Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Substance Abuse - Drug Abuse and Addiction
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment partly depends on the drug that is used and the personality of the affected person. Treatment is complex. Often it must address the addiction as well as the person's mental and physical health and any work or social problems that occur. Effective treatment may include behavioral therapy, medicines, or some combination of these.
Behavioral therapy helps people:
The best drug abuse programs will provide a combination of therapies and services. Successful treatment recognizes or responds to certain important issues.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Drug abuse is a chronic problem. There may need to be several kinds and numbers of therapies. The greatest side effect of treatment is the tendency to relapse back into drug abuse and addiction.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Monitoring and therapy are needed at least until a person can function fully and long-term abstinence, or avoidance of drug use, has been achieved. Self-help programs are often helpful in keeping a person sober or "clean."
How is the condition monitored?
Monitoring may include the use of drug tests. These can be urine, saliva, or blood tests. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.