The Texas Department of State Health Services – Substance Abuse Services oversees the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse in the state. Drug rehabilitation is only a small part of what this department does. It has absorbed the Texas Commission on alcohol and drug abuse, giving it a broader range of treatment capabilities and a higher success rate with addicts.

By first offering a detox program to addicts who have finally admitted to themselves that they have a problem, the process begins in earnest with the most dangerous step. Physically exhausting, the detoxification/withdrawal can often take days, not just hours. Drugs and alcohol can weaken the body's entire functioning systems, or shut them down completely. Once this step is over, the mental process begins, with numerous psychologists providing one-on-one therapy sessions coupled with group meetings that provide support from others in the same situation as well as counselors to guide the groups.

Texas can be proud of its ability to work with and succeed in helping to create a person who is once again ready for the outside world. Addiction recovery rates are growing. Unfortunately, so is the disease of substance abuse, almost as fast as recoveries happen. To try and stem this tide, wider prevention programs geared towards under age children and those teens and adults at risk have been developed and implemented. More treatment centers and sober living houses are being created. More interventions are happening. Texas' drug rehabilitation program is as big as the state itself.