Drug addiction is a chronic disease that is characterised by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite negative effects and potentially long-lasting changes in the brain. The harmful behaviours that drug users exhibit can be caused by these changes in the brain. Another recurrent condition is drug addiction. After making an effort to stop using drugs, relapse occurs.
Drug use that is voluntary is the first step on the road to addiction. A person’s capacity to decide against doing anything, however, gradually deteriorates. The substance induces a compulsive need for and use of it. The impact of chronic drug use on brain function is primarily to blame for this. The brain’s reward and motivational systems, memory and learning centers, and behaviour control systems are all impacted by addiction.
The disease of addiction has an impact on behaviour as well as the brain.
Is it possible to treat drug addiction?
Undoubtedly, but it’s not easy. People can’t just cut out drugs for a few days and be cured of addiction because it’s a chronic disease. To completely stop using and get their lives back on track, the majority of patients require ongoing or repeated care.
How is drug addiction treated?
Numerous approaches to treating drug addiction have been shown effective, including:
Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, long-term follow-up to prevent relapse, behavioural counseling, medication, medical devices, and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.
Success may depend on having access to a variety of services, a personalised treatment plan, and follow-up options. Services for mental and physical health should be provided as necessary during treatment. A family- or community-based support system for recovery may be a part of the aftercare provided.
How are drugs and equipment utilised in the treatment of drug addiction?
The symptoms of withdrawal can be managed, relapse can be avoided, and co-occurring conditions can be treated with the help of medications and devices.
Withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal during detoxification arizona detox center can be reduced with the aid of medications and equipment. The first step in the process, detoxification is not “treatment” in and of itself. In most cases, patients who finish detoxification without receiving any additional treatment start using drugs again. Medication was used in nearly 80% of detoxifications, according to a study of treatment facilities. NSS-2 Bridge, an electronic stimulation device, was given a new indication by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017 to be used in order to lessen the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. This device, which is positioned behind the ear, sends electrical pulses to some brain nerves. A non-opioid medication called lofexidine that is intended to lessen the symptoms of opioid withdrawal was also approved by the FDA in May 2018.
suppression of relapses. Medication is a tool that patients can use to reduce cravings and restore normal brain function. Alcohol, nicotine-based tobacco products, and opioid addiction can all be treated with medications. To treat stimulant (cocaine, methamphetamine) and cannabis (marijuana) addiction, scientists are creating new medications.