SUBSTITUTION THERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Substitution therapy is a medical treatment strategy that involves replacing a harmful substance or addictive drug with a safer or less addictive alternative. Also known as replacement therapy, the goal of substitution therapy is to manage substance dependence or addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while minimizing the risks and harm associated with the original substance.
Substitution therapy is commonly used in the field of addiction medicine to treat various addictions, including opioids, alcohol, or tobacco. In the case of opioid addiction, for example, a commonly employed substitution therapy involves replacing the illicit opioid, such as heroin, with a pharmaceutical opioid agonist like methadone or buprenorphine. These medications can help stabilize and normalize brain function, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and reduce craving, allowing individuals to gradually taper off their addiction.
The use of medication in substitution therapy is usually combined with comprehensive counseling, support services, and behavioral therapies to address the psychological and social aspects of addiction. The main objective is to achieve full recovery by facilitating the transition from a drug-dependent lifestyle to a healthy and sober one.
While substitution therapy may be controversial for some, it is recognized by many medical professionals as a valuable tool in harm reduction and improving quality of life for individuals struggling with addiction. It can help individuals regain control over their lives, improve social and occupational functioning, and reduce the risk of relapse or overdose.
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Opotherapy or organotherapy, administration of preparations made from organs, especially the endocrine, in order to relieve conditions believed to be caused by a deficiency of the internal secretion of those organs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUBSTITUTION THERAPY
- aubstitution therapy
- zubstitution therapy
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- dubstitution therapy
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- wubstitution therapy
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- subztitution therapy
- subxtitution therapy
- subdtitution therapy
Etymology of SUBSTITUTION THERAPY
The etymology of the word "substitution therapy" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. Substitution: This word comes from the Latin "substitutio", which means "a putting in the place of another" or "a substituting". The Latin root "substituere" is a combination of "sub" (under, below) and "statuere" (to set up, establish). It refers to the act of replacing or exchanging one thing for another.
2. Therapy: This word originates from the Greek "therapia", meaning "healing" or "medical treatment". The root "therapeia" is derived from "therapeuein", which means "to attend, serve, or care for". It suggests a systematic process of medical care aimed at improving physical or mental well-being.
