Use and abuse of alcohol and substance can have serious consequences. Alcoholics are more likely to use other substances as well, including prescription or illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and marijuana. There are effective treatment options available that people can adopt if they want to get rid of these toxic addictions. However, treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse can differ depending on the individual case. Therefore, only medical professionals can decide what is best for whom.

This article lists some of the most commonly used options to treat patients of alcohol and substance abuse.

Drug and alcohol detox
Detox is perhaps the first step towards quitting since the process involves almost total cut off from the source of addiction. It can be discomforting and painful at first, but with the help and assistance of medical professionals, people suffering from these conditions can get better.

Medications
It is one of the most sought-after choices when it comes to treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. Medication makes drinking and using drugs less enjoyable, so one does not want to do it anymore. Some medicines keep the fear of relapse at bay.

Behavioral remedy
Counseling can work wonders for people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Expert healthcare professionals talk with patients and encourage them to quit such harmful habits for good. The behavioral treatments usually work well with prescribed medicines. The two basic approaches that professionals take for behavioral treatments include:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): The process focuses on identifying all the maladaptive behaviors in people while aiding in the development of coping skills.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy: This approach enables people to accept the treatment. It is designed to evoke internally-motivated change.

Admission to rehab
Rehab facilities can be defined as structured environments for people trying to overcome their addiction. These centers are common choices for people looking for treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. There are different programs that the patients can choose from. The programs differ on the basis of their duration, treatment, and other factors. Patients have to stay in the facility for the duration for the program where they receive round-the-clock medical care and support. By the time individuals leave the site, they are completely transformed.

Attending support groups
Sharing can be a strong tool to deal with issues like drug and alcohol addiction. These mutual-support groups allow people to share their personal experiences and meet with other people dealing with their addictions. Support groups provide emotional guidance and support for addicted people.

Since recovery is a process, it may take some time. One needs willpower and self-discipline to maintain sobriety. Advancement in the field of medicine and increased awareness about the condition has led to the introduction of several effective treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. These choices allow people to get a better life and live with a healthy mind and body.