Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based methods that help people stop using drugs and resume a productive life, also known as recovery. Addictions are chronic diseases that require comprehensive, evidence-based care, including ongoing support and tailored interventions. Switch to Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari Also visit the online treatment locator. What is the SAMHSA national helpline? What are the opening hours? English and Spanish are available if you select the option to speak with a national representative.
Currently, the 435748 text messaging service (HELP4U) is only available in English. Do I need health insurance to receive this service? The referral service is free. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, we’ll refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to centers that charge on a variable fee scale or that accept Medicare or Medicaid.
If you have health insurance, we recommend that you contact your insurer for a list of participating providers and health care facilities. We will not ask you for any personal information. We may request your zip code or other relevant geographic information to track calls that are sent to other offices or to accurately identify local resources appropriate to your needs. No, we do not provide advice.
Trained information specialists respond to calls, transfer callers to state services or other appropriate admissions centers in their states, and connect them to local assistance and support. Alcohol and drug addiction occurs in the best of families. Addiction affects not only the individual but also their family members, often causing emotional strain and disrupted family dynamics. Describe how alcohol and drug addiction affects the entire family. Explain how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. For additional resources, visit the SAMHSA store.
Visit SAMHSA’s Facebook page Visit SAMHSA on Twitter Visit SAMHSA’s YouTube channel Visit SAMHSA on LinkedIn Visit SAMHSA on Instagram SAMHSA Blog SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American communities. Treatments may vary depending on your needs. You can choose the treatment that works best for you based on the substance you’re using, the level of care you need, your personal mental health needs, or the health care options you can afford. There are a variety of treatment options available, and personalized care is important for effective recovery. These are some of the most common addiction treatments that have led patients to a successful path to recovery.
Drug addiction treatment uses evidence-based and holistic approaches to address the complex needs of individuals with substance use disorders. Drug treatment addresses multiple facets of addiction, including health, social, and legal aspects, and is a key part of long-term recovery and societal reintegration.
There are many ways to treat the symptoms of drug use and prevent drug abuse, but there is no definitive cure. There is no single treatment that works for everyone; treatment plans should be individualized based on evidence-based guidelines and the specific needs of each person. There is no pill, no therapy that would make a person not addicted. Addiction is a lifelong illness, just like mental illness. A person can learn to control their illness and enter periods of sobriety, but the risk of relapse is always present.
That’s why it’s important that former drug users don’t experiment with substances other than the substance they sought treatment for. Addiction can be treated and, with the right support, you can build a new, substance-free life. We see it happening every day. You can clean yourself and you can stay clean.
But “cure” is a specific term. Can addiction be cured? No, not that way. But first, let’s explain some definitions. Behavioral therapies help people in treatment for drug addiction to modify their attitudes and behaviors related to consumption. Longer treatment duration can improve outcomes and overall effectiveness.
Detoxification may involve gradually reducing the dose of the medication or temporarily replacing other substances, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Initial treatment is the crucial first phase, often involving detox and assessment to establish a foundation for ongoing recovery. In some cases, inpatient rehabilitation provides intensive, medically supervised care with 24-hour monitoring, comprehensive counseling, and medical evaluation for those who require a high level of support.
The diagnosis of drug addiction (substance use disorder) requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an evaluation by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor, following the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 criteria. Mental disorders are also considered in the assessment and classification of substance use disorder. Based on information from the NIDA, it’s clear that no approach is appropriate for everyone interested in treating addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides foundational principles and evidence-based practices that inform and shape drug addiction treatment approaches. This is particularly harmful when it comes to recovering from addiction, because it could be a way of denying responsibility for a person’s actions and living in denial that they have a problem.
With this in mind, be wary of any person or institution that claims they can undo a drug abuse problem. According to a newsletter published by several government addiction prevention programs, “research shows that when treating SUD (substance use disorders), a combination of medications and behavioral therapies is the most effective. Medications are available to treat opioid (heroin, prescription pain relievers), tobacco (nicotine) and alcohol addiction. For opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment (MOUD) is essential to manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and reduce overdose risk. Some conditions, such as opioid use disorder, require medication as a primary treatment approach. Blood, urine, or other laboratory tests are used to evaluate drug use, but they are not a diagnostic test for addiction.
