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Certain addicting substances produce unpleasant, severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. For this reason, medically supervised detox is advised. In the outpatient setting, this typically involves medications that block the body from full withdrawal and that can be tapered off, preventing the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
For alcohol addiction, benzodiazepines such as Librium are prescribed for use at home. Often Librium is dosed on a schedule with a sliding scale that allows extra doses for any breakthrough withdrawal symptoms. To prevent abuse, the patient is given only enough medication to last until the next outpatient visit. Opiate detoxification is usually handled with methadone or buprenorphine (Subutex). Methodone is administered only at outpatient clinics. For at-home use, a buprenorphine-naloxone combination, Suboxone, may be prescribed. This drug induces severe withdrawal if the medication is used inappropriately. -
Once through detoxification, the patient is seen on a frequent basis for rehabilitation. Appointments are scheduled anywhere from daily to three times a week, at the beginning. The appointments spread out as treatment progresses. In the past, outpatient therapy lasted over a specific schedule of appointments, but addiction is now viewed as a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or hypertension. For many, this means ongoing treatment through occasional visits at an outpatient clinic or at a physician's or therapist's office.
Rehabilitation involves counseling, treatment for any underlying conditions and sobriety maintenance medications. Twelve-step programs or group counseling is often encouraged as part of the treatment process. Medications may include those that prevent substance abuse, such as Antabuse, which causes illness if alcohol is consumed. Other medications commonly used during outpatient treatment include methadone maintenance for heroin addiction and psychiatric medications that treat underlying anxiety or depressive disorders. - Both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers are available in almost any location around the globe. Often financial assistance is available to assist with treatment costs. To find a treatment center near you, visit your physician or call the National Drug Abuse Hotline at (800) 662-HELP or (800) 662-4357.
