www.helpingpsychology.com Addiction: Effective Treatment Methods http://helpingpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/iStock_000005135399Small-300x199.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com Addiction to drug and alcohol cannot be cured, but there are many methods of effective treatment available today. http://drugalcoholtreatmentfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/305813_7102.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com It should be noted that there is a difference between chemical dependency, which is a physical symptom caused by the drug itself, and addiction, which is a genetic, compulsive disorder. http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5437214/374551-main_Full.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com Most people are familiar by now with 12 step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. http://www.recoverybroadcastnetwork.net/images/AA%20500x315%20GIF.gif

www.helpingpsychology.com The 12 steps don’t work for everyone, at least not as a stand alone method. http://www.alcoholrehab247.com/uploaded_images/gilbert-alcoholism-treatment-791080.bmp

www.helpingpsychology.com Other options for the treatment of drug and alcohol addictions include medications such as methadone , suboxone , and oral naltrexone . http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5294997/319374-main_Full.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com Methadone has been in use for some time for narcotic opiate addicts, however, due to government restrictions, it is difficult for many addicts to receive treatment, and the medication must be doled out daily, requiring addicts to visit a clinic every day. http://opioids.com/methadone/methadone-bottle.jp

www.helpingpsychology.com Suboxone comes in a tablet form and is used to treat severe opiate addiction. http://www.helpmegetoffdrugs.com/images/Suboxone_Bottle_UN7Y.png

www.helpingpsychology.com It also contains a drug which, if injected or otherwise not used as directed, will counteract all effects of the first drug, and cause withdrawal and negative side effects. http://www.alcoholics-information.com/young-man-showing-pain-from-excessive-drinking.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com For alcoholics, a drug called Campral – used for quite some time in Europe, but only recently available in the United States – is a drug that blocks the brain from receiving the enjoyable aspects of alcohol, which stops the cravings associated with drinking. http://www.bbonlinepharmacy.com/images/campral.gif

www.helpingpsychology.com Campral does not block withdrawal from alcohol and may not be helpful to someone who has not already stopped drinking. http://www.somewhatsane.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/campral.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com Naltrexone is a medication which eliminates the patient feeling any of the effects of narcotics, which helps to guard against relapse. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BTMqWOhhl4s/SAxhzTFLCSI/AjE/p25pCIGJXp0/s400/Revia-Naltrexone.jpg

www.helpingpsychology.com Nalterxone can be used as a maintenance measure, when a doctor feels a patient should stop taking Suboxone. http://www.healthsquare.com/common/images/b/BRR09020_60120_5.JPG

www.helpingpsychology.com Like Campral, Naltrexone is currently only approved for alcoholism, but doctors have found benefit when used for other types of addiction. http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/naltrexone_pines.jpg

www.argosy.edu Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Sponsored By Helping Psychology is sponsored by Argosy University.