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Narcotic abusers. Exploring Drug Addiction Treatment: NIDA’s Comprehensive Approach to Substance Use Disorders

by alexxlab

How does NIDA support research on drug addiction treatment. What are the latest developments in substance use disorder interventions. How can evidence-based treatments be tailored for specific populations. What role do social determinants play in addiction science.

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NIDA’s Role in Advancing Addiction Treatment Research

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research on drug use and addiction. As the lead federal agency in this field, NIDA’s efforts have led to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating substance use disorders.

NIDA supports a wide range of research initiatives aimed at developing effective interventions for treating substance use disorders and preventing overdoses. These interventions include:

  • Medications (e.g., for opioid use disorder and tobacco dependence)
  • Behavioral interventions
  • Digital therapeutics

The institute’s ongoing research focuses on creating and implementing safe, effective, and desirable treatment strategies that align with individuals’ long-term recovery goals.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders

NIDA’s research has contributed to the development of various evidence-based treatment approaches for substance use disorders. But what makes these treatments effective?

Evidence-based treatments are founded on rigorous scientific research and have been proven to be effective in clinical trials. They typically combine multiple approaches to address the complex nature of addiction, including:

  1. Pharmacological interventions
  2. Behavioral therapies
  3. Psychosocial support
  4. Aftercare and relapse prevention strategies

These treatments are designed to address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to substance use disorders.

Medications for Addiction Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has proven to be highly effective, particularly for opioid use disorder. What medications are commonly used in MAT?

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone

These medications work by reducing cravings, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. For tobacco dependence, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline are commonly prescribed to aid in smoking cessation.

Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral therapies are a crucial component of addiction treatment. They help individuals identify and change behaviors associated with drug use, develop coping skills, and address underlying psychological issues. Some effective behavioral interventions include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Contingency Management
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • Family Behavior Therapy

Digital Therapeutics

In recent years, NIDA has been exploring the potential of digital therapeutics in addiction treatment. How can technology aid in recovery? Digital therapeutics encompass a range of technology-based interventions, including:

  • Mobile apps for monitoring and support
  • Virtual reality exposure therapy
  • Telemedicine platforms for remote counseling
  • Wearable devices for tracking physiological responses

These innovative approaches offer the potential to increase access to treatment, provide ongoing support, and personalize interventions based on real-time data.

Tailoring Treatments for Specific Populations

NIDA recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches are often inadequate in addiction treatment. The institute funds research to develop and implement tailored interventions for specific populations, including:

  • Adolescents
  • People in justice settings
  • Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders

Why is tailoring treatments important? Different populations face unique challenges and have specific needs when it comes to addiction treatment. For example:

Adolescents and Young Adults

Treatment approaches for younger individuals often need to consider factors such as:

  • Developmental stage and brain maturation
  • Peer influence and social pressures
  • Family dynamics
  • Educational and vocational goals

Justice-Involved Individuals

For people in justice settings, treatment programs may need to address:

  • Transitioning back to the community
  • Legal issues and probation requirements
  • Limited access to healthcare and support services
  • Higher risk of overdose upon release

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

Individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders require integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously. This may involve:

  • Coordinated care between addiction specialists and mental health professionals
  • Medications that address both substance use and mental health symptoms
  • Therapies that target underlying trauma or mood disorders

The Role of Social Determinants in Addiction Science

NIDA’s research increasingly recognizes the importance of social determinants of health in addiction science. But how do social factors impact substance use disorders and their treatment?

Social determinants of health encompass the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors can significantly influence an individual’s risk of developing a substance use disorder and their ability to access and benefit from treatment. Some key social determinants include:

  • Socioeconomic status
  • Education level
  • Employment opportunities
  • Housing stability
  • Access to healthcare
  • Neighborhood environment
  • Social support networks

NIDA’s research aims to understand how these factors interact with biological and psychological aspects of addiction, and how interventions can be designed to address these broader social influences.

Innovative Approaches to Addiction Treatment

NIDA continues to support research into novel and innovative approaches to addiction treatment. What cutting-edge strategies are being explored?

