What are the best approaches for an addiction?
A. There are several levels of treatment for those who suffer from addictive problems. A basic level of treatment would be seeing an addictions counselor regularly [possibly weekly] along with periodic visits to a physician with a specialty in treating addictions. Proper assessment of the problems severity could also be done at this level. A more intensive level of treatment would be regular attendance at a 12 Step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous [for specific substance addictions], or a group such as Gambling Anonymous to treat a nonphysical or “process addiction”. These groups often require attendance a minimum of three times per week, at least at first, to be effective. Another level of treatment, perhaps the “gold standard”, is an inpatient program, often involving a residential stay. This may last from the traditional 28 days to 60 or 70 days, followed by an outpatient 12 step program. For seriously addicted individuals who may show considerable denial of
