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List of Substance Abuse Treatments

Numerous substance abuse treatments exist for alcohol and drug abusers, according to nida.nih.gov. Options for treatment include medications, cognitive therapy, residential and outpatient treatments. Finding the best treatment can be difficult but addiction can be treated and control.

  1. Medications

    • The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid, tobacco and alcohol abuse. Patients being treated for heroin addiction can receive medications to help decrease the addiction once they go through detoxification.

      Methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone often treat opiod addictions. The drugs used to treat addiction to opioids affect the same regions of the brain as heroine and morphine do. Drug therapy for opioid addiction should take place only after the patient undergoes detoxification. Nicotine replacement therapy acts as a common form of treatment for smokers. Over-the-counter nicotine patches, sprays, gum and lozenges help eliminate nicotine cravings over time. Two prescription medications--bupropion and varenicine--also treat tobacco addiction.

    Outpatient Behavioral Treatments

    • Outpatient behavioral treatments help patients change their lifestyles, attitudes and behaviors, according to nida.nih.gov. Reforming life patterns can help substance abusers to change the patterns that led them to drug or alcohol abuse. Patients can visit clinic or therapist to receive outpatient behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on situations that might lead them to drug or alcohol abuse.

      Outpatient behavioral treatments are based in the community and can be very helpful for substance abusers addicted for a short amount of time. It allows them to continue to work and live in their normal environment while recovering: an immense benefit for addicts who don't have additional factors such as criminal histories, homelessness or multiple addictions.

    Residental Treatments

    • Residential Substance abuse treatment makes the best choice for some addicts, according to thetreatmentdirectory.com. Long-term drug or alcohol usage can make recovery difficult and dangerous. Trained medical professionals equipped to deal with detoxification can help substance abusers safely transition to a healthy lifestyle with prolonged treatment, according to gatehouseacademy.com. Residential substance abuse centers provide around-the-clock drug free environments. The combination of medical supervision and behavioral modification therapy can help repair social functioning and address both physical and psychological dependency.

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