I Just Quit Smoking

Professional help and getting the best possible treatment is critical in giving you the best possible opportunity to overcome an addiction to alcohol or drugs.

It is critical however that you understand (and I say this time and time again) - that any alcohol or drug treatment center you go to - is only the starting point to the process of recovery.

Remember that going through a drug and alcohol rehab program is only for a few weeks, sometimes longer, so there is only that much you can do. Its main job is to clean and sober for those first few hardest weeks and to provide you with the armoury to cope once you leave. Your ultimate success though is purely dependant on the effort you put into maintaining your recovery after leaving treatment.

I read a good analogy on another website - choosing a drug and alcohol rehab program is a bit like choosing a gym. Sure you get better one’s than others - but ultimately your success is determined by the energy and determination you put into it.

Ultimately though - I believe any form of treatment program is only as good as the preparation it provides you with for when you leave. And that’s why I believe a 12-step based program makes the ideal treatment because it provides you with a proven path to follow after rehab.

Many point at high relapse rates to question the effectiveness of drug and alcohol rehab programs. The reason for that is not that addiction treatment programs don’t work - but because many addicts just aren’t prepared to do what they need to in terms of doing the work necessary to maintain their sobriety once they leave.

So the key thing to look for when choosing any drug or alcohol rehab program - is what program or path do they recommend you follow once you leave? What support do they provide? Or are you just going to be left to fend for yourself.

At least if you decide on going the 12-step based treatment program route - you know you’ll have a clear and proven path to follow. And so how successful you are boils down to one person - and that is YOU. So remember when making your decision on choosing any form of drug and alcohol rehab program - to think big picture and long-term. Not just the immediate benefits it provides.

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