Which treatment options are available to reduce illness associated with substance use disorder?

Instructing individuals on the advantages of finding a needle exchange program is an important treatment option to reduce illness associated with substance use disorder. Needle exchange programs play a crucial role in harm reduction strategies, which aim to minimize the negative health outcomes associated with drug use, particularly intravenous drug use. These programs provide clean needles and syringes to individuals, significantly lowering the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. They also often serve as a gateway to additional health services, such as addiction treatment and counseling, thus helping individuals connect with appropriate care and support.

While discouraging social interaction with other users and promoting herbal supplements might be thought of as supportive measures, they do not directly address the health risks associated with substance use disorder in the same practical manner as needle exchange programs. The effectiveness of herbal supplements in treating addiction or improving health outcomes is also not well-established compared to the evidence supporting harm reduction strategies.