Drug Abuse Intervention

Although drug abuse costs the economy over a billion dollars annually, it is still good to know that the problem is preventable and can be controlled. Not only does intervention play a part in reducing drug use so does the establishment of preventative measures within a community. Community-based facilities that concentrate on treating addiction problems as well as programs that focus on prevention enable health professionals to directly address the issue.

Because a problem with drug abuse can take on different dimensions, intervention involves a treatment plan that involves a three-step process, one that encompasses withdrawal from drugs (the first step), therapy (the application of medicines and behavioral counseling) and regular monitoring.

Intervention should not be delayed as drug addiction is not a condition that can be quickly overcome. Therefore, you cannot address the problem with withdrawal alone. Instead, intervention is best facilitated when a person can enter a drug rehab facility or a community outreach program where he can receive sustained medical care and psychological counseling. Repetitive care is essential as the goal is to realize total abstinence from drugs.

The administration of medicine and behavior therapy sessions work hand-in-hand to treat drug abuse issues. However, again, before a patient reaches this stage of therapy, he must go through withdrawal or detoxification.

To ease withdrawal symptoms, patients are often given medications to alleviate the discomfort. When going through withdrawal then, patients may experience such symptoms as insomnia, muscle or bone pain, diarrhea, cold flashes and vomiting. The symptoms one experiences are correlated to the drug that is being abused.

After withdrawal is initiated, it is essential that patients follow up with a plan of therapy. Studies show that patients who participate in a detoxification program will continue to abuse drugs if the activity is not combined with consistent therapy and monitoring.

Drugs used in intervention encourage patients to seek out help for their addiction by undergoing counseling. Behavioral therapy helps a patient modify his behavior and thought patterns so he is less likely to take drugs. Therefore, intervention is an all-inclusive process that combines detoxification with the administration of medicine, behavioral therapy and regular monitoring.