Why Should You Get Help?

Most people with addiction problems think they can successfully go through a drug rehab process by themselves. Unfortunately, research shows that most people going through drug rehab or drug treatment by themselves are unable to achieve long-term abstinence from drugs and their rehab programs are rarely successful. The main reason for this is that drug use creates chemical and biological changes in the brain which can persist long after drug use has stopped.

Many things can trigger cravings for a drug in an individual and could lead to a failure of the rehab program. Obvious examples include social situations where drug use had taken place, or meetings with friends who were part of the individual's prior drug history. Less obvious examples include smells, walking down streets that were frequented before, and so on. Other factors can include psychological stress, family problems; essentially anything that could cause discomfort for the individual.

As long as there is some participation in an effort in which the individual shares their situation and feelings and worries with a support network, the likelihood of successful drug rehab or drug treatment goes up significantly. Don't do it alone. Tell your friends, or your family, or find an anonymous support group.

Treatment Centers or Self-help?

Once you've decided to get help, there are essentially two main types of programs available to you. The first are residential treatment centers, also known as inpatient rehab centers, which provide a complete change in environment and can be very effective. They tend to be more expensive than the self-help options, however. Having said that, what's at stake here is your life and how do you put a price on that? Prominent centers include: Narconon, Malibu Recovery Centers, Las Vegas Recovery Centers and Betty Ford. Look for a center that provides a mix of behavioral and medical therapies and one that provides strategies for re-integration when you leave the controlled environment of the rehab center.

Self-help programs connect you with a group of individuals who are going through all of the same issues that you are dealing with as part of your drug rehab treatment. In addition to a group of peers, there will be counselors and therapists who can help you with strategies to ensure a successful rehab and treatment program. These programs are typically anonymous and low-cost. They can be your primary means of rehab or you can use them to supplement any time you may have spent in a residential rehab center.