Overcoming Addiction: Positive vs. Negative Motivation and Treatments

Addiction is one of the most common problems that we face in the society today. It has also developed more variety from the time of recognition and is no longer exclusively used in reference to alcoholism and addiction to illegal drugs like cocaine, opium and methamphetamines.

For instance, drug addiction has broadened somewhat to include addiction to prescription drugs, also otherwise known as legal drugs. Through the years, it has been seen that the use of certain prescribed drugs – especially pain relief medicines and personality disorder medications – can bring about more than just pain relief or better moods; they can also lead to drug addiction.

Addiction can now refer to a lot of things. As long as one’s obsession with something reaches a point where nothing else matters but the next time or the next fix, this can be called – at least in a very loose sense – addiction. Thus, you will now hear and read people talking about shopping addiction, sex addiction, internet addiction, gambling addiction, etc. Nevertheless, the two most established types of addiction are still drug addiction and alcohol addiction, and it is to them that we turn for methods of treating addiction in general.

There are different methods used in treating addiction. However the underlying common principle is positive and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves positive motivation and a reward system. The reward is the recognition and approval of your peers and family; individuals are therefore motivated to change for the better. Negative reinforcement on the other hand involves the recognition of negative emotional state; this is used to arrest impulsive behaviour. It is the complete cessation of the substance that the individual is addicted to and focuses on emotional regulation rather than behaviour change.

Treatments for Drug Addiction

There are different treatments for drug addiction. They are mostly commonly treated in rehabilitation centres. These rehabilitation centres have their own programs for treating drug addiction. The treatment in each rehabilitation center also varies depending on the individual’s needs. Individuals can also choose from different kinds of programs.

Apart from rehabilitation centres, there are also hospital-based rehabilitation programs. Individuals receive treatment in a general hospital. These are ideal for addicts who have also developed psychiatric problems. In this case, the institution’s focus is on eliminating medical problems and providing detoxification.

Long-term treatment programs are for those who have completed thirty to forty days of treatment but still have drug seeking behaviour. They are also ideal for those who experience relapses after staying at a rehabilitation centre.

Outpatient treatment programs are for employed individuals who have support systems (such as family and friends) and can refrain from using drugs for 72 hours. Patients have their own home and attend the program during weekends. Day treatment program is another option. Individuals meet during the day, five days a week, four hours every day. Therapeutic communities provide treatment using the mental health approach. They focus on behaviour change.

Although there are different programs for the treatment of drug addiction, they all have something in common. First, drug detoxification is utilised. It is done to relieve withdrawal symptoms and help the individual adjust to a life without drugs. Individuals are tested to find out which substances are in their system.

After that medications are used to stabilize the patients while they are in a drug-free environment. People close to the addict are encouraged to visit during this stage. After this, the patient is enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program for full recovery.

Drug rehabilitation programs vary. There are different approaches and models for treatment. What these treatments have in common, though, is the goal for behaviour change to cure psychological dependency. They utilize either positive or negative reinforcement.

Positive motivation and reinforcement is most commonly used in treatment programs. This is done through counselling. Group therapy sessions are usually utilised in rehabilitation centres to motivate addicts through positive reinforcement.

Client-centered therapy focuses on three things: positive regard, empathy and genuineness. Doctors establish a therapeutic relationship with their patients to resolve issues. Twelve-step programs are used to motivate addicts to stop their substance abuse. Individuals are taught to admit their addiction, recognise a higher power that can give them strength, examine their past mistakes, make amends for these mistakes, learn a new life without drugs, and help others who also have the same problem. This program is most commonly used by self-help organisations and fellowships.

Although positive reinforcement is more widely used, negative reinforcement is also utilized. Negative reinforcement focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness. This is simply the complete cessation of the drugs they are addicted to. Individuals are encouraged to identify their negative emotional state and to prevent compulsive responses.

Treatment for Alcoholism

The treatment for alcohol addiction is quite similar to drug addiction. They also have rehabilitation centres for alcoholics to treat their addiction. There are also self-help organizations and fellowships.

Treatment also begins with detoxification. Medications such as benzodiazepines are used to relieve withdrawal symptoms. After that the individual enrolls in an alcohol rehabilitation program. Individuals will live in an alcohol treatment facility to recover.

Apart from detoxification, these programs also offer education, counselling, individual, group, and family therapy. Comprehensive programs include art and recreation therapy. The twelve-step program is also utilised. Individuals learn to admit their alcoholism, learn coping skills without alcohol, resolve their past mistakes, live a healthier life, and help other people with the same problem. If the individual suffers from psychiatric disorder due to addiction, a dual diagnosis treatment will be used.

Positive reinforcement is done through counselling and therapy session whether by themselves, their peers or their family. Negative reinforcement can also be used depending on the program.

Positive Motivation versus Negative Motivation

Positive and negative reinforcement both play a role in substance abuse treatments. Positive motivation is commonly used, but ongoing studies have also discovered the role of negative reinforcement.

The correct treatment method is one that is tailored to the needs of the patient. Thus, there is no one true method for eliminating and treating addiction. Both positive and negative reinforcement approaches may be used, but their net effect will depend on the individual.