Substance Abuse Treatment

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Substance abuse treatment will differ according to the type of substance that is used and to the patient's particularities. One's addictive disorder may be easier or more difficult to treat depending on what the associated problems are: social, occupational, health and mental health problems. The length of the treatment varies from patient to patient and, due to possible relapses, multiple interventions may be necessary.

There are several approaches to substance abuse treatment. Behavioral therapies, medications or a mix of the two may be used. Behavioral therapies help individuals manage their drug cravings, avoid drugs and prevent relapse. Behavioral therapies include counseling, cognitive therapy, or psychotherapy. Behavioral treatment also concerns preventing transmission of infectious diseases.

Medications that may be used in substance abuse treatment differ according to the drug that is taken by the patient. For those who are addicted to opiates, methadone, LAAM, and naltrexone are indicated. For smokers, nicotine preparations such as patches, gum, or nasal spray are available. When patients also suffer from disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers are recommended.

Most individuals with an addiction consider, at least in the beginning, that they do not need substance abuse treatment. They believe that they can quit on their own, but usually they will not achieve long-term abstinence in this way. After using drugs for a long period of time, the brain remains affected a long while after abstinence is started. In consequence, the need to abuse substances doesn't easily disappear. Participating in substance abuse treatment though leads to good results even in the case of severely addicted patients.

The purpose of substance abuse treatment is not only to stop substance abuse but also to help the individual function well in society. Measuring the effectiveness of treatment usually involves establishing the level of family functioning, health, criminal behavior and employability.