Millions of Americans suffer from various forms of substance abuse. It is generally alcohol abuse or narcotic or prescription drug abuse. These are chronic habits that are difficult to recover from alone. Addiction is a serious disease that requires the help of a medical professional and a trained staff. Alcohol or other substance abuse does not happen overnight. It is usually the result of long term use of the substance of choice.

Many people do not realize that they are slowly becoming addicted until one day they find that they must have the substance in order to function. Fortunately, there are several options for alcohol and substance abuse treatment available:

1. Detox
This is an initial form of treatment where the addictive person goes into an alcohol and treatment abuse center, and is given medications if needed to help get the substance out of their system. This phase of treatment can last up to seven days or longer depending on the response from the patient.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse has a great impact on the cognitive behavior of the addicted person. Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy that is often in the form of individual therapy counseling or group therapy counseling. Oftentimes during an addiction, the person has difficulty thinking rationally, or making important decisions. This therapy supports cognitive and behavioral conditions.

3. Support groups
Support groups are an essential part of substance abuse treatment. These are typically the Narcotics Anonymous, and Alcoholic Anonymous group meetings. They are people who are going through treatment, and sharing their experiences. They are there to support, listen, provide feedback, and offer a helping hand if needed. Support groups meet in various places across the city, and usually hold meetings several times during the week day and night. These groups are to help educate all who attend in coping skills that can help others live productive lives in their communities. This type of therapy also helps people evaluate and correct any negative thought patterns that could lead to addiction.

4. Art therapy
This type of treatment therapy is used to help the individual use their imagination and their creative skills to make art that can help the patients express themselves in a productive and healthy manner. The goal of this therapy is for the person to expand on their communication skills so that they can better share their experiences.

5. Equine therapy
This type of therapy is also called Animal Assisted Therapy. Patients usually interact with a dog or a cat to help them work through some emotional or psychological issues that they have difficulty addressing during traditional therapy sessions. The patient can also interact with horses for a period of time.

Alcohol and substance abuse treatments can be either on an in-patient or an outpatient basis. The treatment can last for weeks or months, but the recovery is a lifetime commitment. Lifestyle changes will be made as well as managing the entry back into a sober society. Improving work skills is also an important part of the rehabilitation process provided by many alcohol, drug, and substance abuse treatment centers. No one has to try to do this alone because help is readily available.