Liquid Ecstasy Addiction Help & Treatment

You may have come across liquid ecstasy in the past without even realising it because of its other names.

Ecstasy is often referred to as other names such Molly, MDMA, Mandy, E, Eve, and much more. Officially, liquid ecstasy is known as Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB.

In the United Kingdom, liquid ecstasy is often used when people are consuming other drugs and alcohol, and it is used especially in nightclubs and bars. Because of this, it is known as a “party drug”.

In addition to it being used in environments which are not necessarily unsafe, but are undeniably disorderly and eventful, people often mix liquid ecstasy with other substances which is called polydrug use.

Mixing different substances with liquid ecstasy can cause a range of physical and mental problems for its users.

Furthermore, liquid ecstasy is often referred to or even used as the “rape drug”. This is because this illicit drug not only lowers inhibitions in users, it can cause loss of consciousness if people consume it in excessive quantities.

Often, people who use this drug use it to “spike” someone, where they contaminate their drink with this substance without them knowing, in order to make someone become vulnerable enough to perform acts deemed as sexual assault.

Not only do people “spike” others in order to perform acts of sexual assault, but they may also use it as an opportunity to rob them or even murder them.

From 2014 to 2018, it was estimated that there were over 120 deaths in England and Wales due to liquid ecstasy.

While deaths directly related to ecstasy may not be as high as deaths related to other substances such as alcohol, heroin, or cocaine, for example, 2018 saw 92 deaths related to MDMA (a form of ecstasy) in England and Wales.

However, while liquid ecstasy may be detected in the post-mortem analysis of deceased people, it is not routinely tested for in hospitals if people are intoxicated.

Clearly, liquid ecstasy is a dangerous substance and harms people who consume it willingly and unwillingly.

Furthermore, it is believed that ecstasy in both solid and liquid forms is the most commonly consumed stimulant in the United Kingdom.

A study conducted by the United Kingdom Government discovered that around 1.6% of adults admitted to consuming ecstasy in the previous year.

When the study narrowed down the demographic to people in the 16 to 24 age range, the percentage of ecstasy users increased to almost 5%.

This was almost a 3% increase from 5 years before. The percentage of 15-year-olds who are also ecstasy users increased to 6% in England in the year 2018.

Long-Term Symptoms of Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

While it is used in order to replicate feelings of euphoria and happiness, there is a range of long-term physical and mental health problems associated with this psychoactive drug.

Frequent and heavy consumption of liquid ecstasy can lead to a wide range of health complications, some of which are reversible and others which may pose lasting damage.

Long-Term Psychological Complications Due to Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

When someone consumes this psychoactive substance, it produces a range of chemicals in the brain which in turn lets its user experience its effects. Some of these chemicals in the brain include:

Dopamine: This is a ‘feel good’ chemical in the brain which is released when people experience things which are pleasurable, such as exercising, socialising, sexual intercourse, and so on. However, consuming intoxicating substances can increase dopamine production in the short term, but this can lead to a range of long-term mental health problems.
Serotonin: This is another ‘feel good’ chemical which can improve the temporary happiness of its users. It can lead to other effects such as empathy, openness, arousal, emotional openness, and more.

While increasing the production of these chemicals may not seem like such a bad thing, it can cause long-term mental health problems because there will be significant deficiencies in these chemicals.

Frequently consuming this drug in order to produce chemicals which mimic pleasure will lead to a diminished natural ability to produce these chemicals.

In turn, people who frequently consume these substances and those who are addicted to liquid ecstasy may develop mental issues such as anxiety disorder or clinical depression.

Chemical imbalances in the brain can also exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression which already exist in patients.

Other studies also indicate that the recreational use of ecstasy (in whatever form) can produce potent neurotoxic effects (which alter the brain and central nervous system).

Not only can it lead to an anxiety disorder or depression, but it can also lead to many different forms of cognitive decline because of how it affects the hippocampus, an area of the temporal lobe of the brain.

The user’s memorisation will be severely compromised, as will the person’s ability to sleep quality. Furthermore, they may also experience a severe detriment in their ability to process their emotions, which will exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Long-Term Physical Complications Due to Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

While it is a psychoactive drug, there are physical health complications which are associated with liquid ecstasy use and addiction.

In addition to the chemicals released in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin, ecstasy consumption also released a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine is a chemical which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure.

