Stopping the addiction

According to the National Institute of Health, treatments for addiction to specific drugs can differ. Treatment also varies depending on the characteristics of the patient. Problems associated with an individual’s drug addiction vary significantly. People who are addicted to drugs come from all walks of life. Many suffer from mental health, occupational, health, or social problems that make their addictive disorders much more difficult to treat. Even if there are few associated problems, the severity of addiction itself ranges widely among people. A variety of scientifically based approaches to drug addiction treatment exists. Drug addiction treatment can include behavioral therapy (such as counseling, cognitive therapy, or psychotherapy), medications, or a combination. Behavioral therapies offer people strategies for coping with their drug cravings. It can teach them ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse. It can also help them deal with relapse if and when it occurs. When a person’s drug-related behavior places him or her at higher risk for AIDS or other infectious diseases, behavioral therapies can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Case management and referral to other medical, psychological, and social services are crucial components of treatment for many patients. The best programs provide a combination of therapies and other services to meet the needs of the individual patient. These are shaped by such issues as age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, parenting, housing and employment, as well as physical and sexual abuse.