Why Are Medications Needed for Substance Abuse Treatment?

Published February 3, 2014

Question by alliyah ld: Why are medications needed for substance abuse treatment?
I’ve always thought that drug or alcohol addiction was a problem that involves the brain. I thought it would be ok for the person to just stop taking the substance and then go through counseling and therapy sessions. I have only just learned that they are made to take medicines as well. Why is this so?

Best answer:

Answer by cali r
People who are going through substance abuse addiction need medications because these help restore their brain and body functioning back to normal. It keeps the symptoms of withdrawal at bay and reduces the person’s craving for the substance. Coupled with therapy and counseling, medications can be very effective in helping an addict on his way to recovery.

What do you think? Answer below!

Enhancing Motivation For Change in Substance Abuse Treatment – Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment. This was a live training conducted for counselors to earn counseling CEUs on 09-06-2013.