Community Programs for Treatment of Drug Addiction:
Hospitals:
Many hospitals have inpatient and/or outpatient programs to get through physical withdrawal from drugs. These are usually called Chemical Dependency Centers/Units.
Self-Help Groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous help addicts keep from retaking drugs. Other self-help groups are available for families of addicts.
Private Clinics:
Many private clinics and hospitals have treatment programs similar to the above.
National Drug Councils and Agencies:
Check your phone book for information about local resource agencies (e.g.: National Council on Alcoholism). Look under that title or under Ā Ā Ā "Drug Abuse."
Hotlines:
Several telephone lines operate day and night to help addicts and their families. They are usually toll-free.
- (800) 662-HELP, Drug-Treatment Referral HOTLINE of the National Institute On DrugĀ Abuse
- (800) NCA-CALL, National Council On Alcoholism
- (800) COCAINE
Curing Physical Drug Addiction:
Detoxification: A hospital program to remove drugs from the addict's system. This may be done a little at a time until he/she is drug-free, or all at once. Doctors are needed to help manage pain and watch for dangerous reactions.
Drug Replacement: Some programs replace the addictive drug, heroin, for example, with another drug that is less dangerous and not as physically addicting, usually methadone.
Interfering Drug Treatment: Sometimes addicts are given other drugs which makes taking the addictive drug very unpleasant. Alcoholics, for example, may be given ant abuse, Ā which makes the patient feel sick if he drinks alcohol again.
Nutrition/Vitamin Therapy: During physical treatment for addiction, doctors give the patient vitamins to make up for poor nutrition during addiction.
Curing Psychological Drug Addiction:
For addiction to milder drugs like tobacco or early-stage addiction to a stronger drug like alcohol, a person may decide to quit on his own. To do this he/she should do the following things:
- List good reasons for quitting the habit
- Decide when to quit
- Plan how to reward yourself for quitting
- Get family or friends to help him/her through it
- Write out a contract to quit
- Make up a "survival kit" of things to eat or do when the urge to smoke or drink hits
- Expect to feel bad for a week or so
- Stay away from other people who use the drug
- Do new things-bike riding, hiking, etc.
- Ask for help from family or friends when needed
For addiction to stronger drugs or later-stage addiction, professional support will be needed to quit and stay drug-free. They will do the following things:
- Evaluate the medical and counseling needs of the addict and his/her family
- Get him/her to admit he/she is an addict and needs help
- Allow the addict to talk privately with a professional counselor about problems that startedĀ his/her addiction
- Get the addict into group counseling with other addicts who can help and support him/her
- Help the addict find new activities to replace taking drugs
- Provide friends to call if the urge to retake drugs feels strong
- Help the addict's family feel better about themselves and the addict
Most of the above programs are available throughout the country to help addicts recover and lead normal lives again. Check the local telephone book or operator for programs in your area.
Many helping groups exist for families of addicts. Groups like Al-Anon and Alateen meet regularly to offer friendship and advice to families of alcoholics. Similar groups have been formed for families of cocaine addicts and others. People who run the groups can give useful advice because they have experienced the same problems in their homes.
Some addicts will get into treatment on their own. Others will not admit they have a problem. Sometimes it is necessary for their families to force them to enter a treatment program. Although this is very unpleasant at the time, they are usually glad when it is over and the addicts are well again.
Once an addict recovers from addiction, he/she must be certain NEVER to take even a little of the drug again. If so, he/she may return to addicted behavior immediately. This is why most treatment programs don't stop after the addict quits. Aftercare programs offer support and friendship to ex-addicts for many years.
It is important that ex-addicts do not return to the life problems that got them started on drugs in the first place. They will need to stay away from temptation-avoid certain people (users) and places where drugs are available. Their families can help them to find new interests to replace drugs.
Support people who are trying to quit smoking or drinking on their own. Show that you care and are proud of their efforts.
Do not offer an ex-addict alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs. Respect his/her effort to stay drug-free.