It is common for people to mistake drug addiction or alcoholism as a result of character flaws, something wherein there's nothing much we can do. However, on the contrary, substance abuse is just like any ordinary disorder which is treatable.

It is extremely important to get the substance abuser for treatment at the earliest possible time to avoid further damage physically and psychologically. An Interventionist can make a clinical assessment of the problem and will recommend the right treatment needed.

Outpatient care. For those with moderate withdrawal symptoms, outpatient treatment is normally recommended. Family members and friends will play a vital role in this type of rehabilitation.

Inpatient care. In cases wherein the substance abuser has psychiatric disorders, delirium tremens, and those who have a troublesome home environment, inpatient treatment is necessary. Inpatient substance abuse care is comprehensive.

As to which type of care is more effective, it all depends on a lot of factors. Moreover, there are other factors which one may consider such as the cost difference between inpatient and outpatient cares.

Drug therapy. Drug therapy is also used in some cases. Certain drugs have proven benefits but this is normally given in addition to other forms of treatment.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is recommended for people with severe alcoholism.

Drug intervention and treatment. The symptoms of some types of dependency are similar, rendering the diagnois and treatment challenging. These symptoms may even overlap. That is why physicians commonly prefer a method called dual diagnosis to identify the actual condition of the substance abuser.

Maintenance treatement method. A patient is required to switch over to another drug that producs milder withdrawal symptoms.

Outpatient drug-free treatment. This requires regular visit to a clinic because it is a comprehensive program which mainly involve individual or group counseling. This is normally recommended for patients with a brief history of substance abuse.

Therapeutic communities. Usually applicable only to patients with a long history of substance abuse, expecially those becoming violent and difficult to contain. These are structured residence programs which last for 6 to 12 months.