring continuous care and observation are treated in the facility. The patient is admitted to hospital on the basis of a referral from a health insurance doctor, private practice or by court order.

Admission to hospital requires the written consent of the patient. In the case of a minor or an incapacitated person, the process takes place with the written consent of their legal representative.

Important! In cases of emergency, a person with a mental disorder may be admitted to a facility without the required referral (after examination by a doctor of the emergency room).

In the course of treatment, the patient is provided with, among other things:

  • necessary diagnostic examinations,
  • specialist consultations,
  • preventive services,
  • therapeutic services (including psychotherapy).

The patient's family, as in the case of the day centre, is guaranteed educational and consultative activities.

Important! It is important to remember that specialised treatment will not have the desired effect if the patient does not want to quit. Support from loved ones is essential in therapy.