Test Your Knowledge

Many people who abuse drugs never seek or receive treatment because they do not view drug abuse as a problem. Some discontinue use on their own without receiving any special medical care. Others seek treatment after trying, and failing, to quit on their own. Research has shown that long-term drug use alters brain function and strengthens compulsions to use drugs.

Patients whose drug abuse has developed into addiction may require assistance in quitting and undergo detoxification (treatment technique designed to remove drugs or alcohol from the body while managing any symptoms of withdrawal). Patients may be treated in an outpatient health facility or an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Patients with some types of addiction, such as addiction to sedative-hypnotics, opioids and alcohol, may be given a substitute medication while undergoing detoxification. This helps to minimize the effects of withdrawal (physical or psychological state experienced when certain substances or medications are discontinued rapidly).

Some patients who abuse drugs also have a mental health disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia. These patients may receive treatment for the underlying disorder, (antidepressants or antipsychotics) in addition to undergoing treatment for the drug abuse.

After successfully withdrawing from a drug, patients may receive treatment to help avoid relapse (drug use that starts after a period of abstinence). This may include:

• Counseling. Individual or family counseling with a psychologist, psychiatrist or addiction counselor may help patients develop ways to resist the urge to use drugs.
  
  
• Self-help groups. These groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, are designed for patients addicted to drugs. Patients share personal stories and other information to support each other and try to prevent relapse.