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Understanding Addiction

Addiction, also called substance use disorder (SUD), is a medical condition that affects the brain and the body. It can make it hard for someone to stop using drugs or alcohol, even when it causes harm to their health, relationships, or daily life. Addiction is not a moral failure or a lack of willpower. It is a treatable health condition that can happen to anyone.

Many people who experience addiction also face stress, trauma, mental health challenges, or barriers to care. With the right support—including counseling, medication, and community services—recovery is possible.

Treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for substance use disorder. Recovery looks different for everyone, and care works best when it is based on a person’s needs, goals, and life situation.

Treatment options may include:

• Counseling and therapy to build coping skills and support emotional healing
• Peer recovery support from people with lived experience
• Outpatient services while living at home
• Residential or inpatient treatment for structured support
• Recovery housing for stable living
• Harm reduction services such as naloxone and safer-use supplies
• Community supports like case management and transportation

Many people use a combination of these services over time. Recovery is a process, and it’s okay for needs to change.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), using medication along with counseling is one of the best ways to treat substance use disorders. This approach supports the whole person—both body and mind. These FDA-approved medications can help lower cravings, prevent relapse, and support long-term recovery.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

The FDA has approved several medications to help treat alcohol use disorder. These medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by helping restore balance in the body.

Common medications include:

• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram
• Naltrexone

These medications are evidence-based and do not replace one drug with another. They are most effective when combined with counseling or other supports.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

These medications help normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and restore normal body function. They are effective for people using opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and others.

These medications are safe for long-term use—from months to a lifetime—and people should always talk with their doctor before stopping treatment.

Methadone and buprenorphine are considered the “gold standard” treatments. They reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of overdose. Methadone is available through federally approved opioid treatment programs (OTPs), while buprenorphine can be prescribed in clinics, doctors’ offices, and via telehealth.

Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioids in the body.

Naloxone is also known by the brand name Narcan and comes in two forms:

• Nasal spray
• Injectable medication

Both forms are safe and easy to use. In Virginia, people are encouraged to call 911 and immediately administer naloxone if they suspect an overdose. Acting fast can save a life.

Naloxone does not cause harm if opioids are not present. It is a life-saving tool that anyone can carry.

Levels of Care

Early Intervention

This level is for people who may be at risk of developing a substance use problem. It usually includes screenings, education, or classes (like DUI classes). The goal is to help people early—before substance use becomes more serious.

Outpatient Services

Outpatient treatment means getting care while still living at home. People usually attend counseling or groups for less than 9 hours a week. This level works well for people with milder substance use concerns or for those stepping down from more intensive care.

Withdrawal Management

Withdrawal management is medical care that helps people safely handle symptoms when they stop using alcohol or drugs. For many people, this is the first step in treatment.

This care is available 24 hours a day and is medically monitored.

Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines (benzos) can be life-threatening, so medical support is very important.

Today’s drug supply can also include harmful substances that make withdrawal harder and more dangerous. Because of this, medical care may be needed—especially for people with other health conditions.

Withdrawal management helps keep people safe, reduce discomfort, and connect them to next steps in care.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide 9 to 20 hours of treatment each week. Treatment may include counseling, group sessions, peer support, and other services that help people reduce or stop substance use, learn coping skills, and improve their overall health.

People live at home but go to treatment several days a week. These programs offer more support and structure than regular outpatient care.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization provides 20 or more hours of care each week, but people do not stay overnight. Care may include counseling, group sessions, medical check-ins, peer support, and other services.

People attend treatment most days and receive close monitoring and daily support. This level is helpful for people who need strong structure but do not need 24-hour care.

Residential / Inpatient Services

Residential or inpatient services mean living at a treatment center or recovery home for a period of time. Care includes daily support in a safe, structured setting.

Treatment may involve counseling, group sessions, recovery planning, and learning skills to prevent relapse and build healthy routines.

This level is helpful for people who need a stable place to focus fully on recovery and receive around-the-clock support.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a public health approach that helps keep people safe, even if they are not ready or able to stop using drugs.

The goal is to reduce overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, and other harms while improving health and saving lives.

Programs may provide:

• Clean needles and safe disposal of used supplies
• Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses
• Education about safer use and overdose prevention
• Peer support from people with lived experience
• Referrals to treatment and recovery services
• Testing for HIV and hepatitis
• Help connecting to medical care and community supports

People who receive supplies from harm reduction programs are protected from prosecution for possession of program-provided items.

Harm reduction helps prevent overdose and disease, builds trust, and creates pathways to care when people are ready.