juicepig

Unlike Narconon facilities, which boast dramatic results using their natural detoxifying program, many drug treatment facilities employ the use of schedule III, IV or V opioid treatment drugs that are approved by the FDA for maintenance or detoxification treatment.

Drug Treatment facilities detoxify using drugs to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxification from drugs, followed by treatment geared toward stopping the cravings. The final phase of drug treatment is preventing the recurrence of the problem. Both medicines and behavioral therapy are used in carrying out the treatment.

To begin effective drug treatment, withdrawal symptoms have to be controlled. In order to maintain what is achieved, preventing recurrence of the problem is extremely important. Should there be a relapse, repeating the initial treatment will be necessary. A drug treatment regimen customized to suit individual needs, involving physical and mental health care, and a continuing support system provided by family or a close-knit community, is extremely important for sustained freedom from addiction.

Medicines are required during various stages of drug treatment.

For controlling withdrawal symptoms: Medicines are necessary during the first stage of drug treatment for reducing withdrawal symptoms. Understand that this is not the actual treatment, but only preparing the body for treatment. Medically controlling the withdrawal symptoms and then stopping the treatment is like not treating at all.

For the actual treatment: Different medicines are used to control drug cravings during different stages of the drug treatment. Currently, medicines are used for treating the addiction to opioid (or opium-containing) drugs like heroin and morphine.

Buprenorphine and methadone are two approved medicines used in the drug treatment of opioids. These are widely used to control withdrawal symptoms, reducing illicit opioid use, and helps patients stay in treatment because when properly administered it suppresses symptoms of opioid withdrawal and decreases cravings for opioids. With the agony of withdrawal symptoms reduced, the mind and body becomes more responsive to behavioral therapy.

Buprenorphine is comparatively new in drug treatment therapy. The drug Subutex, which is wholly buprenorphine, and Suboxone which contains naloxone and buprenorphine, have been developed by research that is supported by NIDA. Both are useful in treating addiction.