Neuroscience-Based Interventions

Advances in neuroscience are paving the way for new treatment approaches, such as:

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for reducing cravings
  • Neurofeedback techniques for enhancing self-regulation
  • Optogenetics for targeted manipulation of neural circuits

Precision Medicine in Addiction Treatment

The concept of precision medicine is being applied to addiction treatment, aiming to tailor interventions based on an individual’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This approach may involve:

  • Genetic testing to predict medication response
  • Biomarker analysis to guide treatment selection
  • Personalized behavioral interventions based on individual risk factors

Immunotherapies and Vaccines

NIDA is also supporting research into immunotherapies and vaccines for substance use disorders. These approaches aim to:

  • Prevent drugs from entering the brain
  • Reduce the rewarding effects of substances
  • Mitigate the risk of overdose

Challenges and Future Directions in Addiction Treatment Research

Despite significant progress, challenges remain in the field of addiction treatment research. What are some of the key issues that NIDA and researchers are working to address?

Improving Treatment Access and Retention

One of the major challenges is expanding access to evidence-based treatments and improving retention rates. NIDA is supporting research on:

  • Telemedicine and mobile health interventions to increase treatment accessibility
  • Strategies to reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behavior
  • Novel approaches to enhance treatment engagement and retention

Addressing the Opioid Crisis

The ongoing opioid crisis remains a significant focus of NIDA’s research efforts. Current priorities include:

  • Developing new medications with improved safety profiles
  • Investigating non-opioid pain management strategies
  • Enhancing overdose prevention and reversal techniques

Integrating Treatment into Healthcare Systems

NIDA is working to improve the integration of addiction treatment into mainstream healthcare systems. This involves:

  • Training healthcare providers in addiction medicine
  • Developing models for coordinated care between addiction specialists and primary care providers
  • Implementing screening and brief intervention protocols in various healthcare settings

The Promise of a Cure for Addiction

While the concept of a “cure” for addiction remains controversial, NIDA’s research is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in addiction treatment. Is it too soon to talk about curing addiction?

The idea of a cure for addiction is complex and multifaceted. It involves not only addressing the physiological aspects of dependence but also the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use disorders. However, recent advances in neuroscience, genetics, and pharmacology are providing new avenues for potential curative approaches.

Some promising areas of research include:

  • Gene therapy to modify addiction-related neural pathways
  • Epigenetic interventions to reverse drug-induced changes in gene expression
  • Novel pharmacological agents that target specific neurotransmitter systems
  • Advanced neuromodulation techniques to restore normal brain function

While a single, universal cure for all addictions may not be realistic, these approaches offer hope for more effective, long-lasting treatments that could fundamentally alter the course of addiction for many individuals.

As NIDA continues to support groundbreaking research in addiction science, the goal remains to develop safe, effective, and accessible treatments that can help individuals achieve long-term recovery and improved quality of life. The journey towards better understanding and treating addiction is ongoing, with each new discovery bringing us closer to more effective solutions for this complex and pervasive public health issue.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

National Institutes of Health

NIDA is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and addiction.

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Highlights

  • NIDA-supported research has led to the development of effective interventions for treating substance use disorders and overdose, including medications (such as those for opioid use disorder or tobacco dependence), behavioral interventions, and digital therapeutics. NIDA continues to support and conduct research to develop and implement safe, effective, and desirable treatment strategies that support individuals’ long-term goals. 
  • NIDA funds a broad research portfolio aimed at increasing access to high quality, evidence-based treatment tailored for specific populations, including adolescents, people in justice settings, and people with other mental health concerns.

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Novel technologies provide great hope for the millions of people with addictions

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Pregnant People With Substance Use Disorders Need Treatment, Not Criminalization


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Pregnant people and new parents can have active substance use disorders. They need support, not criminalization.

