A treatment process combining medical support, medication, and psychotherapy for individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders. Coordinated with YEDAM and AMATEM centers in Turkey.
Indication
- Alcohol use disorder (harmful use or dependence)
- Opioid dependence (heroin, prescription painkiller misuse)
- Cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamine-type stimulant (methamphetamine) dependence
- Disorders related to synthetic substance use (synthetic cannabinoids, including bonsai-type drugs)
- Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic medication dependence
- Polysubstance use and withdrawal syndrome management
- Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder accompanying substance use disorder
Preparation
- Detailed psychiatric history, pattern of use, and substance type assessment
- Urine/serum drug screening and liver-kidney function tests
- Decision for outpatient or inpatient monitoring based on withdrawal severity (CIWA-Ar, COWS scales)
- Screening for accompanying medical conditions (hepatitis, HIV, malnutrition)
- Meeting with family/support system and sharing the treatment plan
How it's performed
- Risk level is determined at the initial assessment; in cases of acute withdrawal or suicide risk, referral is made to inpatient centers such as AMATEM
- Detoxification under medical supervision for alcohol and opioid withdrawal; benzodiazepine protocols for alcohol and medications such as buprenorphine for opioids are administered at appropriate centers
- For maintenance treatment — depending on indication — naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram (alcohol), or buprenorphine/naltrexone (opioid) options are evaluated
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention programs are applied
- Outpatient/inpatient follow-up is planned in coordination with YEDAM (Green Crescent Counseling Center) and AMATEM
- Family therapy and support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) may be recommended
Post-procedure
- Weekly visits during the first 3 months, then every 2 weeks, then monthly check-ups
- Follow-up with regular urine drug screening
- Continuous monitoring of accompanying mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
- Assessment of social functioning (work, school, family) and rehabilitation referral if needed
- Stigma-free, recovery-focused approach in case of relapse
Risks
- Medical emergencies during withdrawal such as seizures and delirium tremens (alcohol)
- Side effects of medications used during treatment (nausea, headache, elevated liver enzymes)
- Risk of relapse after treatment (the natural course of addiction as a chronic disease)
- Exacerbation of accompanying mental health conditions
- Suicidal thoughts — call 112 (or local emergency services) or present to the nearest emergency department immediately
FAQ
Can addiction be 'cured' in a single session or in a short time?
Addiction is a chronic illness; the promise of a 'definitive cure' in a single session or short period is not realistic. The treatment process generally requires regular follow-up and psychosocial support for months to years.
Do treatment medications cause dependence?
When used at the appropriate dose under physician supervision, medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, and acamprosate do not cause dependence; on the contrary, they help reduce substance use. Starting and stopping these medications should always be done under physician supervision.
Is treatment kept confidential?
The medical process is covered by patient rights and professional confidentiality. Treatment information is not shared with third parties except as required by law.
What should I do if I relapse?
Relapse is a common part of addiction treatment and is not a failure. It is important to contact the physician quickly and return to treatment.
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