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| Treatment Methods |  Treatment usually includes steps to help you withdraw from using the drug followed by advises and attending of self-help groups which help you to oppose using the addictive drug again.
Drug addiction recovery is a long-term process which frequently requires different kind of treatment. Problems associated with using drugs can vary significantly. People who are addicted to drugs come from all life spheres. Many people suffer from mental health, health, professional or social problems that make their addictive disorders rather difficult to treat. Even if there are few associated problems the severity of addiction widely vary among people. There are many addictive drugs and treatments for each drugs can differ. Treatment also varies depending on the characteristics of the patient.
Withdrawal from different categories of drugs produces different side effects and requires different approaches:
• Central nervous system depressants. Slight effects of withdrawal may include anxiety, sweating, restlessness and sleep problems. More serious symptoms could include seizures, whole-body tremors, body temperature, hallucinations, increased blood pressure and heart rate. The most serious stage of withdrawal may include rave which is potentially life-threatening. Withdrawal therapy may include gradually scaling back the amount of the drug.
• Central nervous system stimulants. The effects of withdrawal usually include anxiety, depression, intense cravings and fatigue. In some cases, symptoms may include suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, impaired contact with reality and paranoia. Treatment during withdrawal is typically confined to emotional support from your friends, family and therapist. The therapist may recommend medications to treat paranoid psychosis or depression.
• Opioids. The effects of withdrawal of opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, heroin or codeine can range from relatively minor to severe. Slight effects effects may include yawning, sweating, runny nose, feeling anxiety and craving the drug. Severe symptoms could include rapid breathing, bone and muscle pain, dilated pupils, sleeplessness, tremors, depression, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. The therapist may substitute a synthetic opiate, such as methadone to reduce the craving for heroin. The most recently accepted medication to ease withdrawal from opiates is buprenorphine such as Suboxone and Subutex. Buprenorphine is a milder opioid that was approved in the United States to control cravings in individuals who decide to stop using stronger opiates. This is a first narcotic medication used for the treatment of addiction that may be prescribed by a a therapist.
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