Most people with addictive problems do not receive any help. However, the evidence clearly shows that those who receive certain forms of treatment reduce their use of psychoactive substances and better other aspects of their lives. Treatments produce better results when the individual’s additional problems are addressed. In addition to reducing (or eliminating) substance use, treatment goals are directed toward returning individuals to productive functioning within family, work, and community. The ways to measure the effectiveness of the treatments include the functioning of the person at work, legal, family, and social level, and medical and psychological condition. In general,

Although addiction treatments are approached from a multidisciplinary perspective, psychological treatment is fundamental in the results of the interventions. The National Institute for Drug Abuse of the United States (NIDA) proposed some basic guidelines (Principles of Effective Treatment) that should guide professionals in this field. One of these principles states: “ Intervention Counselor (individual or group) and other behavioural intervention are critical components for the effective treatment of drug dependence”(NIDA, 1999). Thus, NIDA collects the recommendations made by the American Psychological Association based on evaluation studies on the effectiveness of treatments carried out in recent years (Task Force, 1993; Task Force, 1995; Chambless et al., 1996; Chambless & Hodson, 1998; APA, 2000).

Specific treatment modalities appear to be particularly promising concerning their influence on psychoactive substance use and problems related to their use, and results are generally improved when additional support is provided for the subject’s other problems (work, legal, educational). , doctors, etc.). However, the characteristics of the patients before and after the treatments, as well as their social environment, influence the success of the treatment. Individuals with severe mental disorders and those lacking social support to withdraw or decrease their use generally do not do as well as others (Roberts et al., 1999). In general, it is advisable to favour group and outpatient treatment,

The main psychotherapy orientations studied in patients with substance use disorders are behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational therapy, and psychodynamic/interpersonal therapy. In addition, the effectiveness of group therapies, family/marriage therapy, and attendance at self-help groups have been evaluated. Existing empirical data, together with clinical experience, suggest that psychological treatments are helpful if they are adapted to the unique needs of this type of patient.