Drug addiction treatment is the therapy of psychological or medical intervention for dependence on narcotic drugs including alcohol, prescription medications, street drugs like cannabis, crack cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, and other illegal stimulants such as methamphetamine. It is a process where a person recovers from his or her addiction to the drug with the help of professional therapists and rehabilitation programs. A person who becomes addicted to any kind of substance is mentally and physically impaired and thus cannot live normally without it. Substance abusers do not only endanger themselves but also their family members and society at large, if they are not treated and cured. They are most often depressed, unhappy, and have low self-esteem. These people experience feelings of guilt, fear, and helplessness due to their dependence on the drug.
There are many reasons why substance abuse may occur but one of the most common reasons is due to genetic predisposition. People who have a history of substance abuse are at a higher risk to become drug addicts. The abuse is usually manifested in adolescence or early adulthood. In severe cases, the drug user may suffer from withdrawal symptoms in case of abrupt cessation of drug use.
A person addicted to a drug can be cured from his or her addiction through different treatment modalities. Medications that act on the brain directly may be prescribed by the doctors. However, most drug users find it difficult to control their intake of drugs. Thus, psychotherapy, counseling, group therapy, and participation in rehabilitation programs are important parts of drug addiction treatment. For treatment to be successful, the treatment process should be customized to the type of drug abuse. The process may include detoxification, psychotherapy, medication, social support, and the provision of job skills training and educational assistance. The duration of drug addiction treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the extent of drug addiction.
