Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a chronic disease and dysfunction of the brain system that involves memory, motivation, and reward. Addiction treatment helps those with an addiction stop using their substance or substances of choice. Addiction treatment options include: (4)

  • Detox
  • 12-step programs
  • Spiritual groups
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Individual, group, and/or family therapy.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness therapy
  • Alternative therapies
  • Pharmacotherapy (medications)
  • Transitional support courtesy of halfway houses and sober-living communities

People struggling with addiction can find help courtesy of the following resources: (4)

  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at FindTreatment.gov
  2. The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder
  3. SMART Recovery
  4. Secular Organizations for Sobriety
  5. Women for Sobriety
  6. Their insurance company
  7. Their primary care provider (PCP)

Before choosing a method of treatment, those who believe they or someone they love has an addiction should discuss their concerns with a medical professional. Since some programs require referrals, starting the discussion with a primary care provider is a step in the right direction. (5)

No matter what kind of treatment someone chooses, it's possible to overcome addiction. Searching for local groups or speaking with an insurance company about the facilities covered by its plans is a good way to find out which options are available.

Online Therapy

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders affect people all over the United States. Some of those people won't have direct access to care in their communities. For those with limited options due to geographic restrictions or personal or professional obligations, telehealth options for mental health treatment or addictions could help. (6)

Telehealth care offers several important benefits: (7)

  1. Shorter wait times
  2. Better continuity of care
  3. Improved privacy
  4. Care within the home environment
  5. Access to digital tools

With telehealth, patients get access to treatment from anywhere, whether they're at home, in a park, or in a vehicle. They have access to care without needing to stay in a clinical environment that can feel off putting. Telehealth options also increase patient privacy, potentially reducing exposure to judgment and stigma the patient might otherwise encounter. Additionally, the therapist or provider can get better insight into the patient's home or other daily environment, which can help with assessing the situation, identifying potential triggers, and pinpointing resources.

Telehealth appointments and virtual care in general are subject to special rules and regulations, especially when prescribing medications. (7) Certain tasks, such as suicide screenings, must be completed online during each session. Other important mental health-related tasks, such as general screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) occur as needed.

Integration with in-person treatment is a consideration for telehealth treatment, and telehealth on its own is not necessarily the goal. Coordinating with primary care has shown an increase in care coordination, so it's fairly common to see telehealth used to supplement in-person visits rather than as a sole form of treatment. (7)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, provides support to people experiencing mental health challenges. The goal is to reduce symptoms to help patients cope better with their daily lives. (8)

Psychotherapy may help patients address: (8)

Some patients benefit from combining psychotherapy with other treatment options, such as medication. This two-pronged approach allows patients to tackle their challenges from multiple angles, addressing factors like childhood trauma and chemical imbalances at the same time.

Psychotherapy also combines well with lifestyle changes, such as improving nutrition, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Around 75% of people who start talk therapy see improvements in everything from work satisfaction to overall wellness, and those results aren't just anecdotal. (8) Psychotherapy research has shown that this technique can lead to brain changes that show up on imaging tests, and those changes are similar to the changes experienced by patients on medication alone.

It's important to note that psychotherapy isn't a single type of treatment but instead an umbrella term for various kinds of therapy including: (8)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change their behaviors and thinking patterns to more positive, accurate ones.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps build self-awareness to change old patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on helping regulate emotions. It teaches skills to change unhealthy behaviors.

Interpersonal therapy

Interpersonal therapy helps patients address underlying interpersonal issues in short-term treatment.

Supportive, solution-focused therapy

Supportive therapy guides patients to find and use their own resources. It focuses on building self-esteem, improving social functioning, and reducing anxiety.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis provides a more intensive option of psychodynamic therapy requiring meetings three or more times weekly.

Psychotherapy may also be used alongside alternative therapy types, such as play therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.

The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and SAMHSA Treatment Locator both provide lists of contact information for counseling and psychotherapy. (8)

Alternative Mental Health Medicine

Alternative options for mental health treatment exist to use separately or in combination with traditional treatment.

