Final answer:
Maintenance treatment for dependence includes pharmacological agents such as methadone and naltrexone, which help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as psychological support through therapy and mutual aid groups to sustain recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintenance treatment for the treatment of dependence refers to the ongoing care and support provided to individuals recovering from addiction to ensure long-term sobriety and reduce the likelihood of relapse. This approach to rehabilitation may involve the use of pharmacological agents, such as methadone or naltrexone, to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms and prevent the euphoric effects of opioids. Methadone is commonly used to help individuals with heroin addiction by mimicking the effects of heroin without the same level of euphoria, thus reducing cravings and easing the transition to a drug-free state. Naltrexone can be used to maintain an opioid-free state by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings.
Psychological support also plays a crucial role in maintenance treatment through individual and group therapy, and participation in mutual aid fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These interventions help develop coping strategies and a supportive community, key elements for sustained recovery from drug dependence.