Treatment of Chemical Dependency - Essay Example

"Treatment of Chemical Dependency" is a great example of a paper on addiction. Chemical dependency is defined as an addiction to any type of drug that causes mood disturbances, abnormalities in cognitive and behavioral responses. Chemical dependency can be caused by alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogens. Chemical dependency can be treated through different psychological approaches which include self-help organizations, mediation techniques, innovative relaxation methods, family help, and various other formulated therapeutic approaches (Levin et al 2001). Two psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of chemical dependency which are widely used include Harm Reduction Psychotherapy and Music therapy (Denning & Little 2011; Brooke 2009).

Harm reduction psychotherapy is a psychological approach for treating individuals who are addicted and dependent on any kind of drug. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the amount and severity of harm that can be caused by the chemical dependency on the individual, their surrounding community, and relatives. However, this therapy does not focus on reducing the consumption of drugs or alcohol causing the addiction. Music Therapy is another psychotherapeutic strategy where, the physical, social, and cognitive needs of the patient are fulfilled utilizing music as an effectual medium. It helps in resolving mood alterations, emotional distress, and anxiety and improves the self-confidence and willpower of the patient. In chemical dependency, the patient might be under stress or frustration that initially led to the current addiction. With music therapy, the individual can express his/her emotions and feelings in a more calm and expressive manner (Denning & Little 2011; Brooke 2009).

Harm reduction therapy and music therapy are both effective and innovative psychotherapeutic approaches for chemical dependency individuals. Harm reduction focuses on reducing the negative outcomes of the addiction while music therapy explores the individual’s stressful circumstances and tries to resolve them through the art of music. 

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