You can use the sections below to go deeper, or jump using “On this page”.
Cutting down
For some people, reducing use is an appropriate initial goal. For others — particularly where dependence or major health risks are present — clinicians may recommend abstinence. The safest approach depends on the substance and the person's circumstances.
Recovery rarely depends on one single intervention.
The order varies. A useful plan usually combines safety, understanding, treatment and longer-term support.[NICE]
Understand the pattern, risks, goals and wider health needs.
Plan withdrawal or harm reduction when needed.
Use psychological, medical and practical support.
Build routines, relationships and relapse-prevention plans.
Stopping
Stopping can involve behavioural change, psychological support, medication, peer support or a planned withdrawal programme. With alcohol and some sedative medicines, abrupt cessation can be unsafe in physically dependent people.
Psychological interventions
Motivational approaches can help people work through ambivalence about change. Behavioural and family-based interventions are useful in some substance problems. The evidence for specific therapies differs across different addictions, so treatment should not be reduced to “everyone needs CBT”.
Medication
Medicines have established roles in some addictions. Opioid treatment may involve methadone or buprenorphine. Alcohol treatment can involve medicines used during planned withdrawal or relapse prevention. Prescribing decisions require individual clinical assessment.
Harm reduction
Harm reduction recognises that reducing immediate risks can be valuable even before abstinence is achieved. Examples include naloxone provision, safer injecting support, blood-borne-virus testing, reducing high-risk drinking and practical gambling barriers.
Rehabilitation
Residential rehabilitation is one option, not the definition of addiction treatment. Many people are treated successfully in community services. Residential care may be appropriate when needs are complex, the home environment makes recovery difficult, or intensive structured support is required.
What this page is anchored to
We summarise guidance in original plain English. Open the primary sources if you want to check the underlying recommendations.
If you return to use
A return to use can be dangerous — particularly after tolerance has fallen — but it does not mean all progress has been lost. Review what happened, reduce immediate risks, reconnect with support and update the treatment plan.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace assessment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you are worried about severe withdrawal, overdose, immediate danger or a mental health emergency, use our urgent help guidance.
Frequently asked questions
No. Many people are treated successfully in community services. Residential rehabilitation can be useful for some people, but it is one option rather than the definition of addiction treatment.
Sometimes. Medication has established roles in some alcohol- and opioid-related treatment pathways and may be combined with psychological and practical support.
A return to use can be clinically important and may change risk, but it does not erase previous progress. It is a reason to review the plan, understand what happened and strengthen support.