Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

substance abuse treatment 351
drawal symptoms when stopping them. A unique
risk of cocaine use is that of SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH
due to the drug’s unpredictable effects on the
HEART and cardiovascular system.
COMMON STIMULANTS
AMPHETAMINES
benzphetamine
CAFFEINE
COCAINE
dextroamphetamine
diethylpropion
ephedra
ephedrine
mazindol
METHAMPHETAMINE
methcathinone
methylphenidate
modafinil
NICOTINE
phendimetrazine
phentermine
phenylephrine
pseudoephedrine
See also ILLICIT DRUG USE; PRESCRIPTION DRUG
ABUSE; SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION; SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TREATMENT.
substance abuse treatment A method for helping
people stop abusing drugs (including ALCOHOL),
overcome ADDICTION, and maintain SOBRIETY. The
acute stage of substance abuse treatment is DETOXI-
FICATION, which is most often a health circumstance
that requires medical care until the person’s
body is completely free from the drug (typically 72
hours to 10 days). This stage of treatment is often
inpatient though may be outpatient.
The follow-up treatment may last weeks to
months, depending on the nature of the addiction
and the person’s individual situation. This stage
may have require inpatient treatment with followup
outpatient care or may be entirely outpatient.
There are numerous methods for substance abuse
treatment. The two main structured approaches
are the 12-step programs and BEHAVIOR MODIFICA-
TION THERAPY.
12-Step Programs
The original 12-step program, started in the 1930s,
is Alcoholics Anonymous, which today has more
than two million members worldwide. As well
there are numerous similar programs for other
addictions. The basic premise of the 12-step program
is that addiction is an incurable disease from
which a person is in ongoing recovery no matter
how long he or she has maintained sobriety.
A fundamental tenet of the 12-step approach is
anonymity for members within a structure of regular
meetings that provide consistent peer support.
There are no requirements for membership
in 12-step groups other than agreement to follow
the 12 steps; and there are no fees, charges, or
dues. Each group determines the ways in which
its members support the group’s functions and
expenses. There are also 12-step support programs,
such as Al-Anon, for the family members
and friends of people who have addictions.
Behavior Modification Therapy
Behavior modification therapy is formally structured
care through a licensed psychologist or substance
abuse professional and takes the approach
that a person can change the ways he or she
thinks and acts in regard to alcohol and drugs of
abuse. Methods may include incentives, setting
and then working to meet goals, behavior substitution
skills, PSYCHOTHERAPY to help the person
understand his or her reasons for abusing drugs or
alcohol, education about drugs and addiction, and
techniques for coping with situations that present
high risk for relapse. Behavior modification therapy
builds on the premises that the individual is
responsible for his or her behavior, behaviors are
learned, and learning new behaviors is always
possible.
Related Health Care and Lifestyle Issues
Many people recovering from addiction have
other health conditions that need appropriate
medical attention, from NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY to
damage resulting from abused drugs or alcohol.
Recovery from substance abuse must also include
treatment for such health conditions. Some conditions,
such as HEPATITIS or other bloodborne infections,
may require medications or extended
treatment. Other conditions, such as LIVER disease
or CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD), may need ongoing
medical care.
Nutritional eating is particularly important
because nutritional deficiencies are common.
Many people need vitamin and mineral supplements.
Eating foods that are enjoyable provide a
source of pleasure. Regular physical exercise is
also important to maintain overall health as well