How to Treat Drug Abusers

Drug abuse comes in many forms. Abusers can be rich or poor, educated or uneducated, and the drugs they abuse can be legal or illegal. Regardless of what the personal situation is, drug abuse affects the abuser and those who love him.

Things You'll Need

• Hospital Residential treatment facility Counselor Outpatient program Narcotics anonymous Intervention

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Instructions

How to Treat Drug Abusers

• 1

  Get them into detox. Unless you are dealing with an underage child, you cannot force people into a detox program; they need to admit themselves. The only exception is when they are taken to an emergency room because of a drug overdose. Detox is typically just the first step on the road to treatment. It can last anywhere from three to 14 days, depending on the age and drug use of the abuser. This will give her body time to be cleansed of the drugs in her system before she begins further treatment.

• 2

  Use intervention. Many users deny they have a problem or do not see the problem for what it is. Intervention is an effective technique to help them realize how bad their addiction is and the effect it is having on their life and the lives of those who love them. It is headed by an intervention specialist and a few close friends and family members of the abuser. They then go around and attempt to convince him that he needs help. The goal is to have him wanting help at the end of the session.

• 3

  Go to a residential treatment facility. The average time spent for abusers while in a residential treatment program is 30 to 90 days. While there, they undergo personal and group counseling. They have the opportunity to meet those with the same types of addictions as themselves and share their personal stories as they relate to one another. This helps them realize they are not alone.

• 4

  Use partial hospitalization. This is a relapse-prevention program geared toward those who require medical supervision on an outpatient basis. They might have just completed a residential program and need extra support as they re-enter the world. The sessions generally last four to six hours and take place three to five days a week.

• 5

  Attend an outpatient program. This is also a relapse-prevention program, but is for those who are a bit more sure of themselves. The sessions last two to four hours a day and meet three days a week. This is a good option for people who attend school or have a job.

• 6

  Talk to a counselor. Counseling can be individual or geared toward couples or families. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other types of treatment or as a follow-up treatment. During the sessions, the counselor will examine her drug abuse from an objective perspective, helping her identify the underlying cause of the abuse. She will also learn techniques that will ultimately help her make better choices in the future.

• 7

  Go to Narcotics Anonymous. This is a free support program run by peers and based on the famous 12-step program. The key to success with this program is choosing your sponsor, the former addict who has successfully maintained a life without drugs and who has experience in fighting the cravings that addiction can bring. Your sponsor will provide you with guidance and support whenever a craving strikes, supporting you on the road to recovery.