Pennsylvania is probably one of a handful of states that has one of the most progressive drug/alcohol/substance abuse departments dealing with the problems of abusive substances. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has support that helps to quicken the recovery of adults and bolster those of children; focuses on prevention; focuses on intervention; has a monitoring systems evaluated by advocates and families and, in general, provides the addict with everything necessary to attain complete recovery.

Going through the process of addiction recovery can take a few months or it can take much longer, depending on the substance or substances involved. Many who are drug addicted are also alcohol addicted. Hard core addiction to dangerous substances requires not only detoxification, but also psychological assistance, continued counseling, support from sober/drug free companions who have been through all of it and know what a recovering addict has to go through to end his/her addiction.

Pennsylvania's many drug treatment centers offer prevention as well as treatment and cure. Every day brings a new and younger addict into the system. Drugs are sold near elementary schools and drinking by children under the age of 12 is increasing at an alarming rate. By providing the prevention education to parents today, Pennsylvania is eliminating the addict of tomorrow.