A treatment is something that health care providers give to patients to control, lessen, or even cure their medical problem. For example, health care providers can treat athlete’s foot with medicines, creams, or powders that kill the fungus that causes it. When people have a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, they can also get treatment. Some treatments are very successful and can cure the condition. Other treatments are less successful, but can still help.
Chemical addiction is a disease, and it needs to be treated like any other chronic relapsing disease such as heart disease or asthma. Because of this, treatment often involves some level of behavioral change.
Most programs offer several types of counseling or psychotherapy (e.g., family therapy, individual counseling). Some use cognitive therapy (which helps people challenge negative thinking), while others focus on identifying unconscious beliefs that impact mood and behavior. Some programs use hypnosis or guided imagery to help clients relax. Some programs also have specific therapists who specialize in treating a particular substance or type of client.
Almost all programs require that clients submit to regular toxicology screening and monitoring (urine, blood and breath testing). For individuals who are mandated to treatment by another system, such as court, child welfare or public assistance, reporting back to that agency may be required. Some programs also include case management, which helps clients arrange or participate in social service services. Most programs also provide support groups or link clients with other people who have the same condition.
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