The idea of using drugs to help you overcome an addiction to drugs may seem like an exercise in futility, but drug addiction treatment medication can be very effective for certain types of addiction. One way that prescription medication can be used is to help combat severe withdrawal symptoms. Some medical specialists believe that this is trading one drug for another, but the effects can be a slow tapering off of the addiction and manageable withdrawal symptoms.
Another common drug addiction treatment medication is a number of drugs which are long acting sedatives. When drug addiction treatment medication is used and the withdrawal symptoms are minimal, this increases the chances of a full and permanent recovery. Many addicts continue to use the drug because the withdrawal symptoms become unbearable, and these symptoms are physical as well as psychological.
Some drug addiction treatment medication may be used short term, and are only intended to help taper off the addiction with slowly decreased amounts. Other medications that are used by be prescribed for maintenance after the initial addiction is overcome. Naltroxene is often used as a maintenance drug to prevent relapse. This drug addiction treatment medication prevents the heroin user from feeling the desired effects of the heroin and other opiates.
Medication for Substance Abuse and Addiction treatment can play a role in a successful recovery. Medications can not be used alone though. The most effective substance abuse treatment programs will use drug abuse preventative medication as well as several types of counseling and therapy. Individual counseling is crucial for success, and this should be provided several times a week. Group therapy, spiritual counseling, physical activity, nutritional support, and other factors also provide the needed tools for a permanent recovery.