Treatment of chemical dependency generally takes three forms:
 | Inpatient |
| Outpatient |
| Self-Help Groups |
Inpatient treatment is how many people are introduced to recovery and usually consists of a "detox" followed by "rehab". Detoxification can take several days. It is often required as withdrawal from alcohol and many drugs can be both uncomfortable and life threatening. Rehabilitation usually consists of individual counseling and several groups per day led by mental health professionals with specialized training in chemical dependency. Often these groups are in the 12-step style of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. On staff there is usually a physician trained in psychiatry. As the co-morbidity of psychiatric disorders with chemical dependency (also considered a psychiatric disorder) is high, patients are often first diagnosed with such disorders and are initially treated during rehab. Such individuals are considered to have a "Dual Diagnosis". Outpatient treatment often follows rehab in the form of "after care" which usually consists of groups similar to the inpatient groups.
Outpatient treatment can also be in the form of individual therapy. Individual therapy in substance abuse and chemical dependency can be very enriching in helping one to address personal issues and maintain sobriety once abstinence is achieved. Well trained counselors can be found and some psychiatrists even obtain subspecialty board certification in addiction psychiatry.
Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can be an excellent adjuvant to treatment. It must be emphasized that such self-help groups are not considered treatment in themselves and at least initially professional consultation should be sought.
When seeking treatment, organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine can be of some help in finding physicians.
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