The first and the most important step in undertaking any of the treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse is to acknowledge that the habit has become a life-threatening issue and needs to be treated. One needs to realize that the habit is destroying their quality of life. Realization of the negative effects of substance abuse helps one choose to get treatment, which goes a long way in helping them through the process.

In many cases, treatment can last a lifetime with the need to abstain from the substance throughout life, which can be difficult. Treatment options depend on several factors, including the type of addiction, the severity of use, the effects, and such other factors. Treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse often change depending on the response and needs of the patient. It also depends on any physical complications developed during the period of substance abuse. Let’s take a look at the treatment options available.

Detoxification
Detoxification is often the first step incorporated to treat individuals suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. The process involves cleansing the substance from the body completely and inducing withdrawal techniques. In most cases, the treatment involves medications administered to reduce withdrawal symptoms and eradicate the habit. The amount of medication depends on the degree of addiction and the number of substances one is addicted to.

Counseling and behavioral therapies
Treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse include thorough counseling after detoxification. Depending on the needs of the individual, this can be one-to-one, group, or family-based counseling, and the frequency and the number of sessions eventually reduce as the symptoms improve. The types of therapy under this treatment include the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  It’s a type of talk therapy called psychotherapy and involves interactions with a mental health counselor over well-planned, limited sessions. The therapy helps one recognize negative or inaccurate thinking associated with substance abuse and also helps them make alterations and respond effectively to overcome dependency.
• Multidimensional family therapy
  It’s a holistic family-focused treatment option to solve an individual’s problem by helping prevent out-of-home placement and improve family functioning around the individual. The treatment focuses on critical areas of the individual’s life and addresses a range of behavioral issues. It aims to eliminate substance abuse, antisocial and aggressive behaviors, problems in the family and school, emotional issues, and other such issues.
• Motivational interviewing
  A psychotherapeutic treatment that encourages individuals to make effective adjustments to their behaviors to move away from uncertainty. It helps them make positive decisions and accomplish goals. Motivation is highly essential for progression as the lack of it is a major hurdle for progress in life.
• Motivational incentives
  It uses incentives and positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from substance use and abuse. Focus is placed on the incentive to stop individuals from following certain habits.