Medication

• Medications are useful in alleviating the symptoms associated with withdrawal. During detoxification, the body rids itself of the drug it has become dependent on. Detoxification is the first step in the treatment process. The addict who undergoes a medically assisted withdrawal but seeks no further treatment, stands a significant chance of relapsing.
  Medications reinstate the brain's normal functions, prevent relapse and reduce cravings while under treatment. For opiate (heroin, morphine) addiction, methadone and buprenorphine are effective treatments. They act as a substitute for the opiate, while reducing craving and quelling withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, they help patients refrain from drug-related criminal behaviors and learn to accept behavioral treatments.
  
  

Behavioral Treatment

• By changing the patient's drug-related attitude and actions, behavioral therapy seeks to promote a healthful lifestyle. It also improves the effectiveness of medication and encourages recovering addicts to remain in treatment longer. Behavioral therapy can be done on an outpatient basis. These programs often involve counseling on an individual or group basis.
  Other programs might include:
  -Cognitive behavioral therapy: By trying to adjust negative thought processes, the patient recognizes the source of his addiction, changing his thinking pattern to demonstrate positive thoughts and actions. He also learns how to effectively handle the situations resulting in his drug abuse.
  -Multidimensional family therapy: A comprehensive family-based program for drug-addicted adolescents and their families is designed to provide intervention services and addresses the factors influencing the patient's drug abuse.
  Motivational interviewing: The addict readily makes the decision to change his lifestyle without external coercion. MI counseling technique is a quiet one, which does not require direct persuasion or argumentation. Though this strategy can seem slow, the outcome can be positive. A more aggressive approach can cause the addict to make changes he is not prepared for.
  For patients suffering from severe drug addiction, residential treatment programs can be beneficial. In a controlled, therapeutic community, the patient receives in-patient care for generally six to 12 months. This program is suitable for those with a long history of drug abuse, those involved in drug-related criminal activities and those with impaired social abilities.
  
  

Criminal Justice System

• Intervention from the justice system can help to reduce drug-related criminal behavior. This is particularly effective if the offender receives treatment once she re-enters the community.
  
  

Self-Help

• Those seeking recovery from drug abuse are advised to enroll in a 12-step program, such as Narcotics Anonymous. This free program provides the recovering addict with the opportunity to bond with like-minded individuals while teaching her how to be permanently drug-free.