Treatment must address the individual's drug use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. At different times during treatment, a patient may develop a need for medical services, family therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and social and legal services. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The time depends on an individual's needs. For most patients, the threshold of significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment.
Additional treatment can produce further progress.
Programs should include strategies to prevent patients from leaving treatment prematurely. Behavioral therapy also facilitates interpersonal relationships. Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies. Naltrexone is effective for some opiate addicts and some patients with co-occurring alcohol dependence. Nicotine patches or gum, or an oral medication, such as buproprion, can help persons addicted to nicotine.