Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Often known by the brand name Campral, Acamprosate is a common medication used in alcohol dependence treatment. Unlike other medicines that make alcohol unpleasant to the user, Acamprosate works by reducing the brain's dependence on it.

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an alcohol dependence treatment medication that reduces cravings by discouraging the consumption of alcohol.

Methadone is an opioid agonist that eliminates opioid withdrawal symptoms. This helps those addicted to opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, and painkillers by easing the withdrawal process.

Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist that reduces the effects of opioid withdrawal. Naloxone rapidly reverses the effects of opioids, preventing overdose and severe withdrawal symptoms

Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist that reduces the effects of opioid withdrawal. This helps those addicted to opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, and painkillers by easing the withdrawal process and is used in conjunction.

Naltrexone blocks the pleasure receptors that are interacted with by alcohol and narcotics. This effectively removes any pleasurable sensations the substance offers and reduces the need to take them.

Naltrexone blocks the pleasure receptors that are interacted with by alcohol and narcotics. This effectively removes any pleasurable sensations the substance offers and reduces the need to take them.

Clonidine is used to reduce the symptoms of stimulant and opioid withdrawal and is primarily used in the detoxification process

Individual counseling involves patients speaking with a counselor or therapist about their addiction in a one-to-one setting. This type of counseling will often incorporate different forms of behavioral therapies such as CBT in order to help the patient understand their psychological relationship with substance abuse and develop techniques to manage cravings and future temptation.

Group counseling can takes place in both inpatient and outpatient settings and involves those afflicted with substances use disorders/behavioral addictions meeting to discuss their issues. This form of counseling can help create a level of empathy and understanding of others journeys with addiction, which can help to give perspective on an individual's addiction. It also helps to build a support network which helps reduce relapse and promotes positive relationships outside of substance abuse.

Family counseling for substance use disorders and behavioral addictions helps the patient repair relationships with those close to them through open dialogue around past miss doings that were caused by addiction. This helps reestablish trust and builds a support network for the patient.

Anger is a powerful emotion and one that is often closely tied to addiction. Many people with behavioral or substance addictions will experience anger in many forms, both internally and externally. Anger management combined with other evidence based treatment can help patients control their emotions and evaluate situations without resorting to anger.

Brief intervention aims to inform people who are abusing drugs and alcohol at a high level of the risk of dependence and addiction. The interventions are usually targeted at those who are yet to develop a substance use disorder but who are displaying the signs of potentially becoming addicted.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used type of therapy widely used in addiction treatment, rehab and recovery as a way of identifying emotional triggers that lead to substance abuse and developing methods to control them.

Contingency management is a highly effective treatment for substance use and related disorders. These interventions have been widely tested and evaluated in the context of substance misuse treatment, and they most often involve provision of monetary-based reinforcers for submission of drug-negative urine specimens.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is often recommended as an evidence-based approach to behavior change and is often used in addiction treatment. MI is a more collaborative approach to therapy and requires patient and counselor to explore issues without advice, judgment, or a set path laid out.

The Relapse Prevention (RP) model is widely used in alcohol and drug rehab treatments. It uses CBT practises to prepare those approaching the end of rehab treatment to begin a life of sobriety without falling into old habits of substance abuse.

Substance use disorder counseling can incorporate a wide variety of therapies and and treatment models.

Telehealth has grown in popularity and availability across all forms of treatment in the wake of COVID-19. For those who are unable to leave their homes (such as immunocompromised individuals) telehealth services can provide addiction treatment virtually and provide a support network for people unable to receive normal treatment.

Those with severe addictions who need medical detox can receive the intensive care they need in a hospital inpatient setting. 24 hour care can be given, including appropriate medications and therapy.

Outpatient treatment centers offer the same level of care as inpatient settings while also allowing the patient to be able to return home each day

For some substance use disorders, such as with opioids, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and for those addicted to benzodiazepines or alcohol, even life-threatening. In these instances, a medically supervised detox may be necessary to ensure the process is handled safely.

Outpatient detox is beneficial for those who cannot commit to inpatient care, like those with young children, but who still require a high level of care and support with their recovery.

IOP requires patients to attend day treatment for three hours a day, often for five days a week but declining as recovery improves.

Acupuncture is a holistic modality that addresses emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health and has been used in certain addiction treatment models since the 1970s. Also known as AcuDetox in an addiction context, acupuncture draws on auricular acupuncture protocols targeted to addictions, trauma, and mental health disorders. An acupuncturist inserts very small, sterile needles into your skin and then you sit still and quietly for at least 20-30 minutes.

The safest and most effective way of tackling detox is through an alcohol rehab center with dedicated medical supervision. This reduces the risks of medical complications caused by withdrawal and reduces the likelihood of relapse

The physical and psychological effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal, such as seizures and suicidal ideation, are potentially life-threatening and should always be treated by medical professionals in a medically supervised detox.

The first stages of cocaine addiction treatment begin with an initial detox. During cocaine detoxification, the drug is cleared from the body while a healthcare professional manages withdrawal symptoms and keeps the patient calm and comfortable

Meth withdrawal symptoms are often very uncomfortable and are a significant reason people cannot quit meth on their own. Meth detoxification can help manage difficult withdrawal symptoms and prepare the client for the next phase of treatment.

Most people experiencing opioid withdrawal will begin to feel symptoms within the first 8-24 hours after their last dose, and sometimes even sooner. Without a monitored detoxification, these intense withdrawal symptoms will often cause the sufferer to relapse. Opioid detoxification can include a course of medication to help alleviate cravings and manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.