Family counseling and psychology courses are offered by many local colleges, universities, technical and vocational schools, and community colleges. A...
Addiction is a complex disease that affects individual’s physical, mental and social aspects of life. It’s defined as a chronic condition caused by changes in the brain’s reward, motivation and memory circuits. People who suffer from addiction often struggle with compulsive drug or alcohol use, despite the negative impact it has on their lives.The state of Iowa has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic with a rising number of overdose deaths. Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, has not been immune to this epidemic. Fortunately, the state of Iowa offers various addiction treatment options to its residents. This article will focus on the addiction treatment available in Des Moines, Iowa.The first step in addiction treatment is often detoxification. Detox helps to flush out the toxins from the body while managing the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification can be done in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient or a monitored home program. In Des Moines, there are numerous detoxification programs available for individuals seeking help with drug or alcohol addiction.Once the detox process is complete, the next phase of treatment is usually therapy. Therapy consists of counseling and behavioral treatments that tackle the psychological and emotional factors that may have contributed to the addiction. There are different types of therapy offered in Des Moines such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones. This type of therapy helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) emphasizes psychological acceptance and mindfulness to help individuals deal with negative emotions, decrease impulsivity and improve relationships. Family therapy is often used to improve communication and help family members support their loved one’s recovery. Group therapy provides individuals with the opportunity to share experiences and learn from others in a supportive environment.Des Moines also offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) which utilizes medication to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medications used in MAT such as buprenorphine, methadone or naltrexone, helps to restore the brain’s chemical balance while helping to prevent relapse. MAT is often used in combination with behavioral therapy to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach.Another form of addiction treatment offered in Des Moines is residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment. This form of treatment provides individuals with a safe and structured environment while they undergo intensive therapy. Residential treatment is often best for individuals who require round-the-clock support or have a severe addiction.Outpatient treatment is also available in Des Moines for individuals who do not require round-the-clock support or who have completed an inpatient program. Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive treatment while continuing with their daily activities like working or going to school.In Des Moines, individuals seeking addiction treatment can find a variety of support groups to help them in their journey to recovery. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer individuals the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. These groups provide individuals with a supportive community and a safe space to share their feelings and experiences.In conclusion, addiction is a challenging disease that can have a severe impact on an individual’s life. Fortunately, in Des Moines, Iowa, there are multiple addiction treatment options available to help individuals on their path to recovery. From detoxification to therapy, medication-assisted treatment to support groups, individuals in Des Moines have access to a broad range of addiction treatment services that cater to their unique needs. Seeking treatment is the first step to overcoming addiction, and individuals in Des Moines have the resources necessary to start on their road to recovery.
