Substance use disorders, such as alcohol or drug use, are medical conditions.Addictioncan be a chronic disease, so treating it often isn’t as simple as not consuming that substance for a few days.

People who are addicted to substances may require treatment in the form ofmedication, counseling, and in some cases, medical care. Treatment is typically long-term, and requires a lot of effort and commitment from the individual.

According toJeanette Tetrault, MD, an addiction medicine specialist at Yale Medicine, the terms “sobering up” or “getting sober” are stigmatizing.

“Overall, if an individual’s goal is to stop using substances, it is important to recognize that harmful substance use and abstinence exist on a continuum. The term ‘sobering up’ suggests that it is an all or none phenomenon, which is inaccurate,” says Tetrault.

Treatment and Therapy Options

Tetrault outlines some short- and long-term treatment and therapy options that can help you achieve abstinence.

Detoxification

This is a short-term approach that allows you to safely detoxify a substance out of your body.

Some individuals can do this on their own with community or peer support; however, others will require the help of providers through medically-supervised detoxification. This can be done in outpatient or inpatient settings.

It’s important to note that while detoxification may be one step in helping you achieve health and safety, it is not treatment.Treatmentmay involve medication and counseling options, which can help you achieve your goals with regard to substance use.

Counseling

Jeanette Tetrault, MDGenerally, counseling and medication are the most widely available evidence-based options for long-term treatment of substance use disorders.

Jeanette Tetrault, MD

Generally, counseling and medication are the most widely available evidence-based options for long-term treatment of substance use disorders.

These are some evidence-based counseling options that can help treat substance use disorders:

“If you experience stigma or shame in one setting, don’t be afraid to seek help in a different medical setting,” says Tetrault.

Medication

The medication and treatment plan your healthcare providers recommend can depend on several factors, such as the type of substance you’re using, your health status, and the goals of treatment.

For opioid use disorder, medications like methadone andbuprenorphineare evidence-based treatment options that help reduce patient harm and improve outcomes, including achieving abstinence.

For alcohol use disorder, medications likenaltrexoneand acamprosate are evidence-based treatment options that may help patients reduce harmful drinking or achieve abstinence.

How to Help an Addict: Resources and Treatment

How Long Does It Take?

The amount of time it takes to achieve abstinence can depend on the individual, says Tetrault.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, within one year of treatment, approximately one-third of people who are treated for alcohol use don’t have symptoms and are able to substantiallyreduce their drinkingand have fewer alcohol-related issues.

For drug use, 12 months is considered the minimum treatment time. Shorter treatment times of around three months have limited effectiveness, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“The most important thing to focus on with an individual who is working to decrease their substance use or achieve abstinence is to promote safety and reduce harm. This is the approach healthcare providers employ when treating any other chronic health condition and substance use should be no different,” says Tetrault.

The Benefits of Quitting Alcohol

A Word From Verywell

Battling substance use can be challenging and feel impossible at times. However, it’s important to realize that there are providers who can help you, says Tetrault. She recommends being honest with your healthcare providers about your goals, so that they can help you and keep you safe.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for drug addiction.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Motivational enhancement therapy.Mental Health America.Peer services.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Where do 12-step or self-help programs fit into drug addiction treatment?National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for drug addiction.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Motivational enhancement therapy.Mental Health America.Peer services.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Where do 12-step or self-help programs fit into drug addiction treatment?National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for drug addiction.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Motivational enhancement therapy.Mental Health America.Peer services.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Where do 12-step or self-help programs fit into drug addiction treatment?National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment approaches for drug addiction.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Motivational enhancement therapy.

Mental Health America.Peer services.

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Where do 12-step or self-help programs fit into drug addiction treatment?

National Institute on Drug Abuse.How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?

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