Naltrexone is also an effective medication for some opiate addicts and some patients with co-occurring addiction to alcohol. For patients with mental disorders, both behavioral treatments and medications can be critically important.
Strong motivation can facilitate the treatment process.
Sanctions or enticements in the family, employment setting, or criminal justice system can increase significantly both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of drug treatment interventions. Individuals who enter treatment under legal pressure have outcomes as favorable as those who enter treatment voluntarily. Drug users who enter and continue in treatment reduce activities that can spread disease, such as sharing injection equipment and engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Participation in treatment also presents opportunities for screening, counseling, and referral for additional services. The best drug abuse treatment programs provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing to their patients.