Drug Addiction
 

In the past, society viewed drug addiction as a moral flaw. Popular ” drug addiction treatments” involved imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and church-guided prayer. Not surprisingly, these methods were generally ineffective.

Today we understand that drug addiction is a brain disease characterized by fundamental and long-lasting changes in the brain. Modern addiction treatments are based on scientific research. Addiction treatment is tailored to the individual, and typically involves a combination of drug and behavioral therapy. Today’s methods are very effective, with 40-70% of patients remaining drug-free.
Detoxification
For some addictive drugs, suddenly stopping use can cause painful drug withdrawal symptoms. In the past, the resulting suffering was considered a necessary part of rehabilitation. It was the punishment for having the moral flaw of being an addict.

Today we understand that while detoxification is the necessary first step to recovery from drug addiction, there is no reason for the patient to suffer. In fact, allowing painful withdrawal decreases an addict’s chances of recovery. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, today’s doctors often give patients medication that makes them feel similar to being on the addictive drug and gradually reduce their dose over time. This stabilizes the person’s brain long enough to get through the detoxification process. Examples of this type of treatment include methadone and LAAM for opiate withdrawal; nicotine replacement therapies (patch, gum) and bupropion for nicotine withdrawal; and benzodiazepine and anti-seizure drugs for barbiturate withdrawal.