What Are the Most Commonly Abused Drugs and the Addiction Treatment?

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Drug abuse is a serious problem throughout the country, but fortunately there is effective drug addiction treatment available for anyone that is struggling with abuse and addiction. The following are some of the most commonly abused drugs as well as the drug addiction treatment available for them:

1. Alcohol – Because alcohol is a drug that’s legal for adults over the age of 21 to consume, alcohol addiction can be more difficult to identify. Alcoholism can lead to alcohol overdose and liver disease as well as result in drunk driving-related accidents. Treatment typically includes medical detox and counseling, which helps addicts identify effective ways to manage their triggers and cravings.

2. Painkillers – Although painkillers can be legally prescribed, they can still be addictive. Painkillers, such as codeine, Oxycontin and Vicodin can be extremely addictive. Painkiller users often don’t realize that they have an abuse problem until they attempt to stop their use. Their high level of addiction and the euphoric nature that they can cause can easily lead to dependency. Treatment usually involves the use of medication, such as methadone, to help prevent withdrawal symptoms during detox and to ease the user out of physical dependence.

3. Cocaine – Although the rates of cocaine addiction are dropping in the U.S., it’s still a serious problem – especially crack cocaine, which is a cheaper and more intense form of cocaine. There are no medications that can help treat cocaine addiction. However, there are many behavioral treatments that have been deemed effective. One of the more effective behavioral therapies is contingency management, which is a program that uses a system that rewards patients for abstaining from cocaine use. Patients receive points for passing urine tests that can be exchanged for things like gym memberships and other items that promote healthy living.

4. Heroin – One of the major issues regarding heroin addiction is that the withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly severe. A combination of behavioral therapy and medication is typically used to help manage the symptoms caused by withdrawal as well as the cravings. Heroin addiction is particularly dangerous because an overdose can lead to death and the use of needles results in a high risk of contracting and spreading disease.

These are four of the most common and serious opioid addiction treatment problems. Fortunately, there are effective drug treatment programs available at treatment centers that the Addiction Treatment Group is aligned with. However, for treatment to be effective, the user must identify a problem and be willing to treat it. Call us today for more information on how we can help you, it’s a free call.

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