Treatments are available to help people counter addictions’ powerful disruptive effects. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient’s substance abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. >>Learn More About TRICARE's Coverage for Substance Use Disorder
Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing substances again. Relapse, however, does not signal treatment failure—rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted or that an alternative treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover.
The 2008 DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel indicates that the use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, high levels of alcohol intake, illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs continue to impact the health of service members. In addition, other substances which may be legal but are unauthorized within the DoD remain on the radar of health care providers
Principles of Drug Addiction Treatments
Scientific research has shown that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives. Based on this research, 13 fundamental principles that characterize effective drug abuse treatment have been developed. These principles are detailed in National Institute on Drug Abuse's Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. The guide also describes different types of science-based treatments and provides answers to commonly asked questions.
3. Treatment needs to be readily available.
Because drug-addicted individuals may be uncertain about entering treatment, taking advantage of available services the moment people are ready for treatment is critical. Potential patients can be lost if treatment is not immediately available or readily accessible.
5. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
The appropriate duration for an individual depends on the type and degree of his or her problems and needs. Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.
9. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.
Because drug abuse and addiction—both of which are mental disorders—often co-occur with other mental illnesses, patients presenting with one condition should be assessed for the others. And when these problems co-occur, treatment should address all, including the use of medications as appropriate.