Inpatient and outpatient programs are offered by licensed medical and psychological professionals, who provide a combination of individual, group and family therapy. Attention is also paid to managing relapse or a recurrence of the drug-taking behavior. Therapeutic communities involve a live-in residential arrangement, whereby support is provided by paraprofessionals who are former addicts. Sometimes known as halfway houses, these settings may be necessary when the danger of relapse is particularly high. Like many inpatient and outpatient programs, therapeutic communities are often affiliated with community mental health centers.
Members meet regularly to assist others to remain drug free.
AA and similar programs, including Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous, are often employed as an adjunct to professional treatment programs. Employee assistance programs are offered by many employers. Employers have a strong interest in intervening in drug use. Drug-dependent employees are less productive and more likely to injure themselves and others. Their need for coverage may drive up health care costs.