Treatment and Prevention
Detoxification and withdrawal programs are available at addiction treatment
centers. Usually the individual addicted to drugs is gradually weaned off
the drug by being given smaller and smaller doses. They may also be given less
harmful drugs instead of the ones they're dependent on. For example, people
addicted to heroin are often given methadone. Methadone isn't as harmful to
the brain as is heroin or other narcotics.
People addicted to alcohol can be given disulfiram*,
a drug that makes them sick if they drink at all, or naltrexone, a drug that
helps to reduce cravings for alcohol. In some cases, medications are used to
treat withdrawal symptoms.
Once withdrawal symptoms subside, counseling and/or psychotherapy are used
to help with the psychological problems that may have caused or resulted from
the drug abuse. Sometimes addiction treatment programs work, but some people
suffer relapses when they go back to familiar settings and situations that were
associated with their drug abuse. Individual counseling or group therapy is
an effective way to manage addiction problems. Support groups are often very
helpful, since the person can be among other people who are experiencing similar
problems. There are many support groups available in most communities. If you
or a loved one is affected by drug abuse, you may want to find out more about
the organizations that are in your area.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.