Drugs and alcohol are available to anyone who seeks them out. Alcohol is sold in liquor stores and wine and beer are sold in supermarkets and at big drugstore chains. While checking IDs is supposed to be the normal procedure when purchasing liquor, wine or beer clerks have to deal with fake IDs or often, someone else buying substances for underage drinkers. With drugs, the availability can be as close to a medicine cabinet or around the corner from an elementary school.

Virginia has its share of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Drug rehabilitation at treatment centers has grown over the decade. Drug and alcohol addictions are problems that every state faces but at theVirginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services it has become a mission and a goal to see that the problems are eliminated. The Office of Substance Abuse Services plans and directs the programs that are implemented at every level: Education, treatment centers, hospitals, intervention, funding for both treatment centers and programs as well as for addicts.

Drug rehabilitation is never an easy task and has to be shared by the addict and those helping in his/her treatment. Counselors and recovery workshops help to educate and enlighten an addict about his/her problem.

By treating substance abuse as a disease, regardless of drug addiction or alcohol addiction, the Virginia doctors and therapists can help the addict to regain self-esteem and reconnect with family, friends and a productive life once again.