Addiction Management
Drug addiction (also known as substance use disorder) can be defined as a progressive disease that causes people to lose control of the use of some substance despite worsening consequences of that use. Substance use disorder can be life-threatening.
Addictions are not problems of willpower or morality. Addiction is a powerful and complex disease. People who have an addiction to drugs cannot simply quit, even if they want to. The drugs change the brain in a way that makes quitting physically and mentally difficult. Treating addiction often requires lifelong care and therapy.
What are treatments for drug addiction?
Several therapies exist for treating substance use disorder. Even for a severe case, treatment can help. Often, you’ll receive a combination of these therapies:
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Detoxification
You stop taking drugs, allowing the drugs to leave the body. You may need healthcare supervision to detox safely.
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Medication-assisted therapies
During detox, medicine can help control cravings and relieve withdrawal symptoms.
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Behavioral therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapy (talk therapy) can help deal with addiction’s cause. Therapy also helps build self-esteem and teaches healthy coping mechanisms.
