Drug addiction treatment is a method of psychotherapeutic or medical treatment for dependence on psychostimulant drugs like alcohol, prescription medications, and even illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. These drugs act by interacting with dopamine receptors in the brain and increasing the levels of neurotransmitters and endorphins that occur naturally in the body. Drugs that alter the balance of these hormones can lead to addiction, either in a short term (such as use of marijuana) or long term (including addiction to prescription medications such as Valium). In addiction to drug abuse or dependence, chemical processes in the brain are altered chemicals of unknown composition are introduced. These chemicals affect moods and behaviors and can become an integral part of the self-image of the addicted person. Some people have an emotional response to the chemicals while others have no reaction to them.
Drug addiction treatment centers include detoxification and rehabilitation. Detoxification involves the removal of unwanted drug-filled fluid from the body and the replacement with clean fluid and the elimination of other drug-filled fluids such as urine and feces. Rehabilitation is the medical approach that attempts to return an addicted person to normal health and function through therapy and counseling. Detoxification and rehabilitation include detoxification, medications, physical exercises, therapies and support groups for people with drug addictions and their families. While drug addiction treatment centers can provide both residential treatment and outpatient treatment, many programs do not.
Drug addiction treatment centers are not for everyone and must be evaluated by their physicians to determine the level of risk involved and whether the addict can or cannot recover without outside assistance. The treatment program should offer ongoing support after recovery through individual and family counseling and educational resources. The success of any drug addiction treatment center depends upon the commitment and dedication of the addict, his/her family, his/her friends and society in general.
