Short explanation of the prevalent treatment methods

DETOX Treatment focuses on augmenting the withdrawal process by suppressing the urge temporarily and purifying the body from drugs by using various chemicals. Patient is kept in an unnatural environment (in a special medical facility). Link: http://www.hbo.com/addiction/treatment/39_what_is_detox.html

MEDICATION TREATMENT Patient is treated with medicines (methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine and alike) which either try to balance the chemicals in the brain or appease the urge by giving a substitute Link: http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html

COUNSELING PROGRAMS Patient is led through cognitive therapy, multidimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing, motivational incentives and other similar programs Link: http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html

HYPNO-THERAPY Focus is on reinforcing behavioral changes and helping the patient cope with stresses through self induced hypnosis or hypnosis induced by a certified hypnotherapist. Link: http://www.beatingaddictions.co.uk/HypnosisForAnAddiction.html

12-STEP PROGRAMS In addition to counseling support and support therapy, this treatment is also focused on relying on God and asking for His help in the process. Also it focuses on enabling the patient independently work on reducing one’s defects in personality and making amends for the wrongdoings. The person is also motivated to help others. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program

SPIRITUAL HEALING PROGRAMS Focus is on specific spiritual measures including specific energy chants and applying spiritual treatment materials onto oneself Link: http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/addiction