Treatment is an overall process of recovery from addiction. It includes detox, inpatient programs, and the therapies that go with those programs. Recovery is a lifelong process that continues after treatment.

Some health problems have no cure, such as type 1 diabetes. But treatments — like insulin, which keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range — can help people manage their condition.

Professional ideologies shape the way that treatment is organized and delivered. They affect how the field defines proper treatment, what kinds of services to provide and in which settings, as well as the definition of what constitutes “continuing” or “extended care”. Adherents of different approaches form informal social networks and formal associations and seek to legitimize their viewpoint. This can cause conflicts over the proper divisions of labor and the appropriateness of certain treatment modalities.

Various types of therapy have been shown to be effective in treating mental health conditions and behavioral, thought, or emotional patterns. Some are longer-term and more holistic, such as counseling or family therapy. Others are shorter-term and more goal-oriented, such as talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral interventions. Some types of therapy are delivered in group settings (also called group psychotherapy) and are sometimes referred to as support groups. One of the most common types of therapy is teletherapy, which takes place over telecommunications. This enables you to meet with a therapist outside your area without the hassle of commute time. It can also be used for couples therapy, where a therapist works with you and your partner or spouse.