Some kinds of alternative mental health medicine include yoga, cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), and animal therapy. (9)

Yoga

Yoga is a mental, spiritual, and physical practice that takes practitioners through different poses and movements while focusing on mindfulness. Some benefits of yoga include reduced stress, better immunity, increased flexibility, body weight management, and improved balance. (9)

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) treatment uses a small electrical device to deliver a charge to the brain that may stimulate the production of neurotransmitters. CES stimulates the brain at a current of 4 milliamps or lower. The patient feels no pain or discomfort. (9)

CES has no drug interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it has a class III medical device for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. (9)

Animal Therapy

For people who enjoy being around animals, animal therapy can provide both fun interactions and relief from some mental health concerns. Some forms of animal therapy include equine-assisted psychotherapy (9), canine-assisted therapy, dolphin therapy, and pig therapy. Some people may also benefit from having a service, therapy, or emotional support animal in their home. (10)

S-adenosylmethionine

Many people turn to supplements to help support their mental health. One option is S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. Studies show that this compound is an important part of the body's processes and that it may help treat depression. (11) It is available in supplement form without a prescription in the U.S., but patients who are taking other prescription medications should consult their doctor before adding any supplements into the mix. (10)

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy may offer another alternative treatment option for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Essential oils, scented candles, and other aromatic products may trigger emotions. Sometimes, combining aromatherapy and conventional treatments helps patients feel comforted or can assist in triggering a conditioned response. (12)

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a chronic disease and dysfunction of the brain system that involves memory, motivation, and reward. Addiction treatment helps those with an addiction stop using their substance or substances of choice. Addiction treatment options include: (4)

  • Detox
  • 12-step programs
  • Spiritual groups
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Individual, group, and/or family therapy.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness therapy
  • Alternative therapies
  • Pharmacotherapy (medications)
  • Transitional support courtesy of halfway houses and sober-living communities

People struggling with addiction can find help courtesy of the following resources: (4)

  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at FindTreatment.gov
  2. The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder
  3. SMART Recovery
  4. Secular Organizations for Sobriety
  5. Women for Sobriety
  6. Their insurance company
  7. Their primary care provider (PCP)

Before choosing a method of treatment, those who believe they or someone they love has an addiction should discuss their concerns with a medical professional. Since some programs require referrals, starting the discussion with a primary care provider is a step in the right direction. (5)

No matter what kind of treatment someone chooses, it's possible to overcome addiction. Searching for local groups or speaking with an insurance company about the facilities covered by its plans is a good way to find out which options are available.

Online Therapy

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders affect people all over the United States. Some of those people won't have direct access to care in their communities. For those with limited options due to geographic restrictions or personal or professional obligations, telehealth options for mental health treatment or addictions could help. (6)

Telehealth care offers several important benefits: (7)

  1. Shorter wait times
  2. Better continuity of care
  3. Improved privacy
  4. Care within the home environment
  5. Access to digital tools

With telehealth, patients get access to treatment from anywhere, whether they're at home, in a park, or in a vehicle. They have access to care without needing to stay in a clinical environment that can feel off putting. Telehealth options also increase patient privacy, potentially reducing exposure to judgment and stigma the patient might otherwise encounter. Additionally, the therapist or provider can get better insight into the patient's home or other daily environment, which can help with assessing the situation, identifying potential triggers, and pinpointing resources.

Telehealth appointments and virtual care in general are subject to special rules and regulations, especially when prescribing medications. (7) Certain tasks, such as suicide screenings, must be completed online during each session. Other important mental health-related tasks, such as general screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) occur as needed.

Integration with in-person treatment is a consideration for telehealth treatment, and telehealth on its own is not necessarily the goal. Coordinating with primary care has shown an increase in care coordination, so it's fairly common to see telehealth used to supplement in-person visits rather than as a sole form of treatment. (7)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, provides support to people experiencing mental health challenges. The goal is to reduce symptoms to help patients cope better with their daily lives. (8)

Psychotherapy may help patients address: (8)

Some patients benefit from combining psychotherapy with other treatment options, such as medication. This two-pronged approach allows patients to tackle their challenges from multiple angles, addressing factors like childhood trauma and chemical imbalances at the same time.

Psychotherapy also combines well with lifestyle changes, such as improving nutrition, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Around 75% of people who start talk therapy see improvements in everything from work satisfaction to overall wellness, and those results aren't just anecdotal. (8) Psychotherapy research has shown that this technique can lead to brain changes that show up on imaging tests, and those changes are similar to the changes experienced by patients on medication alone.

