After using drugs for a period of time, people who become addicted lose control over their ability to quit, report researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Drug treatment, or rehab, should consist of a variety of modalities, ranging from physical treatment for withdrawal symptoms to psychological therapy and relapse prevention.
Significance
No single form of drug rehab works for every addict, reports the NIDA. A variety of treatment options are needed to meet various needs.
Time Frame
The longer the drugs were used, the longer the treatment should be. Successful drug rehab often depends on the length of stay in treatment.
Therapy
In addition to medication, drug rehab should offer both individual and group counseling.
Co-occurring Diseases
Drug rehab should be able to assess patients for common co-occurring mental issues, such as bipolar disorder and depression, as well as other illnesses common to drug addicts, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C testing.
Referrals
NIDA researchers report that referrals to drug rehabs from the criminal justice system can be just as effective as for those who enter rehab voluntarily.
Ongoing Support
Because relapse is a major component of drug addiction, rehab programs should introduce patients to outside resources such as Narcotics Anonymous to help patients stay clean once they leave rehab.
