Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction is a treatable disorder. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, patients can learn to control their condition and live normal, productive lives. Like people with diabetes or heart disease, people in treatment for drug addiction learn behavioral changes and often take medications as part of their treatment regimen.

Behavioral therapies can include counseling, psychotherapy, support groups, or family therapy. Treatment medications offer help in suppressing the withdrawal syndrome and drug craving and in blocking the effects of drugs. In addition, studies show that treatment for heroin addiction using methadone at an adequate dosage level combined with behavioral therapy reduces death rates and many health problems associated with heroin abuse.

In general, the more treatment given, the better the results. Many patients require other services as well, such as medical and mental health services and HIV prevention services. Patients who stay in treatment longer than 3 months usually have better outcomes than those who stay less time. Patients who go through medically assisted withdrawal to minimize discomfort but do not receive any further treatment, perform about the same in terms of their drug use as those who were never treated. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that treatment works to reduce drug intake and crimes committed by drug-dependent people. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through treatment are more likely to have jobs.

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2 Comments »

  1. Addiction Treatment said,

    March 9, 2007 @ 6:39 am

    The studies mentioned in this post are interesting. I can also attest to what these studies say. I actually know a handful of people who succeeded walking out of drug abuse and alcoholism through addiction treatment. Unlike before, addiction treatment centers and programs nowadays already incorporate new methods and techniques, which are more effective in freeing people from alcohol and drugs. -veena

  2. substance abuse treatment said,

    April 1, 2007 @ 9:40 pm

    Substance abuse treatment for some is a burden that they fail to understand its rewarding repercussions. Studies and testimonies can attest that a person who has undergone a substance abuse treatment has a greater tendency to living in sobriety. However, being sober is still dependent on a person because it requires more will power and dedication.–Mary

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