It's important to note that psychotherapy isn't a single type of treatment but instead an umbrella term for various kinds of therapy including: (8)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change their behaviors and thinking patterns to more positive, accurate ones.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps build self-awareness to change old patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on helping regulate emotions. It teaches skills to change unhealthy behaviors.

Interpersonal therapy

Interpersonal therapy helps patients address underlying interpersonal issues in short-term treatment.

Supportive, solution-focused therapy

Supportive therapy guides patients to find and use their own resources. It focuses on building self-esteem, improving social functioning, and reducing anxiety.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis provides a more intensive option of psychodynamic therapy requiring meetings three or more times weekly.

Psychotherapy may also be used alongside alternative therapy types, such as play therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.

The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and SAMHSA Treatment Locator both provide lists of contact information for counseling and psychotherapy. (8)

Alternative Mental Health Medicine

Alternative options for mental health treatment exist to use separately or in combination with traditional treatment.

Some kinds of alternative mental health medicine include yoga, cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), and animal therapy. (9)

Yoga

Yoga is a mental, spiritual, and physical practice that takes practitioners through different poses and movements while focusing on mindfulness. Some benefits of yoga include reduced stress, better immunity, increased flexibility, body weight management, and improved balance. (9)

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) treatment uses a small electrical device to deliver a charge to the brain that may stimulate the production of neurotransmitters. CES stimulates the brain at a current of 4 milliamps or lower. The patient feels no pain or discomfort. (9)

CES has no drug interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it has a class III medical device for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. (9)

Animal Therapy

For people who enjoy being around animals, animal therapy can provide both fun interactions and relief from some mental health concerns. Some forms of animal therapy include equine-assisted psychotherapy (9), canine-assisted therapy, dolphin therapy, and pig therapy. Some people may also benefit from having a service, therapy, or emotional support animal in their home. (10)

S-adenosylmethionine

Many people turn to supplements to help support their mental health. One option is S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. Studies show that this compound is an important part of the body's processes and that it may help treat depression. (11) It is available in supplement form without a prescription in the U.S., but patients who are taking other prescription medications should consult their doctor before adding any supplements into the mix. (10)

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy may offer another alternative treatment option for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Essential oils, scented candles, and other aromatic products may trigger emotions. Sometimes, combining aromatherapy and conventional treatments helps patients feel comforted or can assist in triggering a conditioned response. (12)

Addiction Treatment

Mar 23, 2023 Updated Feb 19, 2024

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a chronic disease and dysfunction of the brain system that involves memory, motivation, and reward. Addiction treatment helps those with an addiction stop using their substance or substances of choice. Addiction treatment options include: (4)

  • Detox
  • 12-step programs
  • Spiritual groups
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Individual, group, and/or family therapy.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness therapy
  • Alternative therapies
  • Pharmacotherapy (medications)
  • Transitional support courtesy of halfway houses and sober-living communities

People struggling with addiction can find help courtesy of the following resources: (4)

  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at FindTreatment.gov
  2. The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder
  3. SMART Recovery
  4. Secular Organizations for Sobriety
  5. Women for Sobriety
  6. Their insurance company
  7. Their primary care provider (PCP)

Before choosing a method of treatment, those who believe they or someone they love has an addiction should discuss their concerns with a medical professional. Since some programs require referrals, starting the discussion with a primary care provider is a step in the right direction. (5)

No matter what kind of treatment someone chooses, it’s possible to overcome addiction. Searching for local groups or speaking with an insurance company about the facilities covered by its plans is a good way to find out which options are available.

Online Therapy

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders affect people all over the United States. Some of those people won’t have direct access to care in their communities. For those with limited options due to geographic restrictions or personal or professional obligations, telehealth options for mental health treatment or addictions could help. (6)

Telehealth care offers several important benefits: (7)

  1. Shorter wait times
  2. Better continuity of care
  3. Improved privacy
  4. Care within the home environment
  5. Access to digital tools

With telehealth, patients get access to treatment from anywhere, whether they’re at home, in a park, or in a vehicle. They have access to care without needing to stay in a clinical environment that can feel off putting. Telehealth options also increase patient privacy, potentially reducing exposure to judgment and stigma the patient might otherwise encounter. Additionally, the therapist or provider can get better insight into the patient’s home or other daily environment, which can help with assessing the situation, identifying potential triggers, and pinpointing resources.

Telehealth appointments and virtual care in general are subject to special rules and regulations, especially when prescribing medications. (7) Certain tasks, such as suicide screenings, must be completed online during each session. Other important mental health-related tasks, such as general screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) occur as needed.