Frequent and excessive ecstasy consumption can especially be problematic for patients who already have heart problems such as an elevated heart rate, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, blood vessel problems, and more.

This is particularly a problem if people are mixing ecstasy with substances such as alcohol which can increase the heart rate of its users. While alcohol is a depressant, ecstasy is a stimulant.

This presents the brain and central nervous system with different and contradicting messages which can lead to a range of problems. Polydrug use, especially with stimulants and depressants, can lead to heart attacks, stroke, cardiac arrests, and more.

Intervention for Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

It is not uncommon at all to find that someone who is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction is unwilling to seek treatment.

There are multiple reasons why someone may be reluctant to seek treatment. One person may be unwilling to accept the fact that they are suffering from an addiction, and another may not even realise that their lifestyle and patterns are one of an addicted person.

Another person may understand that they are suffering from a drug or an alcohol addiction, however, they may simply resist any given support because they are fearful or sceptical about the rehabilitation process.

Trying to convince someone to undergo a professional treatment programme can become confrontational and conflicting if both parties cannot agree. Because of this, an intervention is sometimes needed.

Rehab Recovery can help friends and family members guide their loved ones into recovery by hiring an interventionist. An effective interventionist can help with a range of issues and stages in order to initiate someone’s journey into recovery.

A professional and licensed interventionist will carefully plan the intervention in a way where it will benefit the addicted person and prevent any further conflict from taking place. Many participants, such as close friends, family members, and potentially work colleagues who have a close relationship with the addicted person, will take part in the intervention.

The interventionist may prevent members who have a negative influence on the addicted person’s life and recovery.

During the intervention, close friends and family members will have the opportunity to share their honest thoughts and feelings, as well as how their loved one’s addiction is affecting them, in a non-confrontational and non-judgemental environment.

The purpose of an intervention is to guide the loved one into treatment, it is not to create confrontation. For someone to enter rehab, they must do it voluntarily.

Therefore, the purpose of an intervention is to help subjects understand why they should enter rehab and undergo professional treatment.

As a result, they will seek treatment from a professional drug and alcohol rehab.

A professional interventionist is necessary in order to convince someone to seek treatment.

An intervention organised without the help of a professional will not only miss out on crucial aspects of intervention plans but may also lead to conflict.

Additionally, friends and family members may not understand what action to take should their intervention fail. A professional interventionist will help with stages such as:

Coordinating dates, time, and location: While a simple aspect, the interventionist will coordinate with the participants in order to create a suitable place and time for the interventionist to take place.
Creating an intervention team: The interventionist will gather participants who are close to the addicted person and can have a positive impact on the addicted person. The interventionist may prevent particular participants who negatively impact the addicted person’s life.
Forming an intervention plan: The interventionist will prepare a structured intervention plan which will consider many of the aspects, whether logistical or what the participants will say about their loved one during the intervention.
Collecting the necessary information: The interventionist will need to understand the personal history of the addicted person in order to facilitate the interventionist effectively. Additionally, the interventionist will educate participants about the rehabilitation process in order to help them understand what their loved one will go through.
Encouraging written statements and rehearsals: It can be complicated trying to articulate your thoughts and feelings. The interventionist will encourage written statements and rehearsals in order to help the participants prepare for the time in which they share their thoughts and feelings with their addicted loved ones.
Establish boundaries: While the friends and family members of the loved one need to be supportive in order to help their recovery, they will also need to establish boundaries in order to allow their loved one to realise why they need to change. Catering for a loved one (in some ways) who keeps consuming their addictive substance can even enable them to continue their consumption.
Plan for rejection: Statistically, around 80% to 90% of interventions are effective in convincing someone to seek addiction treatment at rehab. While it may be incredibly effective, we cannot rule out the possibility of the addicted person rejecting treatment. In the event of a rejection, a professional interventionist will plan accordingly in order to determine the necessary steps to help the addicted person.
Offer ongoing support: Not only does the addicted person need help, but the family will also be in need of counselling and support in order to cope with their loved one’s addiction. Additionally, they will need to understand the rehabilitation process and what is needed from them in order to optimise their loved one’s recovery once they have recovered from their addiction and are maintaining their sobriety.

A highly popularised method of intervention is CRAFT intervention. CRAFT, which stands for Community Reinforcement and Family Training, is popular because of its emphasis on the wellness of the family involved in someone’s addiction.

It offers family counselling as well as workshops on building knowledge and skills on the subject of addiction, and it encourages a healthy and non-confrontational style of intervention.

