Addictive diseases such as drug and alcohol abuse require treatment for the person to return to normal society. Psychological or physiological chemical dependencies can exist, depending upon the extent of the disease process. In the beginning stages of drug abuse, a period of experimentation typically occurs. If the person finds the drug--whether a prescription drug, illegal substance or alcohol--entertaining and helpful in forgetting problems, he may continue to use it. Long-term use causes physical dependence because the body system needs the substance to function. If the body does not get the substance, it reacts by going into withdrawal.
Inpatient Detoxification
Inpatient treatment starts with detoxification from the substances of the chemical abuse. The person must "dry out" before any other form of treatment can work. This process, if handled within an inpatient detoxification facility, can cause less discomfort from withdrawal because the person will take medications to lower the body's addiction to the substances, the National Institutes of Health indicate. Individual inpatient counseling as well as support groups can help the person navigate the treatment program.
Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehabilitation treatment, a continuation of an inpatient detoxification and the structured environment, assists the person in acquiring the skills to go back to living within society. Skills taught include overcoming such everyday challenges as shopping, financial budgeting and dealing with child care. The person also learns to attend and participate in related health and medical appointments as well.
Outpatient Treatment
Once the person leaves the inpatient treatment facility, treatment continues with the person as an outpatient. The programming continues as a support for those who suffer the challenges of chemical dependency. It provides alcohol and drug abuse treatment on an ongoing basis. This program allows a counselor or doctor to see the person on an individual basis, and the professional can counsel the person on everyday life situations as well as the response to drug abuse treatment. Specialized outpatient clinics monitor the person's addiction and make referrals as needed to other programs such as further inpatient treatment and psychiatric support.
Therapeutic Communities
This type of treatment housing, an extension of the rehabilitation form, works for an extended period of months providing intense structuring and emotional support for the patient. Extending the time for treatment can put more time between the addictive substance and the person, establishing positive coping mechanisms that can last. Some therapeutic communities can house the children of the parent as well.
Support Groups
Following the person's reintegration into society, he can attend meetings with other recovering drug and alcohol abusers. These meetings support the person recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, and offer alternatives and sponsorship, MayoClinic.com reports.
