Drug addiction & is there treatment?

Yes, drug addiction is a treatable disorder. Through individualized treatment, people can gain the strength and will power to overcome the addiction to drugs. This treatment may include: counseling, support groups such as NA, psychotherapy, and various medications to help suppress the withdrawal syndrome. The purpose of this treatment is to sustain a lasting abstinence, but the immediate goal is to reduce the patient's use of drugs.

Today, there currently exist several types of treatments for drug addiction: Short-term residential methods, medicated therapy, outpatient drug-free treatment, and therapeutic communities.

Short-term residential treatment involves a 3 to 6 week inpatient phase ending with outpatient therapy. The outpatient therapy, through the 12-step program, often includes support groups such as: Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous.

Outpatient drug-free treatment utilizes clinic visits rather than the use of medications. This program is for those who have relatively stable and well-integrated lives, with the exception that they abuse drugs. For opiate abusers, this type of maintenance therapy is not recommended.

Therapeutic communities are residential programs. Patients reside in a residence between 6 to 12 months. This treatment is encouraged for those whose abuse have driven patients to create criminal acts or become highly introverted due to the addiction. The goal of this treatment is to create a drug-free, crime-free, and secure social environment.

Methadone, a potent synthetic narcotic drug, C21H27NO, that is less addictive than morphine or heroin and is used as a substitute for these drugs in addiction treatment programs. Methadone programs are usually more successful with patients that have an opiate dependence. The best results come from programs that also provide counseling and medical care.

Drug addiction can have a serious impact on the abusers life and those around them. If you or someone you know abuses drugs, contact your local Narcotics Anonymous organization for help.

Locate a Rehab Center Now