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Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Video

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Find More Resources on Treatment

  • Learn more about accessing substance use and mental health treatment and related services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  • Review patient information on drug use and addiction treatment from MedlinePlus.
  • Learn more about research on treatment for opioid addiction from the Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®.
  • Learn more about treatment for alcohol use disorder from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of NIH.

stages, types, causes, signs, consequences, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention

Stages

Types

Causes

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

9 0002 Treatment

Prevention

Drug addiction is a condition characterized by a morbid attraction to narcotic substances. Today, more than 200 items are listed as such drugs, including opium, hashish, cocaine, and desomorphine. Dependence in drug addiction is accompanied by a mental disorder, and in some patients, somatic manifestations.

Drug addiction is widespread in Russia and the world. Every year the number of drug addicts in the country increases and is about 500 thousand. The average age of onset of drug use is 12–13 years (mostly boys). Child and adolescent drug addiction accounts for about 30% of cases of treatment in specialized institutions.

Untreated condition is ultimately fatal. Depending on the type of substance used, life expectancy does not exceed 6 years.

Stages

As addiction to psychoactive substances develops, the physical and emotional state of the patient changes. There are 3 stages of drug addiction:

  • psychological;
  • physiological;
  • degradation.

At the first stage, a single use of narcotic drugs turns into a permanent one. There is a decrease in the effect of pleasure from the previous dose and its increase by several times (according to some reports, up to 100). There is no physical dependence at this stage, so the patient can easily endure the absence of the drug. But the discomfort that comes after 1-2 days and the need for euphoria push him to reuse the psychoactive substance.

In addition, sensations change after taking the drug. If at the initial stage of the development of addiction the patient feels drowsiness and calmness, then at the first stage there are cheerfulness, excitement, high spirits. There are usually no health problems.

This stage is characterized by social distancing. The addict becomes more withdrawn, unsociable, the circle of acquaintances sharply narrows.

At the second stage of the development of drug addiction, physical dependence appears. Drug use becomes regular, and the time intervals are significantly reduced. With a long break, the patient develops withdrawal syndrome, which can manifest itself in the following signs:

  • dry mouth;
  • sleep disturbance and insomnia;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • tremor;
  • jumps in blood pressure.

With intoxication, the level of excitation decreases, the patient has a tonic effect. Interests change, the main goal of the patient is to find a dose.

At the third stage, irreversible physical and mental changes occur in the body of a drug addict. Intellectual degradation becomes visible to others, the work of the kidneys and liver is disturbed. Tolerance to psychoactive substances increases. The purpose of taking a drug is not to get a feeling of joy, but to maintain activity. Social interaction is kept to a minimum.

Species

Depending on the psychoactive substance used, drug addiction is divided into several types. The most common of them:

  1. Heroin addiction. It belongs to the group of addictions to opiates obtained from synthetic components and poppy juice. After using the drug, the patient feels a surge of strength along with relaxation. When using a psychoactive substance by injection, infectious diseases often develop.
  2. Cocaine addiction. It is an addiction to cocaine-containing substances and cocaine in its purest form. This is the most “easy” version of a painful craving for drugs, which causes euphoria, cheerfulness and does not disturb a person’s thinking.
  3. Mental addiction, which is caused by the use of amphetamines. At the same time, the patient develops dependence not only on a psychological level, but also on a physical one. Substances have a strong effect on the brain, leading to vivacity and increased mood. In case of withdrawal, withdrawal syndrome develops, and subsequently depression.
  4. Dependence on LSD. Chronic addiction leads to hallucinations and frequent mood swings. The patient is often in a state of fear and panic. Drug addicts who take LSD on a regular basis may perform inexplicable actions under the influence of hallucinations. Cessation of the substance leads to depression and psychosis.
  5. Ecstasy addiction, or MDMA, is a group of narcotic synthetic drugs. It leads to excessive excitement, a feeling of joy and happiness, while the work of internal organs is disrupted.

Causes and risk factors

The main causes of drug addiction include the following:

  • physiological;
  • psychological;
  • social.

The first group consists of the features of the processes occurring in the brain. Imbalance (deficiency and excess) of neurotransmitters leads to an emotional outburst, increased anxiety and a deficit of emotions of joy.

