Treatment is the use of medicine, surgery or other procedures to treat an illness. Treatment includes taking medication, participating in therapy and following up with your doctor. Treatment can also include a healthy diet and exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about the side effects of your medications.

The first step in drug treatment is often called intake and assessment. It involves a mental health evaluation, physical exam and blood, urine or other lab tests to check for medical problems that may be related to drug addiction or abuse. The assessment can be done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. This first step can help doctors determine what kind of treatment is best for each person.

Detoxification, or withdrawal therapy is the next stage in the drug addiction treatment process. It aims to safely and gradually reduce the amount of drugs you take, which can relieve symptoms of withdrawal and make it easier to stop using drugs or alcohol. This process can be done at a hospital, rehab facility or outpatient clinic. It may involve one-on-one counseling or group therapy, education and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

In the next phase, you might participate in a program that focuses on behavioral therapy. This might include individual and group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Many programs also include family therapy and motivational interviewing. Some drug treatment programs are residential, in which you stay at the clinic overnight. Others are outpatient, in which you come to the clinic during the day.