The Admissions Process

In order to be admitted into a drug and alcohol rehab and begin your professional treatment plan, you can contact Rehab Recovery by dialling the number 0800 088 66 86 from the United Kingdom or +44 330 333 6197 internationally.

Rehab Recovery will help you with a range of stages in order to complete your admission into rehab. When you call us, you will be met by a friendly and experienced admissions officer over the phone.

Here, you can ask whatever questions or concerns you have, and we will only begin the admission process once you are comfortable enough to do so.

When you are ready, you will complete a health assessment. The health assessment is simply a list of questions which concern your physical and mental health, your addiction history (e.g. substance of choice, how much you consume), medical history, and so on.

Completing this health assessment will allow addiction specialists and consultant psychiatrists to understand what it is that you need in order to optimise your recovery.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to state your preferences and list your requirements when entering a drug and alcohol rehab.

Treatment at Rehab for Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

There is not only one form of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. There are in fact many different forms of therapies and different levels of care which need to be carefully considered in order to facilitate someone’s recovery effectively.

An addiction treatment programme will need to be personalised carefully in order to maximise the chances of successful recovery for a patient. There are many factors to consider, and these factors will determine the shape of their recovery programme.

Some of the factors which need to be considered include:

Withdrawal potential: How likely the patient is to suffer from withdrawal symptoms, and what kind of withdrawal symptoms will occur (e.g. physical or psychological). More severe withdrawal symptoms require a higher level of medical supervision in order to recover safely.
Relapse potential: How likely the patient is to relapse or continue using their addictive substance following their time spent at rehab needs to be understood in order to determine the necessary level of care at rehab and aftercare programmes.
Willingness and readiness to recover: It needs to be considered just how ready or willing the patient is to recover. If a patient is more committed to their recovery methods at rehab, they are far more likely to recover from their addiction.
Emotional, behavioural, and cognitive complications: If the patient suffers from a range of intense emotions or mental health issues, they will need to be considered for concurrent treatment for their co-occurring disorders. Mental illnesses are often a big factor and are interwoven in patients suffering from substance addiction
Biomedical complications: The addiction specialists need to understand the patient’s physical health and if there are any physical health complications which need to be considered before undergoing treatment.
Recovery environment: It should also be considered what kind of living or recovery environment the patient has outside of rehab. If their living arrangements are not deemed a safe space which can facilitate their recovery, they may need to enter a residential rehab.

All of these factors, when taken into consideration, will help personalise the patient’s recovery programme in a way which caters specifically to their unique requirements.

Because of the vast range of variables when it comes to cases of addiction, each treatment plan needs to be carefully tailored.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Treatment

According to the ASAM Criteria, there are four levels of care when it comes to addiction treatment at rehab.

The patient will be guided significantly and will receive advice on which level will benefit them the most based on their health assessment, personal requirements, and so on.

The levels of care are:

Level 1: Outpatient Treatment
Level 2: Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Level 3: Inpatient Treatment
Level 4: Intensive Inpatient Treatment (Partial Hospitalisation)

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is beneficial for patients who are only suffering from a milder form of addiction. This means that these patients are not suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, they do not suffer from any biomedical complications or mental health issues, and so on.

An outpatient treatment programme is beneficial for patients who are not suffering from extreme forms of addiction because it offers them more flexibility.

Patients will not be required to stay overnight at a rehabilitation facility, they will be able to undergo the necessary counselling and treatment before returning to their homes each night.

Patients who are undergoing professional treatment as an outpatient will be required to attend around 6 hours per week of treatment. This includes counselling, as well as group therapy, support sessions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and more.

While they are undergoing treatment, they will have the flexibility to continue their employment or studies, because these sessions will typically take place early in the morning or in the evening.

Additionally, patients will not need to worry about spending money on their treatment, because outpatient services are typically publicly funded. This is another reason why outpatient treatment can be a desirable option for patients who do not suffer from severe forms of addiction.

Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP)

Much like the outpatient treatment programme, the intensive outpatient programme (IOP) will have patients undergoing treatment at rehab in their local area without needing to spend the time or money staying at an onsite accommodation.

However, what separates this from the first level of addiction treatment care is that patients will be expected to undergo a more intensive addiction treatment plan.

Instead of spending around 6 hours per week undergoing their comprehensive treatment plan, they will be spending anywhere between 6 to 30 hours per week undergoing treatment.

