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Iatrogenic addiction and its treatment
The International Journal of the Addictions
|April 1, 1978
Summary
Iatrogenic addictions, or those caused by medical treatment, often persist for years. Treatment involves psychotherapy and sometimes methadone to manage addiction and psychological distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Iatrogenic addictions develop from prescribed medications, unlike illicit drug use.
- These addictions often go unnoticed by healthcare professionals for extended periods.
- Patients present with established physiological dependence and significant psychological comorbidities.
Observation:
- Case histories highlight challenges in treating iatrogenic drug dependence.
- Patients' lives become dominated by addiction and associated psychological issues.
- Delayed presentation complicates therapeutic interventions.
Findings:
- Psychotherapeutic strategies like life review and assertion training are beneficial.
- Didactic teaching on alternative pain management techniques proves effective.
- Methadone can serve as an adjunctive treatment during psychotherapy.
Implications:
- Effective treatment requires tailored psychotherapeutic approaches.
- Integrating pain management education is crucial for recovery.
- Pharmacological support, such as methadone, may aid in managing iatrogenic addiction.
- Addressing iatrogenic addiction requires a multidisciplinary approach.