In what form of therapy is a CNS depressant administered to mitigate withdrawal symptoms?

In the context of addiction treatment, substitution therapy is a method that involves administering a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant to help manage withdrawal symptoms associated with substance cessation. This approach is commonly used in scenarios such as alcohol or opioid withdrawal, where individuals may experience severe physical and psychological symptoms. By substituting the addictive substance with a safer alternative that has a similar pharmacological effect, healthcare professionals can reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and make it easier for the patient to stabilize.

Substitution therapy aims to provide relief while allowing individuals to gradually decrease their dependency on the original substance, ideally leading to a more successful recovery process. This method contrasts with other forms of therapy, such as peer support therapy, which relies on social interactions and support from others in recovery, or cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns. Deterrent therapy, on the other hand, generally involves strategies to discourage substance use rather than manage withdrawal symptoms. Thus, substitution therapy is specifically designed to address the immediate needs of individuals going through withdrawal, making it the relevant choice in this context.