Narcotics include many drugs that are derived from opium. They include morphine, codeine, heroin and hydrocodone. Although many of these compounds have medical applications, they also have the capacity to be abused. Narcotic treatment programs are aimed at targeting the physical, psychological and social aspects of narcotic addiction.
Inpatient Programs
Inpatient treatment programs are based in medical clinics or hospitals. These types of drug treatment programs typically involve medically assisted detoxification as well as intensive counseling. Because of the expense of these programs, they are less common, but they might be necessary for patients with extreme problems with narcotics or with other medical conditions, such as a psychiatric disorder.
Residential Programs
Residential programs combine medical treatment with a community and living environment. These programs typically involve certain rules and restrictions, such as limitations on contact with friends and family during the initial phase of the treatment. As patients progress, they might be allowed to go to work and return to the program in the evening. These programs, which can last between a month and a year, are ideal for patients with unstable living situations or limited social support.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs offer less restrictive treatment options. In these programs, the patient will visit the facility regularly but live on their own. Outpatient programs might meet at community clinics, private medical clinics, at health department offices or at private facilities. Depending on the type of program, patients might be required to attend programs for as many as 20 hours per week.
Opioid Treatment Programs
Opioid treatment programs (also known as methadone clinics) give medications to help patients who are addicted to narcotics. These medications (such as methadone), activate the same parts of the brain as narcotics, but do not provide a high. In addition to easing the symptoms of withdrawal, these medications can block the effects of narcotics. Most methadone clinics also offer counseling as part of their services.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, set up meetings to offer social support and a community for people addicted to narcotics. These meetings, which do not use any medical treatments, instead help addicts deal with the social and mental aspects of addiction and give them tools and resources for combating their addiction. Most support groups are free and do not have mandatory attendance.
