Reduction in illicit drug use and improvement of psychological well-being are goals associated with which practice?

Pharmacotherapy involves the use of medications as part of the treatment for substance use disorders. Its goals often include reducing illicit drug use and improving psychological well-being by managing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and any co-occurring mental health issues. By providing a biochemical intervention, pharmacotherapy can help restore neurotransmitter balance and improve the patient’s overall function and mental health.

In contrast, rehabilitation generally focuses more on behavioral interventions and therapy rather than medication. Detoxification is primarily concerned with safely managing withdrawal symptoms and is a short-term approach, while long-term residential treatment emphasizes an immersive therapeutic environment to foster recovery over an extended period. While all these practices contribute to treatment, pharmacotherapy specifically addresses both the reduction of drug use and the enhancement of mental health through medical means.