Integration with in-person treatment is a consideration for telehealth treatment, and telehealth on its own is not necessarily the goal. Coordinating with primary care has shown an increase in care coordination, so it’s fairly common to see telehealth used to supplement in-person visits rather than as a sole form of treatment. (7)

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, provides support to people experiencing mental health challenges. The goal is to reduce symptoms to help patients cope better with their daily lives. (8)

Psychotherapy may help patients address: (8)

Some patients benefit from combining psychotherapy with other treatment options, such as medication. This two-pronged approach allows patients to tackle their challenges from multiple angles, addressing factors like childhood trauma and chemical imbalances at the same time.

Psychotherapy also combines well with lifestyle changes, such as improving nutrition, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

Around 75% of people who start talk therapy see improvements in everything from work satisfaction to overall wellness, and those results aren’t just anecdotal. (8) Psychotherapy research has shown that this technique can lead to brain changes that show up on imaging tests, and those changes are similar to the changes experienced by patients on medication alone.

It’s important to note that psychotherapy isn’t a single type of treatment but instead an umbrella term for various kinds of therapy including: (8)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people change their behaviors and thinking patterns to more positive, accurate ones.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps build self-awareness to change old patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on helping regulate emotions. It teaches skills to change unhealthy behaviors.

Interpersonal therapy

Interpersonal therapy helps patients address underlying interpersonal issues in short-term treatment.

Supportive, solution-focused therapy

Supportive therapy guides patients to find and use their own resources. It focuses on building self-esteem, improving social functioning, and reducing anxiety.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis provides a more intensive option of psychodynamic therapy requiring meetings three or more times weekly.

Psychotherapy may also be used alongside alternative therapy types, such as play therapy, art therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.

The Mentalhelp.net treatment finder, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and SAMHSA Treatment Locator both provide lists of contact information for counseling and psychotherapy. (8)

Alternative Mental Health Medicine

Alternative options for mental health treatment exist to use separately or in combination with traditional treatment.

Some kinds of alternative mental health medicine include yoga, cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), and animal therapy. (9)

Yoga

Yoga is a mental, spiritual, and physical practice that takes practitioners through different poses and movements while focusing on mindfulness. Some benefits of yoga include reduced stress, better immunity, increased flexibility, body weight management, and improved balance. (9)

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) treatment uses a small electrical device to deliver a charge to the brain that may stimulate the production of neurotransmitters. CES stimulates the brain at a current of 4 milliamps or lower. The patient feels no pain or discomfort. (9)

CES has no drug interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it has a class III medical device for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. (9)

Animal Therapy

For people who enjoy being around animals, animal therapy can provide both fun interactions and relief from some mental health concerns. Some forms of animal therapy include equine-assisted psychotherapy (9), canine-assisted therapy, dolphin therapy, and pig therapy. Some people may also benefit from having a service, therapy, or emotional support animal in their home. (10)

S-adenosylmethionine

Many people turn to supplements to help support their mental health. One option is S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. Studies show that this compound is an important part of the body’s processes and that it may help treat depression. (11) It is available in supplement form without a prescription in the U.S., but patients who are taking other prescription medications should consult their doctor before adding any supplements into the mix. (10)

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy may offer another alternative treatment option for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Essential oils, scented candles, and other aromatic products may trigger emotions. Sometimes, combining aromatherapy and conventional treatments helps patients feel comforted or can assist in triggering a conditioned response. (12)

  1. www.hartgrovehospital.com/inpatient-vs-outpatient-option-right/
  2. www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-iop-intensive-outpatient-program-5521766
  3. ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.201400081
  4. clone.mentalhelp.net/addiction/treatment/
  5. www.rushu.rush.edu/sites/default/files/_Rush%20PDFs%20and%20Files/14_Teaching%20SBIRT%20Faculty%20Guide%20ppt%20Session%205_final.pdf
  6. www.samhsa.gov/data/report/telemedicine-services
  7. telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-for-behavioral-health/tele-treatment-for-substance-use-disorders/
  8. www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
  9. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alternative-therapies-for-mental-health-problems#animal-therapy
  10. www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/service-emotional-support-and-therapy-animals
  11. www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/s-adenosylmethionine
  12. www.healthline.com/health/depression/aromatherapy#benefits