Drug addiction is known as a treatable disease. However, only about 10% of drug abusers actually get the help they need through drug recovery centers. The cost of untreated drug abuse to families and communities is staggering. Billions are spent annually on drug abuse-related costs such as prison, court, child abuse or neglect, welfare, emergency room, and healthcare expenses, not to mention the costs of violence and property crimes.
Untreated drug addiction not only costs money, it also costs lives through drug overdose and the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that drug recovery programs can reduce the costs of drug-related crimes and deaths. These programs focus on helping patients achieve their goals of leading healthy, drug-free lives. This often requires patients to make long-term commitments, go through multiple treatments, and drastically change their lifestyles.
The choice to go through a drug addiction recovery program is one of the most important decisions a person can make for him or herself. There are different types of treatment programs out there, so it’s important to choose the right one. When looking for a successful drug addiction treatment, it’s best to review all of the options. Compare 12 step programs, residential treatment programs, and detox facility success rates. These systems are among the top three most effective drug recovery options.
12 Step Programs
One of the most well-known programs that put people on the road to recovery from drug addiction is the 12 step program. Traditionally associated with Alcoholics Anonymous, this drug recovery method has branched out into many other areas of addiction, including drug. In short, the 12 step program involves the following process:
- admit that one has a problem with addiction
- recognize that there is a higher power in control that can give one the strength to recover
- re-examine past errors with the help of an experienced member (called a sponsor)
- make amends for these past errors
- learn to live a new way of life by following a new code of behavior
- help others who suffer from the same addictions
Millions of addicts have been helped through this “trust God, clean house, help others” philosophy. Many other organizations have adopted the 12 step program guidelines. Today, there are more than 200 worldwide 12 step groups, also called Fellowships.
Residential Treatment Programs
Residential treatment programs are another type of drug recovery program in which a patient lives in a therapeutic community (TC) for 6 to 12 months. These TCs are highly structured and are designed for those patients who have long histories with drug addiction or drug addiction-related crime. This type of drug abuse recovery program can be very successful for individuals who are suffering severe drug-induced effects and who are trying to return to a healthy, functioning lifestyle. These programs now offer support for pregnant women and women who have children.
Detox Facilities
Drug recovery is often a long, arduous process. The first few hours or days of abstinence can be taxing on the body, as well as emotionally and mentally overwhelming. Detox facilities are drug addiction recovery centers which help patients get through the initial shock of getting off of drugs. Psychologists, addiction specialists, and family counselors are readily available during this time. Many programs even offer luxury vacation-like facilities to aid in relaxation during detoxification. However, these can also be expensive.
As it is, no single drug recovery program fits every patient’s needs. It’s also important to remember that treatment for initial withdrawal symptoms is only one of many steps to recovery. There are several drug recovery centers, as well as types of programs, to choose from. Those who are ready to make the change should prepare to be in treatment for an extended period of time to prevent relapse and promote true recovery. However, ending the struggle with addiction is well worth the end result, which is getting one’s life back.
[page updated March 2009]