Every year, drug abuse cases cause the government and corporations billions of dollars in lost productivity, insurance claims, accidents and deaths. Drug addiction is therefore a serious problem that must be dealt with proper scientific treatment.

Combination treatment

Drug addiction is one of the hardest conditions to treat. It is a disease that results from various reasons, among which are family problems. Children who feel alienated from their parents, for example, resort to the company of their friends who may introduce them to substances that can alter their state of thinking or emotions.

Unlike other diseases or mental conditions, drug addiction can only be solved by addressing the various issues that drive an individual to abuse drugs. A victim may have to undergo either outpatient or inpatient treatments. Either way, the programs must be a combination of both medication and counseling. It is only this way that rehabilitation can be complete and effective.

Outpatient versus residential treatment

Outpatient treatments are usually done in hospitals and require minimal intervention. But for individuals with longer histories of drug abuse and grave addiction problems, a residential treatment program is needed. Residential programs can be short-term or long-term. Short-term programs admit an individual to a facility. He is detoxified within 72 hours his procedure prepares him for anti-addiction medication. The rehabilitation may last only a month if the addiction is not severe. But for people with graver addictions, six months of rehabilitation is recommended.

In the long-term program, patients are subjected to extensive counseling and medication. The program covers not only detoxification, but also psychological treatments. Positive reinforcement is given to the user through community therapies. The program is followed by sustained counseling years after patient is released from the center.