Rehabilitation of Opioid (opium) Dependency
The basic strategy of opium rehabilitation is detoxification and the establishment of realistic goals for abstinence and improvement of life functioning. A long term commitment by the patient to maintain a lifestyle without illicit substances is essential for preventing relapse. Patients are educated about their responsibility for improving their lives. Motivation for abstinence is increased by providing information about the medical and psychological problems that can be expected if dependence continues. The dependent person is also advised to establish a drug-free peer group and to participate in self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Patients and families are encouraged to establish an opioid-free lifestyle by learning to cope with chronic pain and develop realistic vocational planning. An important treatment component is relapse prevention aimed at identifying triggers for a return to drugs and developing appropriate coping strategies. Advice and counseling can be given by the doctor by referring patients to formal drug programs, including methadone maintenance clinics, programs using narcotic antagonists, and therapeutic communities. Long-term follow-up of treated patients indicates that approximately one-third becomes completely drug free, and 60% no longer use drugs.
Categories: Addiction, Health Information Tags: Hepatitis B, Narcotics anonymous
