Overview of Substance Use Treatment
There are a variety of types of substance use treatment with different purposes, advantages, and disadvantages based on the needs of each individual. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach that works for all persons who use substances or even all persons who use the same substance (e.g., opioids).
Research has shown that there are many helpful options for treating substance use disorders, including:
- Behavioral counseling
- Medication
- Medical devices or applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms
- Evaluation and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues
- Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse
The following is a brief overview of the categories of substance use treatment for adults as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
- Prevention or early intervention
- Outpatient services
- Intensive outpatient / partial hospitalization
- Residential/inpatient
- Intensive inpatient
Key Terms
“Detox” or withdrawal management is used to allow the body of the person who is physically dependent on alcohol or other drugs to adapt to its withdrawal safely and comfortably. Not all withdrawal management requires medications or must be in an inpatient setting.
Medications for substance use disorder are used to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal or cravings among those who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs. It can be delivered with or without counseling, psychotherapy, or other forms of substance use treatment.
Outpatient treatment represents a wide variety of programs that often include behavioral therapy such as individual or group drug counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and motivational incentives are examples of behavioral therapy that may be used as part of counseling.
Inpatient or residential treatment can be short- or long-term and is typically used by individuals with more severe substance use issues or who are seeking a largely drug-free setting in which to live after treatment. Recovery residences or therapeutic communities (TCs) are long-term residential settings in which persons who use drugs may live within a self-supporting and democratically-run residence with others in recovery.
The resources and materials found on this page are made possible with support from Arnold Ventures.