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Treatment Methods for Drug Abuse

Drug abuse and addiction costs the United States more than half a trillion dollars yearly, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). To combat the harsh effects of drug abuse, physicians and researchers have implemented a series of treatment methods.

  1. Behavioral Treatment

    • With the assistance of a therapist in a safe and controlled environment, the patient undergoes the behavioral treatment process. Through a series of behavioral strategies, she learns to adjust her thoughts and actions regarding drug abuse to attain a more healthful lifestyle. Behavioral treatment can either be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

    Outpatient Treatment

    • Outpatient behavioral treatment requires the patient to check in with the facility regularly so he can be monitored. He is not required to temporarily reside at the facility, but he must have a sober individual present at his place of his recovery. Outpatient behavioral treatment includes either individual or group therapy. These therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patients face his drug abuse and teaches him positive ways of handling it; multidimensional family therapy, which focuses on adolescent drug abuse and treatment for them and their families; motivational interviewing takes advantage of situations where the individual is ready to change his drug abuse and by voluntarily seeking treatment; and motivational incentives uses positive reinforcement (e.g., offering vouchers) to encourage abstinence.

    Residential Treatment

    • Residential treatment (inpatient care) is recommended for individuals suffering from drug abuse but may also have serious related health risks as well. Residential treatment takes place inside a therapeutic community (TC). Patients are required to reside in these communities for 6 to 12 months so they can be consistently monitored. Generally, patients in TC are those with an extended history of drug abuse, have engaged in grave criminal activities and have serious issues with functioning socially.

    Medications

    • Medications are most effective when coupled with behavioral treatment. During the withdrawal process (detoxification), the physician may prescribe medications to help alleviate the patient's discomfort. Medication administered to help with detoxification is not an actual treatment; it is usually an important first step in the treatment process. Currently, there are medications for opiate abuse, such as buprenorphine and methadone. Treatments for stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and for marijuana are being developed.

    Justice System

    • Criminal behavior from drug abusers has always been a major societal concern. Often, the courts have to intervene, ordering the perpetrators into treatment. This treatment method can be particularly effective if the patient continues to receive treatment as he re-enters the community. NIDA states that treatment reduces the drug abuse rate by half and significantly reduces criminal activities and arrests.

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