This does mean that this level is not as flexible as level 1 care at rehab, however, different patients require a different level of intensity when it comes to treatment.

Patients who undergo level 2 will be those suffering from a mild to moderate form of addiction.

Although they may still benefit from being an outpatient, they will require a higher level of therapy, counselling, supervision, medical assistance and medical treatment than those undergoing treatment in level 1.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment typically takes place at a residential rehab facility, otherwise known as a private rehab. At a private rehab, patients will undergo a more comprehensive and intensive form of addiction treatment.

As an inpatient at rehab, patients will be provided onsite accommodation at a medically supported facility, meaning that they will stay at the facility while undergoing their treatment for a period of time (typically 4 weeks).

As an inpatient at a residential rehab, patients will undergo a recovery programme which is specially tailored for them, and they will be able to fully concentrate on their treatment in an environment which minimises and removes any relapse triggers (e.g. social pressure, toxic relationships).

What makes inpatient treatment a much more effective option than outpatient treatment is the level of care they will receive.

Not only will patients be able to undergo a medicated detox and medicated assisted treatment, but they will also be undergoing treatment and spending their time at a facility which is occupied by a team of experienced medical professionals.

Because of the high-quality facilities, treatment, and experienced and trained staff which will always be available to help patients, inpatient treatment is especially beneficial for patients who are experiencing an intense form of addiction.

If a patient is also suffering from co-occurring disorders, e.g. a mental illness in addition to their addiction, it is imperative that they enter a residential rehab as an inpatient.

Intensive Inpatient Treatment (Partial Hospitalisation)

Much like any inpatient programme, a patient undergoing level 4, or an intensive inpatient programme, will be required to stay at a facility overnight in order to optimise their recovery.

What makes this even more intensive is that patients will be monitored more strictly in order to ensure that they are in good health.

Patients who are undergoing this level of care are typically patients who are suffering from biomedical and physical complications which could seriously harm them.

A medicated detox is necessary, and patients will most likely receive medication prescribed by an addiction physician in order to minimise the severity of their withdrawal symptoms and to make sure that they are safe and comfortable throughout their recovery.

Withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, seizures, and more. It can even lead to death.

Because of this, level 4, intensive inpatient treatment or partial hospitalisation, is necessary to ensure that patients do not suffer from extreme withdrawal complications.

Therapy for Liquid Ecstasy Addiction

In order to recover optimally from ecstasy addiction, or substance addiction of any kind, patients will need to undergo an addiction treatment plan at a drug and alcohol rehab.

Here, they will receive support from licensed counsellors and health practitioners who can personalise and optimise their recovery thoroughly.

At a drug and alcohol rehab, patients will undergo a wide range of therapeutic approaches in order to address every aspect of their addiction.

Not only will an addiction treatment programme minimise the symptoms they are experiencing due to their addiction, but it will also help patients address any cognitive, emotional, or behavioural problems which are affecting every facet of their life.

Not only will rehab help them overcome addiction, but it will also help them remain in recovery and overcome different obstacles throughout their life.

A wide range of therapies will be included in the programme, such as communication-based therapies, holistic therapies, individual therapy, group therapy, and much more.

At a drug and alcohol rehab, patients are likely to undergo therapies such as:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Family Therapy
Holistic Therapy
Group Therapy
Motivational Interviewing & Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

It is hard to navigate the field of therapy without mentioning Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Not only is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy employed in order to treat patients who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, but it is also an established and effective method in treating patients who are suffering from a wide range of mental illnesses.

This includes anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, and more.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy not only addresses the symptoms that people suffer from due to addiction, but it also addresses some of the root causes of addiction.

People who develop a substance addiction also tend to exhibit a range of problematic and self-destructive cognitive and behavioural tendencies. The purpose of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is to identify and target these tendencies to create a healthier life.

Some of these toxic tendencies may include but are not limited to self-loathing, suicidal ideation, cognitive distortion, extreme negativity, magnification of minor problems, and so on.

While some characteristics and traits may seem small and insignificant, they can combine in order to create a range of issues for patients.

Because it is also a form of individual therapy, it means that the patient will receive a high level of personalisation.

This allows the licensed therapist to specifically highlight and target some of the cognitive and behavioural issues and patterns which the patient exhibits. Together, they can create new and healthy ways to develop coping skills and a more positive lifestyle.

