In subtle ways our society condones and sometimes even encourages drug and alcohol use. We are bombarded by advertising that encourages us to take pills and medicines for every ache and pain that ails us. Many experts believe this creates a social climate accepting of drug use. Treatment for addiction consists of a broad range of formal, organized services. Depending on the severity of the substance abuse problem, certain treatments will be more effective than others.
Some treatments are relatively short in duration while others are long-term.
In general, treatment involves the setting of personal goals with a counselor. This almost always includes restoring individuals to a drug-free lifestyle and helping them improve their capacity to function effectively in society. Some programs that target criminal offenders reduce the criminal behavior that supports addiction. Citizens in most communities have access to one of the more than 3,500 public and private substance abuse treatment programs in the nation. Although there are other types of treatment, in one way or another all fall into one of these five modalities.