Drug use and abuse affects the users and their families, friends, and coworkers. It is also costly, not only to the drug abusers and their families, but to their employers as well. If you are drug-dependent or abusing drugs, get help. Medical treatment can be given in outpatient or inpatient settings. The goal for treatment is to get to the point where all mood-altering chemicals are not used.
Medical treatment involves the use of a number of things.
The amount of methadone is slowly reduced until the person no longer needs it. Some persons may need to be on methadone for a long time. Counseling helps the drug addict or abuser identify the needs for drug use and helps the person set up life-coping skills. Counseling can be provided on an outpatient basis or in inpatient settings. Medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian if the drug abuse has resulted in nutrient deficiencies.