ADDICTION TREATMENT

Drug addiction is treatable. Through treatment adapted to an individual's needs, patients can learn to live normal, productive lives. Like anyone with a treatable disease, people in treatment for drug addiction learn to change behavior and often medicate as part of their treatment program.

Behavioral therapy can include psychotherapy, a support group, or family therapy. Medication offers help in combating withdrawal symptoms and in blocking the effects of drugs. In addition, studies show that treatment for heroin addiction using methadone at an adequate dosage level combined with behavioral therapy reduces death rates and many health problems associated with heroin abuse.

SOURCE: National Institute on Drug Abuse