The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people, relapsing or returning to drug use after an attempt to stop using drugs may be part of the process, but newer treatments are designed to help prevent relapses. Relapse prevention strategies are integral to ongoing treatment and help individuals maintain long-term sobriety. Education and support are important to prevent relapse by helping individuals recognize triggers and implement preventive strategies. Relapse rates for addiction are similar to those of other chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, and are related to treatment compliance and disease management. An overdose occurs when a person consumes enough of a medication to cause uncomfortable sensations, life-threatening symptoms, or death. Scientific research conducted since the mid-1970s shows that drug abuse treatment can help many drug offenders to change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward drug abuse, avoid relapses, and successfully exit a life of substance abuse and crime. If a person consumes the same amount of medication as before quitting smoking, they can easily overdose because their bodies are no longer adapted to their previous level of exposure to drugs.
Like other chronic conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, treatment for drug addiction usually isn’t a cure. Stopping drug use is only the first step in recovery; comprehensive care is needed to address all aspects of a person's life, including health, family, work, and community. Integrating treatment and recovery, including medical, therapeutic, and rehabilitative approaches, is essential for overcoming addiction. Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a national crisis in the United States. Many factors contribute to the development of substance use disorder, including genetic, environmental, and psychological elements. Prompt medical care is important after experiencing signs of substance use disorder or an opioid overdose to ensure proper treatment and safety. The process of recovery involves developing a treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs, serving as a roadmap for treatment and recovery. It is important to evaluate whether treatment work is successful in helping individuals recover and maintain sobriety.
Risk Factors for Addiction
Understanding the risk factors for drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is essential for prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment. Addiction is a complex disease that affects both the brain and behavior, and its development is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Biological risk factors play a significant role in a person’s vulnerability to substance use disorders. Genetics can increase the likelihood of developing drug addiction, as individuals with a family history of addiction are at higher risk. Brain chemistry and underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can also make some people more susceptible to drug use and the development of substance use disorders. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders, including the presence of withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, which are often influenced by these biological factors.
Environmental risk factors include exposure to drug use at an early age, growing up in a family where substance abuse is present, and experiencing social pressures to use drugs or other substances. Life circumstances such as trauma, unstable home environments, or lack of support can further increase the risk of developing drug addiction. The Mental Health Services Administration highlights that early exposure and family history are among the strongest predictors of substance use disorders.
Psychological risk factors such as low self-esteem, chronic stress, and unresolved trauma can also contribute to the onset of drug addiction. Individuals may turn to drug use as a way to cope with difficult emotions or stressful situations, increasing their risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be addressed through early intervention, prevention programs, and seeking help from a mental health professional. Effective treatment for drug addiction, including motivational enhancement therapy, behavioral therapy, and family therapy, can help individuals overcome substance use disorders and achieve long-term recovery. Treatment services are designed to address the complex needs of each person, supporting not only the cessation of drug use but also the development of healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in identifying individuals at risk and connecting them with appropriate addiction treatment and mental health services. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer peer support and a sense of community, which are vital for maintaining abstinence and preventing relapse. Long-term follow-up and ongoing support are critical components of effective treatment, helping individuals avoid relapse and sustain their recovery over time.
Behavioral therapies, including contingency management, have been shown to be effective in helping individuals maintain abstinence and develop coping strategies for managing drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction and providing comprehensive support, treatment programs can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier, substance-free life.
In conclusion, recognizing and understanding the risk factors for addiction is a key step in preventing and treating substance use disorders. Addiction is a chronic condition, much like heart disease and other chronic diseases, and requires ongoing management and support. By seeking help from healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and support groups, individuals can reduce their risk of relapse and work towards long-term recovery. Remember, drug addiction is a treatable condition, and taking the first step to seek treatment can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