2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Similar to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (or DBT) aims to help patients develop healthier cognitive and behavioural patterns in order to not only overcome addiction but to become more psychologically flexible and proactive in life.

What sets this apart from the previous form of therapy is that it is specifically catered towards patients who suffer from extremely intense feelings and emotions.

The word dialectical refers to two opposing forces. It also refers to the logical discussion of something as opposed to emotional discourse.

Both terms apply towards Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, which helps patients approach situations rationally, and to also accept their flaws before proceeding to change aspects of their cognitive and behavioural patterns.

It is also a communication-based form of therapy, and its purpose is to help patients manage their thoughts and feelings much more proactively and rationally.

While there is no form of therapy which can prevent patients from experiencing negative emotions, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy can help patients develop the necessary skills to healthily overcome their negative emotions.

This can be done by developing psychological flexibility. Rather than merely submitting to negative emotions and letting them consume you, someone who has psychological flexibility will be able to navigate these issues and emotions in order to adapt to their circumstance.

Intense emotions are common among patients who are suffering from bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, and trauma. Each of these, based on a range of studies, is a predictor of substance use disorder. People who experience intense emotions tend to turn towards drugs or alcohol in order to self-medicate and minimise their negative emotions.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy incorporates communication therapy with stress management, mindfulness, and meditation techniques in order to equip patients with the necessary knowledge and skills to cope with difficult situations in life.

3. Family Therapy

In addition to the emotional and mental issues which many people who are addicted to substances suffer from, they may also be suffering from problems within the family.

On the other hand, their family members can be an immense source of support to aid their recovery. Regardless of the patient’s relationship with his or her family, Family Therapy caters to varying family dynamics and is therefore beneficial for most patients.

Negative relationships with family members can not only create a toxic living environment but can change the perception of what children think to be considered normal.

Abuse relationships, frequent and excessive smoking or drug and alcohol consumption can expose children or family members to developing a substance use disorder.

On the other hand, patients may have loving and supportive family members. However, addiction is a complex issue, and being supportive may not be enough to facilitate someone’s recovery.

Some of the most popular forms of Family Therapy include:

Family Behaviour Therapy (FBT): FBT has proved effective in improving mental health, family relationships, effective management of sobriety, and much more, making it a form of Family Therapy which is applicable to all patients and their family members. Improving the mental health of family members has been found to improve the level of support they provide, and helps create a positive recovery and living environment.
Functional Family Therapy: This form of therapy places more emphasis on improving the level of communication between family members. Open and clear communication will create healthier relationships between family members, and this will create a non-judgemental and con-confrontational environment where the patient and his or her family members can discuss their addiction without feeling criticised.
Multidimensional Family Therapy: MDFT aims to improve the quality of relationships between family members. Healthier interactions will lead to a more positive and healthier living environment for the patient when they require support for their addiction recovery.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy: This form of therapy is more catered to patients who have family members which display toxic behaviours. Some people who develop a substance addiction may have been exposed to drug and alcohol use through their family members, for example. Brief Strategic Family Therapy aims to improve the habits of family members to create a healthier environment for themselves and their loved ones.

4. Holistic Therapy

Holistic Therapy diverges from the traditional form of therapy for substance use disorder and mental health issues which typically focuses on communication-based treatment. In addition to mental health issues, substance addiction can lead to poor physical health and spiritual health.

Their addiction may consume them to the point that they do not consider engaging in other activities which may benefit them.

Holistic Therapy allows patients to take part in activities, whether they are relaxing or thrilling, in order to not only distance themselves from addictive substance consumption but to reap a range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits which are offered by a range of activities.

These activities not only optimise a patient’s physical or spiritual health, but they can help patients develop self-efficacy and self-confidence. Behavioural activation is a popular form of treatment for mental health disorders, and it occurs when patients take part in and complete activities.

The term refers to the activation of pleasant emotions a person experiences when they complete a fulfilling activity or objective.

