No easy cures exist for treating patients with addictions. Like the individuals suffering from the disorders, no one addiction is completely like another. Biology may play a more or less prominent role.
Relapses often occur.
Patients may have psychiatric disorders. They may have emotional issues. And they may not know any social structure beyond that supporting their addiction. Brian Johnson uses a combination of psychoanalysis and medicine in treating his addiction patients. He sees the two approaches as complementary.