A client suffering from an addiction can effectively be treated with any of the following treatment approaches: individual psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, family therapy, and/or biological therapy. The therapies covered in this section are family therapy, biological therapy, and other special considerations.

Family therapy is an adjunct to treatment, however, it is generally not inclusive enough to treat an acute substance user. If the individual resides with his/or her family, then family treatment should be used in three phases. These three phases are creating a system that either maintains or builds a firm alcohol or drug free condition, picking the best technique to execute the family therapy, and smoothing the progress of readjustment for the client once he/or she no longer uses substances.

Biological therapy is where the counselor strongly refers and recommends to the client that he/or she visit a medical doctor. The medical doctor may find it necessary to place the client into a hospital, a detoxification center, or an inpatient treatment program.

Special considerations for the client include the fact that despite whatever treatment method the counselor may choose, the ultimate goal of the treatment is to free the client of drug and alcohol use. Self-help groups support this goal, and it may be useful for the client to enter one.