Treating
prescription
drug addiction
Years of research have shownthat addiction to any drug (illicit
or prescribed) is a brain disease
that can be treated effectively.
Treatment must take into account
the type of drug used and the
needs of the individual. Successful
treatment may need to incorporate
several components, including
detoxification, counseling, and
sometimes the use of addiction
medications. Multiple courses of
treatment may be needed for the
patient to make a full recovery.
The two main categories of
drug addiction treatment are
behavioral and pharmacological.
Behavioral treatments help patients
stop drug use by teaching them
strategies to function without
drugs, deal with cravings, avoid
drugs and situations that could
lead to drug use, and handle a
relapse should it occur. When
delivered effectively, behavioral
treatments, such as individual
counseling, group or family
counseling, contingency
management, and cognitivebehavioral
therapies, also can help
patients improve their personal
relationships and their ability
to function at work and in the
community.
Some addictions, such
as opioid addiction, can be
treated with medications. These
pharmacological treatments
counter the effects of the drug
on the brain and behavior, and
can be used to relieve withdrawal
symptoms, help overcome drug
cravings, or treat an overdose.
Although a behavioral or
pharmacological approach alone
may be sufficient for treating some
patients, research shows that a
combined approach may be best.
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