1.

2 Treatments for addiction

Effective treatments for addiction are available.

The first step on the road to recovery is recognition of the problem. The recovery
process can be hindered when a person denies having a problem and lacks
understanding about substance misuse and addiction. The intervention of
concerned friends and family often prompts treatment.

A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to see if a

substance use disorder exists. Even if the problem seems severe, most people with
a substance use disorder can benefit from treatment. Unfortunately, many people
who could benefit from treatment don’t receive help.

Because addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life, multiple types of

treatment are often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual
or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an
individual’s situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric and social
problems can lead to sustained recovery.

Medications are used to control drug cravings and relieve severe symptoms of
withdrawal. Therapy can help addicted individuals understand their behavior and
motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress and address other mental
health problems.

Treatment may also include:

-Hospitalization

-Therapeutic communities (highly controlled, drug-free environments) or sober

houses

-Outpatient programs

Many people find self-help groups for individuals (Alcoholics Anonymous,

Narcotics Anonymous) as well as their family members (Al-Anon or Nar-Anon
Family Groups) useful.

1.1 Addiction-general informations

Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive
substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe
substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such
as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using
alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems. Yet a number of
effective treatments are available and people can recover from addiction and lead
normal, productive lives. There are many reasons why addictions begin. In the case
of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both
physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful
urge to use the substances again.

People can develop an addiction to:

o Alcohol
o Marijuana
o PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
o Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
o Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
o Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as
tranquilizers)
o Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
o Tobacco

These substances can cause harmful changes in how the brain functions. These
changes can last long after the immediate effects of the drug — the intoxication.
Intoxication is the intense pleasure, calm, increased senses or a high caused by the
drug. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance. People with a
substance use disorder have distorted thinking, behavior and body functions.
Changes in the brain’s wiring are what cause people to have intense cravings for
the drug and make it hard to stop using the drug. Brain imaging studies show
changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning,
memory and behavior control. Over time people with addiction build up a
tolerance, meaning they need larger amounts to feel the effects.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a
variety of reasons, including:
o to feel good — feeling of pleasure, “high”
o to feel better — e.g., relieve stress
o to do better — improve performance
o curiosity and peer pressure