Addiction is a disease that affects the structure and functioning of the brain, altering its functioning. In a simple and practical way, an addiction is defined as the person’s loss of freedom and lack of decision-making and self-control.
There are different types of addictions, on the one hand there is the compulsive consumption of psychoactive substances such as cocaine, cannabis, heroin, pills and alcohol. However, addictive behaviors related to new technologies such as cell phones, Internet and video games, or addiction to gambling, known as pathological gambling, can also develop.
According to the report Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs in Spain, prepared by the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs, the most widely consumed substance in Spain, after tobacco, is alcohol, followed by hypnosedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and then cannabis.
In terms of consumption by sex, there is a higher percentage of alcohol addiction among men. On the other hand, women develop more addictive behaviors towards tranquilizers, sleeping pills and hypnosedatives.
“There are several reasons why a person may develop an addiction. One of the reasons may be because the person begins to consume as an escape from their problems,” explains Marta Ricondo, a specialist in addictive behaviors at Triora.
What to take into account to overcome an addiction?
Overcoming an addiction is not easy and a great effort is necessary. The first thing to do is to ask for help, either from the family or the closest environment. What is clear is that overcoming an addiction cannot be done alone, the help of a professional team specialized in addictions is needed.
“During treatment, the medical-therapeutic team helps the patient to develop greater self-awareness and better understand their addiction problem, develop new patterns of behavior and acquire skills to better understand the environment and avoid relapse,” explains Triora’s expert.
The importance of the family
Suffering from an addiction not only has effects on the person who suffers from it, but also on their loved ones. “It is very important for families to be part of the treatment because it generates great benefits in the person’s recovery,” comments Marta Riconodo of Triora Adicciones, “since by being involved they get to understand how the disease works and how they can cope with it. At Triora we provide professional and confidential support to family members, partners and friends of people with an addiction problem because we know the benefit it has for both parties,” she assures.
An addiction is a strain on any personal relationship, and if the situation is prolonged over a long period of time, the tension and stress can lead to psychiatric or psychological problems for the immediate circle.
Family support helps everyone involved to better understand the dynamics and to talk about sensitive issues that would otherwise be difficult to deal with. Working with the patient’s family members makes it easier to find solutions to approach stresses and problems in a positive way.
The time to quit your addiction is now
Making the decision to start rehab is one of the most important moments in these patients’ lives. “Once you have accepted your problem and know you need help, it is time to find a place to start recovery. That is why it is important to value the treatment, but also the experience of the medical-therapeutic team that will help you,” recommends the Triora Addictions specialist.
For Triora’s experts, the key to recovery lies in “teaching patients a new way of looking at life. At Triora, we apply an integral treatment model that involves the fundamental pillars of a person’s wellbeing: body, mind and values, while including families in the treatment”.
Triora’s treatment includes 4 to 12 intensive weeks in the clinics. The program is accompanied by follow-up with individual and group therapies that continue after discharge. Each patient has the support of a personal therapist who helps them develop their recovery plan, as well as accompanying family and friends during treatment.
What happens after treatment?
When the rehabilitation treatment ends, a stage begins that allows the patient to enjoy his or her new life.
“The return to real life is the moment when the person applies everything they have learned during their treatment and, although this is challenging, the satisfaction of having overcome it and their determination will make it worth living,” says Ricondo.
Triora carries out a continuous follow-up program, either on an outpatient basis, with support groups and therapeutic sessions, or through highly secure videoconference sessions for patients and family members, also once they have left the clinic.