Can addictions be treated?

Can addictions be treated?

Treatments for addiction can help. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatment options. They include:

• Detoxification (detox): For severe addiction, a process called detox can help alleviate and treat withdrawal symptoms. During detox, your provider cares for you while drugs or alcohol leave your system. Your provider may give you medications and other therapies to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Medications: Your provider may give you medications to reduce urges, cravings and ongoing withdrawal symptoms. If you have another mental health disorder (such as bipolar disorder or depression), your provider may treat those with medications as well.
• Rehabilitation (rehab): Providers offer structured counseling, education, support and encouragement during rehab. You may live at a rehab facility (inpatient rehab) or visit one for scheduled sessions (outpatient rehab). Rehab services focus on helping you manage addiction long term and live a healthier life.
• Therapy: Several types of therapy help people with addiction gain new perspectives and change their behavior. Your provider may recommend types of cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback therapy. You may also improve with psychotherapy (talk therapy).
• Support groups: Many people manage addiction with the help of a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Groups like Al-Anon support family members and friends of people with substance use disorders. These groups offer people the opportunity to share experiences and find ongoing encouragement.