Mention the word "treatment" in relation to substance use and many people think of long-term residential facilities or detox. In fact, treatment includes both of those options — and a variety of others.

Treatment addresses the individual's physical, psychological, emotional, and social conditions. Sustained reduction in alcohol or other drug use and sustained increases in personal health and social function are the primary goals.

The type of treatment is based on the severity of the problem. For risky users, treatment can be as simple as a screening and a brief intervention. For people exhibiting signs of dependence or addiction, a screening will probably lead to a referral for more intense attention.

Screening and Brief Intervention

All treatment starts with a screening, which is a series of questions about the amount and frequency of alcohol or other drug use and the consequences it may be causing. Screening can be done by many types of professionals, including a physician in a hospital or an office, a nurse, a clinical social worker, or a licensed substance abuse counselor. (People can screen their own use using a self-screener — visit our Assessment area for self-assessment quizzes.)

After a screening, some people may need a brief intervention, usually done by a health professional. During a brief intervention, people receive feedback on their substance use based on the screening results. Frequently, people are asked to cut back or stop their use. If they are ready to cut down, the health care professional will work with them to set a goal based on lower consumption. They may also be encouraged to reflect on why they use and how their lives will change by lowering their use. People who want to stop substance use will most likely be referred for additional evaluation or treatment.¹

To help someone you know who you think may have a substance use problem, you first need to get them screened. Your best bet is to talk to your own physician or employee assistance professional about referring you to someone who can help, such as a licensed substance abuse counselor or family therapist.

If Someone Needs Treatment

Formal treatment takes many forms, and no one type of treatment is best for everyone. There are many roads to recovery.

You may think that you need to choose just the right program for your family member and if you don't, treatment will fail. But experts believe that any of a number of programs can lead to success - if the person is willing to accept help from others and invest energy in working on recovery. A physician or another health care professional can also help you choose where someone should go for treatment.

For more information on treatment, please visit our Treatment section.

¹NIAAA. "Helping patients with alcohol problems."