Some of these activities include:

Meditation & Mindfulness: Developing the ability to become self-aware and practice breathing patterns can help patients manage their stress levels significantly. Not only do patients learn how to process emotions more effectively, but developing a healthy breathing pattern can reduce stress and blood pressure.
Aromatherapy: This therapeutic method utilises plant extract oils in order to provide a range of physical and mental benefits. Not only do these oils improve skin health, which is often damaged as a result of addiction, but it is also believed by many that these oils can minimise symptoms of stress, insomnia, anxiety, and so on.
Yoga: Yoga is an activity which offers both physical and psychological benefits for patients. Not only are they exercising their muscles, increasing their strength, mobility, and flexibility, but patients can also establish healthier and deeper breathing patterns which can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Adventure Therapy: Adventure therapy incorporates engaging activities and natural settings in order to create a truly holistic experience for patients. Not only will they be engaging with the environment physically through hiking, climbing, or other forms of movement, they will be exercising organisational and coordination skills. Natural settings are also thought to provide a range of mental health benefits for people.
Massages: Tension can manifest both mentally and physically. Patients who are suffering from mental health issues may also suffer psychosomatically, which means that their psychological issues manifest physically. In this case, they may experience a range of muscle tension and tightness due to their poor mental health. Massages can relieve physical and psychological symptoms simultaneously.
Equine Therapy: Much like Adventure Therapy, Equine Therapy allows patients to exercise and express themselves in a natural setting, only this time with horses. Equine Therapy can significantly reduce symptoms such as anxiety and stress, as spending time with animals is often used as a form of therapy in itself.
Tai Chi: Patients will learn to control their bodies more effectively while also controlling their breathing patterns throughout their movements.
Art Therapy: Art Therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from trauma and the inability to express emotions, which are commonly associated with substance addiction. Instead of trying to find the words to articulate someone’s difficulties, Art Therapy allows patients to externalise their emotions onto a blank canvas without fear of being judged.

5. Group Therapy

While there are tremendous results to be had through individual therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Group Therapy can offer many different benefits. When individual and group therapy are combined within the same addiction treatment programme, patients can expect to yield a range of unique benefits.

Sessions will still be led by a licensed therapist, however, there will be a group of participants or patients attending this form of therapy. Some of the benefits of Group Therapy include positive social reinforcement, developing a sense of community, being heard, gaining insight, and more.

The positive and social reinforcement experienced at therapy cannot be replicated in individual therapy.

Group Therapy allows patients to share an environment with other people who are going through the same process. These people are far more likely to offer positive reinforcement than others who do not understand the severity of addiction because they have not experienced it.

This benefit also helps create a sense of community for patients. Because they each have the same objective which is to recover from substance addiction, they are much less likely to be judgemental, and patients will feel more at ease when it comes to sharing their experiences.

Furthermore, Group Therapy allows patients a platform to share their experiences and be heard. This can serve as an opportunity to facilitate emotional purging, which can decrease stress levels and anxiety tremendously.

Additionally, patients will be able to gain insight into other people’s experiences of dealing with addiction.

6. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of treatment which can maximise the benefits of other forms of therapy. This is because it can help patients accept their flaws and embrace therapeutic methods in order to adapt and change aspects of their lifestyles.

While undergoing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, patients will learn how to accept the aspects of their personality and lifestyle which are considered to be flawed. Once they accept these, they will be able to progress in their addiction recovery programme.

Their responsiveness to other forms of therapy will be much greater because they have accepted their flaws and now understand the level of commitment towards therapy which is required to change.

7. Motivational Interviewing & Enhancement Therapy

Similar to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Motivational Enhancement Therapy are implemented into addiction treatment plans in order to increase the effectiveness of other forms of therapy.

These forms of therapy will help patients who show ambivalence or a passive mindset throughout their recovery to become more motivated. Some patients may suffer from extreme pessimism where they believe that they are destined to suffer from addiction and its symptoms.

However, these forms of therapy help patients realise that each of them has the pre-requisite tools to overcome their addiction and resume sobriety.

A licensed therapist will assume the role of an interviewer in order to ask a range of evocative questions which can ignite and reinforce the motivation that the patient needs to recover

Medicated Assisted Treatment

Medicated-assisted treatment is necessary if the patient is suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms or physical health complications.

Since most drug addictions are used concurrently with alcohol, and many people are addicted to both drugs and alcohol, patients may be suffering from a range of physical and psychological complications and will require medication in order to help them overcome addiction.

Including medicated assisted treatment in an addiction recovery plan, courtesy of a professional treatment provider will help patients deal with the discomforting symptoms which come with substance addiction.

Medication will be prescribed according to the patient’s unique needs and withdrawal symptoms. Some patients may suffer from insomnia and require medication such as benzodiazepines, whereas others may suffer from anxiety and depression, requiring an addiction physician to prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a form of antidepressant.