by Virginia Gaces

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: April 12, 2011

Drug addiction is undoubtedly one of the major concerns of society because it does not only affect the person with the addictive behavior but also those around him.

The first treatment that we commonly resort to with this problem is to bring the person to a rehabilitation clinic. Rehabilitation clinics may not always be good for everyone. There are treatment options for drug addiction that you should be aware of:

1. Meditation

One common cause of addiction is stress and peer pressure. In meditation, stress is relieved through breathing exercises and mind-body intervention. According to Walton and Levitsky, "Meditation had been effective in reducing the use of addictive substances (marijuana, cocaine, etc) because of the biochemical and physiologic effects of meditation on serotonin and cortisol levels."

Serotonin is a substance that transmits and controls emotions while cortisol on the other hand, is stimulated by stress.

Meditation lowers these substances thereby reducing stress and anger, or over excitability. This; however, should be done under the auspices of a trained guru or an expert.

2. Relaxation

This is easier to do than meditation because of the danger of tapping in the consciousness of a psychotic mind. With relaxation, this danger is excluded. Progressive relaxation is easy top adapt and perform but the patient has to feel comfortable with it and believe in its ability to "cure" him.

There are many types of relaxation therapy like the Jacobson's relaxation therapy and Wolpe's abbreviated progressive relaxation therapy to name a few. Both focus on the relaxation of muscles in groups within 2-3 sessions or as needed.

Since relaxation acts on the autonomous nervous system, this will reduce the person's need for the substance of abuse. Just like meditation serotonin and cortisol are involved in reducing cravings for the addictive substance.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by puncturing with a needle or applying pressure to focal points in the body. A puncture to the auricle of the ear would detoxify the body and would reduce the need for the substance of addiction.

4. Renew connection with your spirituality

When a person is deeply religious, his faith would prompt him to stop the use of drugs or of any substance of abuse. This is because most religions frown upon addiction. Belonging to a supportive religious congregation will also be of great help for an addict to change for the better.

Researches have been done about the power of prayer therapy on drug addiction and results had proved to be promising.

These treatment options should be considered when dealing with addiction. Treatment is a very personal process. You can never tell when one method could be best for a particular person.

Reference

Mosby's Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach, 2001

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