Treating Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction
There is no cure for drug abuse or drug dependence.
There are three main treatment goals:
- To help patients stop using drugs
- To decrease the toxic effects of the drugs being used and to aid in symptoms of drug withdrawal (“detoxification”)
- To prevent relapse
Successful treatment depends on the drug user's recognition of the problem and desire to change. Recovery takes a long time and is not an easy process. Patients may need multiple courses of treatment.
Therapies include:
Drugs may help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases, medication may be ordered to prevent relapse. People addicted to heroin may be given methadone to help taper them off. Methadone may also be given on a long-term basis to improve the chance of staying in treatment. Methadone is a narcotic that blocks cravings as well as the pleasurable effects of heroin and other opiates.
Other drugs that are used in treatment are:
- Naltrexone (eg, ReVia, which blocks the effect of opiates)
- Buprenorphine (eg, Subutex, which is similar to methadone)
Therapy raises awareness of underlying issues and lifestyles that promote drug use. It works to improve coping and problem-solving skills and to develop other ways of dealing with stress or pain. Through counseling, a person can learn how to handle situations associated with drug use and replace drug-using activities with other activities that are more meaningful . Family support is encouraged.
There are numerous organizations or support groups dedicated to helping people to stop using drugs. Two examples are Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous. These are 12-step programs and members of these organizations meet regularly to talk about their drug-related troubles. They provide a network of support for each other.