In many cases, addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after periods of abstinence. Since addiction has so many dimensions and disrupts so many aspects of an individual's life, treatment for this condition is never simple. The path to addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs can be compromised. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part the result of the effects of prolonged use on brain functioning and, thus, on behaviour.
Today there are many treatments available depending on the specific addictive drugs.
Treatment must be provided in an integrated way, especially when patients also experience mental disorders which often occur simultaneously. It also depends on the different settings, using a variety of behavioural and pharmacological approaches. No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs is critical to ultimate success. Treatment needs to be readily available.