Treatments for Drug Abuse

Addiction treatment often comes from two angles – behavioral and pharmaceutical. Both approaches help bring the brain and body back to normal. Research indicates these types of treatments are very helpful in their own rights and for some, one may work better than the other. However, the combination of both works best for most addicts.
Many medications for drug addiction carry some risk, but they do considerably less harm than illicit substances. During rehab, treatment for drug abuse helps addicts get over the problematic effects of withdrawal by minimizing the impact of symptoms. This helps keep the recovering addict in treatment and can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Addicts travel the road of sobriety for the rest of their lives; it can be a struggle. Long-term sobriety success can be achieved through customized treatment for each recovering addict. Ideally, rehab should include chemical dependency treatment and mental health services in addition to community support.

There are a variety of chemical dependency treatments incorporated into treatment programs.

• Chemical treatments work with behavioral counseling to comprehensively address the addict’s needs.
• Medications are used to effectively manage unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
• Some drugs treat coexisting psychological disorders that effect substance abuse.
• In the initial stage of treatment, medication is often used to assist with detoxification.

The goal of rehab is to keep the recovering addict off drugs for life and to provide them with the means for a productive future.

There isn’t a magic pill for everyone. The most common treatment methods include counseling, therapy and medication – all equally important.