Other Drug Recovery

No single type of treatment is appropriate for all individuals addicted to a substance. Treatment must take into account the type of drug used and the needs of the individual. Successful treatment may need to incorporate several components, including detoxification, counseling, and in some cases, the use of pharmacological therapies. Multiple courses of treatment may be needed for the patient to make a full recovery.

The two main categories of any substance abuse treatment are behavioral and pharmacological. Behavioral treatments encourage patients to stop drug use and teach them how to function without drugs, handle cravings, avoid substance abuse, situations that could lead to substance abuse, and handle a relapse should it occur. When delivered effectively, behavioral treatments-such as individual counseling, group or family counseling, contingency management, and cognitive behavioral therapies also can help addicts improve their personal relationships and their ability to function at work and in the community.