Treatment of drug abuse syndromes

This article serves as an introduction to the treatment of the various drug abuse syndromes. The theoretical concept underlying all diagnoses in drug dependence is presented first in detail, along with an extensive discussion of how these diagnoses are operationalized. Tolerance and dependence among the various drugs of abuse are considered. The review of treatment approaches divides drugs of abuse into pharmacologic categories and treatment into time segments, acute detoxification, intermediate-term, and long-term treatment. Pharmacotherapies for each of the categories of substance abuse and for each of the time periods are presented in a treatment-oriented fashion. Drug substitution therapy is considered. Individual and group therapy are discussed, as is education in the form of group process and peer feedback. The role of peer support groups is stressed. Finally, patient placement criteria across levels of care are explained.