Inpatient & Outpatient Drug Treatment

The best drug treatments offer a combination of inpatient and outpatient services, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The specific treatment offered will depend on the patient's needs, the addiction's severity and what drugs he uses.

Drug Treatment

Drug treatment is used to help people stop compulsive drug use. This process may be a long-term endeavor, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Detox

Patients may be kept under inpatient supervision for their first few drug-free days, or during the detox period. While the body cleanses itself, trained professionals will be available to help patients deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

Patients may be put into individual or group therapy to help them adjust to living a drug-free life. This may start during inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Classes

Patients may be offered classes on topics including parenting skills, communication and family dynamics. These classes may be scheduled around the normal workday so patients can attend on an outpatient basis.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to limit drug cravings. Methadone, disulfiram or verinicline may be prescribed to patients overcoming a drug addiction.

References

• NIDA: Principles of Drug Treatment
• Drug Rehab

Resources

• Narcotics Anonymous