Psychoactive substances in the initial stages allow you to relieve stress, feel pleasure and good mood. But with constant use of drugs, the effect decreases. When realizing this, a person already finds himself in dependence (physical and mental).

Psychological reasons include:

  • immaturity;
  • lack of awareness;
  • dissatisfaction with life;
  • inability to deal with difficulties.

An immediate desire to get satisfaction from life, get rid of problems and feel joy leads to the development of drug addiction. Experts say that in most cases, the psychological etiology of addiction is largely related to the attitude towards the child in childhood. Sometimes, due to overprotection or, conversely, due to the indifference of parents, a teenager begins to look for new emotions through the use of drugs.

The social causes of drug addiction include the presence of authority in the environment, from which the teenager takes an example. The desire to try something unusual and new becomes a trigger in the development of addiction.

In addition, many young people involved in the creative profession believe that psychoactive substances will help in their work, in the creation of brilliant works.

Risk factors for the development of drug addiction:

  • the presence of a drug addict among relatives;
  • the influence of the environment;
  • mental disorders in development;
  • low standard of living of the family;
  • self-doubt, problems of interpersonal relationships;
  • early sexual life;
  • high crime in the area.

Symptoms

Known symptoms of drug addiction are divided into three groups:

  1. Drug intoxication. It is characterized by a violation of thinking and perception, the appearance of drowsiness, euphoria, relaxation. On the physical level, the patient notes dilated pupils, rapid breathing and increased sweating.
  2. drug syndrome. It manifests itself in the form of an irresistible desire to feel euphoria again. In this case, the person has signs of psychosis and frequent mood swings. In addition, physical changes are noticeable: indigestion, convulsions, fever, neck and back pain.
  3. Syndrome of consequences of drug addiction. This group of symptoms is characterized by somatic (phlebitis, cardiomyopathy) and psychiatric (psychosis, schizophrenia) manifestations.

Other common signs of addiction include:

  • slowing down of speech;
  • loss of appetite;
  • fast fatigue;
  • frequent lies;
  • redness of the eyes.

Complications

Drug addiction causes great harm to health and often leads to such complications as:

  • psychotic disorder, in which the patient cannot distinguish the true reality from his hallucinations;
  • psychoses;
  • schizophrenia;
  • bipolar disorder;
  • injury to yourself and others;
  • anaphylactic shock.

An overdose of a psychoactive substance can be fatal.

Diagnostics

The narcologist is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of drug addiction. The doctor identifies visible signs, conducts a conversation with the addict and his relatives. Before prescribing treatment, the specialist refers the patient to one or more studies:

  1. Complete blood count.
  2. Blood chemistry.
  3. Blood test for HIV.
  4. Blood test for syphilis.
  5. Blood test for hepatitis.
  6. General urine analysis.
  7. Electrocardiogram.
  8. Chest x-ray.
  9. Ultrasound of internal organs.

When using the drug through the nasal passages, consultation with an otolaryngologist is required.

Treatment

Treatment of drug addiction and rehabilitation of the patient is a long, step-by-step process. Its duration varies from patient to patient and averages from 2 months to several years.

The first line of therapy is detoxification, which is carried out in order to restore the functioning of internal organs. The patient is shown taking vitamins, drugs to normalize the functioning of the body, tranquilizers and nootropics. In some cases, antidepressants are needed.

The second stage of the fight against drug addiction is psychotherapy. Specialists use hypnosis, art therapy, reflex and other types of therapy. To enhance the effect, the patient is prescribed occupational therapy.

Prophylaxis

Prevention of drug addiction is represented by one of three types:

  • primary – aimed at prohibiting the distribution and use of drugs among people;
  • secondary – implies the identification of foci of increased risk;
  • tertiary – involves the prevention of relapses and complications in drug addicts.

To reduce the development of drug addiction allows the dissemination of information about its harm, impact on life and health.

The author of the article:

Novikov Vladimir Sergeevich

psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, kmn, member of the Professional Psychotherapeutic League

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