Drug Abuse and Dependence

See all Pictures & Images

Drug Abuse and Dependence: Treatment

Treatment for the person with drug abuse or dependence begins with the recognition of the problem. Though previously "denial" was considered a symptom of addiction, recent research has shown that this symptom can be dramatically reduced if addicts are treated with empathy and respect, rather than told what to do or "confronted."

Treatment of drug dependency involves detoxification, support and abstinence . Emergency treatment may be indicated for acute intoxication or drug overdose. Often, there may be a loss of consciousness and the person may need to be on a mechanical respirator temporarily. The specific treatment depends on the drug.

Detoxification is the gradual withdrawal of an abused substance in a controlled environment. Sometimes a drug with a similar action is substituted during the withdrawal process to reduce the unpleasant symptoms and risks associated with withdrawal. The process can be managed on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Rehabilitation is the process that occurs after detoxification and is often needed to prevent relapse. Inpatient and outpatient programs are available. Individual, group, or family therapy is usually part of this process, and may continue for a month or longer. Information/support may also be sought from local 12-step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which you can locate through your phone directory or online. See chemical dependence - support group.

There are also alternative programs for those who do not like or do not do well in 12-step programs. These include SMART Recovery, Women For Sobriety and LifeRing Recovery which can also be found online.

If depression or other mood disorder exists, it should be treated appropriately. In the past, addiction treatment providers discouraged use of antidepressant medications and this actually made relapse to addiction more likely. Very often drug abuse develops from efforts to self-treat mental illness.

Aftercare often involves life-long abstinence from drug abuse. Self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous can offer support. For heroin addicts, long-term methadone maintenance is the treatment with the best track record of cutting relapse, improving functioning and restoring health.