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Treatment Research

Brief Description

Drug addiction is a complex illness characterized by intense and sometimes uncontrollable drug craving, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences. Because drug abuse and addiction have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment is not simple. Scientific research and clinical practice demonstrate the value of behavioral counseling often accompanied by medicines to treat addiction. In addition, continuing care and attention to co-occuring medical problems are important. A variety of approaches having been tested and integrated in residential and community settings. As we look toward the future, we will harness new research results on the influence of genetics and environment on gene function and expression (i.e., epigenetics), which are heralding the development of personalized treatment interventions.

Related Publications

Publication Cover

Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)

Published October 1999. Revised December 2012.
Presents research-based principles of addiction treatment for a variety of drugs, including nicotine, alcohol, and illicit and prescription drugs, that can inform drug treatment programs and services. En Español

Publication Cover

Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - A Research-Based Guide

Published September 2006. Revised January 2012.
Presents research-based principles of addiction treatment that can inform drug treatment programs and services in the criminal justice setting.

Scientist with testtube

Medications Development at NIDA (Topics in Brief)

Revised November 2011.
Offers an update on the research strategy underway in the push to develop effective addiction medications, including currently approved drugs, new compounds, and vaccines.

Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction (DrugFacts)

Revised September 2009.
Describes research findings on effective medication and behavior treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction and discusses special considerations for the criminal justice setting. En Español

Treatment for Drug Abusers in the Criminal Justice System (DrugFacts)

Revised July 2006.
Discusses the extent of drug abuse and addiction among criminal offenders and treatment approaches that emphasize 13 principles proven to help criminal justice systems tailor treatment programs. En Español

Publication Cover

Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What To Ask

Published December 2011.
Offers guidance in seeking drug abuse treatment and lists five questions to ask when searching for a treatment program.

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

This page was last updated December 2012

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