How addiction is treated: stages of treatment

Treatment for an addiction rests on two essential pillars: pharmacological treatment and psychological treatment. The two approaches complement each other to address the causes and consequences of substance use in a comprehensive way.

Pharmacological treatment is especially useful during the first phase of detoxification, helping the person stop using more comfortably and in a controlled way, avoiding withdrawal symptoms. It also helps to eliminate the substance from the body, reduce craving (an intense desire to use), prevent relapse, stabilise mood and treat any associated psychiatric disorders. For people with a long history of use that has seriously affected the central nervous system, psychopharmacological support is highly recommended.

For its part, psychological treatment helps the person to understand the origin and function of their use, identify the factors that trigger it and develop new skills to face life without resorting to substances. Through therapy, work is done on motivation for change, emotional management and relapse prevention, enabling a solid and lasting recovery.

Addiction treatment is divided into 4 phases:

Detoxification:

Detoxification is not always necessary in every case of addiction. Whether it is advisable should be assessed by a specialist doctor, taking into account the doses used, the type of substance and the person’s state of health. This process can be carried out on an outpatient basis, at home under medical supervision and with the support of a responsible family member, or by admission to a hospital unit when closer monitoring is required. During this phase, treatment is exclusively pharmacological, aimed at eliminating the substance from the body and reducing withdrawal symptoms safely.

Recovery phase

The recovery phase can take place on an outpatient or residential basis and is a key step in the recovery process. At this stage, the person becomes aware of their dependence on alcohol or other drugs, analyses the role that substance use has played in their life and prepares to maintain abstinence. To do so, they gain knowledge about drug dependence and learn training techniques that support change. During this phase, the situations, habits and behaviours that carry a high risk of relapse are identified and replaced with strategies that promote abstinence. The person is also trained in problem-solving, anxiety management, impulse control and relapse prevention. Control mechanisms and safety barriers are also put in place, such as controlling money, the use of alcohol-deterrent medication or periodic laboratory tests, in order to maintain stability and strengthen commitment to recovery.

Rehabilitation

The reintegration or rehabilitation phase focuses on changing the behaviours that were altered during the course of drug dependence, covering the individual, family and social spheres. At this stage, the person consolidates and puts into practice the strategies learned during the recovery phase, applying them in everyday life to strengthen their recovery.
Gradually, control barriers begin to be reduced in order to check that abstinence is being maintained steadily, thus promoting autonomy, self-confidence and full social reintegration.

Reintegration

The final phase of addiction treatment aims at the full reintegration of the person into community life. At this point in the process, the individual is prepared to take up an active, participatory role in work, social and family life, strengthening their autonomy and sense of belonging. During this stage, it is verified that the strategies acquired are consolidated and that the risk of relapse is minimal, thus ensuring a stable and lasting recovery that allows a healthy, balanced life without substance use.

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How is an addiction treated?