Both legal and illegal drugs can be harmful to health depending on how they are taken, the frequency of use, and the amount taken. However, the harm differs between drugs and the severity of addiction. Effective drug treatment programs can be implemented to reduce the use of drugs and recover from their ill effects.
Principles of Treatment
Drug abuse should be considered as a disease rather than as a failure of character or will. It can affect anyone at any stage of their life. Sometimes, it co-occurs with other physical and mental conditions. An integrated approach focusing on the right assessment and treatment is necessary in such cases. Apart from stopping drug use, treatment for drug abuse should also be aimed at changing the behavior and attitude towards psychoactive substances. Moreover, the stigma and discrimination should be completely eradicated from the society.
Pharmacological Drug Treatment Programs
- Heroin
Heroin dependency is usually treated with the help of substitute medications such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. Methadone is considered as an effective medication for heroin abuse and dependency. It acts by decreasing the use of heroin, reducing overdose fatalities, decreasing crimes, and reducing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases by sharing needles. In order to ensure effectiveness of the treatment, it should be given in conjunction with other psychological therapies.
Buprenorphine reduces the effect of heroin on the brain. It is effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms of heroin. Naltrexone is prescribed only for highly motivated patients, and it reduces cravings.
- Cocaine
Psychological intervention is the most effective treatment for cocaine dependency. Researches are being conducted to develop new cocaine drug treatment programs including cocaine substitutes and vaccines. According to the studies conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, DAS431 can be used as a cocaine substitute to alleviate cravings. Disulfiram or antabuse, used in the treatment of alcohol abuse has also been found to be a helpful medication in treating cocaine abuse. A cocaine vaccine has also been developed known as TA-CD vaccine which is capable of reducing cocaine use and even stopping it completely. Clinical trials of this vaccine are underway.
- Cannabis/Marijuana
Several drugs for the treatment of cannabis dependency are still in the experimental stage of development. Oral THC is one such medication which may act by reducing the withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological Therapy for Drug Abuse and Addiction
Behavioral therapy is an integral part of all drug treatment programs and is designed to motivate the individual to get rid of addiction.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
It focuses on identifying and modifying the thinking patterns to replace negative feelings and behavior with a positive attitude towards life. It works by changing the cognitive processes that led to addiction in the first place, mentally preparing the individual to deal with drug craving, and developing social skills that are necessary to lead a drug free life.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
In this treatment method, the patient is encouraged to analyze the pros and cons of their behavior and take measures to reach the recovery goals. This treatment has demonstrated substantial efficacy in treating drug dependency.
- Contingency Management
This drug treatment program focuses on rewarding the patient’s effort to stay clean. Rewards are given in the form of concert tickets, or other mutually agreed upon items. If the individual fails to maintain abstinence, punishments are given. Examples include notification of employers, courts, or family members.
