Dear Friend,
At The Drug Policy Alliance, we believe that health-focused solutions, like addiction (substance use disorder) treatment, are the key to saving lives and ending the overdose crisis.
With recent federal funding cuts slashing overdose prevention and addiction treatment — and more cuts being proposed — it is more important than ever to understand the benefits of and barriers to addiction treatment so we can advocate for the care that keeps our communities thriving and ourselves and loved ones alive.
Unfortunately, most people don’t know what addiction treatment really involves unless they have gone through it themselves or with a loved one.
That’s why we created a brand-new addiction treatment resource. It’s a wealth of knowledge on addiction treatment: including options, settings, and frequently asked questions.
Today kicks off a three-part email series diving into each section. Don’t forget to test your knowledge with our short quiz!
Today we are looking at: treatment options.
From behavioral therapy to medications, there are many paths to recovery. The best approach depends on each person — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
For many substance use disorders, only behavioral therapy options are available. For people addicted to stimulants like cocaine or meth, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management are effective treatments. Currently, medications to treat addiction are only available for opioid, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders.
Knowledge is power. When we take the time to understand addiction treatment, we become stronger advocates for ourselves and our loved ones. At DPA, we work to ensure everyone has access to the information and care they need.
