While consumption of alcohol does not do any good for health, suffering from chronic heavy drinking results in several life-threatening diseases and conditions. Further, consumption of substances is even more dangerous. There are various treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. Let’s have a look.

Prescribed Medications
Reaching out to a doctor and sharing problems with them honestly is one of the most basic treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. The doctor will analyze the drinking pattern and help find the reason behind it. Those suffering from substance addiction will be helped as well. They will prescribe medications and work out a treatment plan for that will help get rid of the addiction. While medications like naltrexone help in curbing the habit of drinking heavily, acamprosate makes the process of abstaining from alcohol easier.

Behavioral Treatments
Also referred to as alcohol counseling, behavioral treatment is another effective treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse. In this treatment, one will be having regular sessions with a health professional. The health professional will make them identify the cognitive reasons behind the addiction and help  find a way to get out of it. Behavioral treatment is divided into different categories.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  In this type of behavioral therapy, one-on-one sessions with a medical counselor are conducted. It also takes place in small groups in the presence of a therapist. The aim of this therapy is to identify the circumstances or emotions that drive a person towards alcoholism. When people suffer from chronic heavy drinking, they undergo extreme stress, which is very important to control. The medical counselor or the therapist works towards bringing a shift in the behavioral pattern that leads to addiction.

• Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  This therapy, which is conducted for a short while, aims to build the motivation in the addict to give up on alcohol or substance addiction. After instilling the motivation, the therapy helps the patient strengthen change drinking behavior so that they reaches a point getting rid of the addiction. During the course of this therapy, the patient is also made aware of the pros and cons involved in different types of treatments, which would help him get rid of the habit.

• Family and Marital Counseling
  Family members and/or spouses of the patients are active participants in this therapy. If one is suffering from alcoholism or substance addictiondue to issues at home, it is important to get the family members involved and make them a part of the healing process. Even if the patient does not have family issues, having his family’s support while fighting a battle against addiction will be of great help.