Alcoholism and drug addiction are progressive diseases, and without help it is highly likely that the addicted person will continue down a never ending path of self destruction that could lead to death.  Drug and alcohol treatment centers are the best way to truly fight the battle against addiction.  When considering treatment, many factors need to be taken into consideration. The location of a drug and alcohol rehab center can have an impact on its success with the addict. For some, it is best to find a drug treatment center that is located near to family and friends. In this way, it is possible for the family to attend the family treatment program at the facility and maintain more consistent contact with the addict for purposes of support. For others, it is better to find a drug treatment center that is further away from home because the memories and the people in their community make it too difficult to refrain from using drugs or alcohol.  The proximity to home may cause triggers leading to early relapse. One of the initial considerations a person must make when attempting to select the right drug and alcohol rehab center is what level of care is appropriate: inpatient or outpatient.  When making this decision, it is wise to consult with your health care professional, treatment facility advisors or an interventionist. Many drug rehab centers offer both inpatient and outpatient care programs, but careful consideration must be exercised when making this decision.  For some addicts, an inpatient care program may be the best option because they may need medical management throughout their detoxification treatment and/or do not have the strength or ability to fight the addiction without receiving 24-hour care. Their addiction may be so severe that the only real option is inpatient care.  They may have tried an outpatient facility on a prior occasion but the addiction may have been too advanced necessitating an inpatient approach. For other addicts, outpatient treatment may be sufficient for overcoming the problem while still allowing the person to live a semi-“normal” life.  They may have a high motivation to get sober or have a stable encouraging home environment that supports recovery in this type of setting.  A preliminary assessment by a physician or qualified counselor/therapist is typically performed at treatment center to determine what level of care is most appropriate.  Nearly all alcohol and drug treatment centers provide physical and emotional care to help addicts overcome their disease. The exact approaches used by various treatment centers, however, can vary. For example, some centers place a greater emphasis on the physical aspect of the addiction focusing on diet and exercise.  Others may focus more on the emotional impact structuring programs with heavy emphasis on individual and group therapy. The way rehab centers address both components may vary significantly.  Some may emphasize other approaches, such as music and art therapy, hypnosis or acupuncture.  You might find that the facility focuses more on a 12 step approach or perhaps is geared to a specific religion.  It is important to make the necessary inquiries with drug treatment center representatives to determine what treatment setting will be most appropriate. In some drug treatment centers, patients are provided with another drug in order to treat their primary addiction. Methadone and Buprenorphine are examples of medications used to treat opiate addiction.  For some patients, however, there is a risk of becoming addicted to the replacement drug that is offered. Therefore, this type of approach must be closely monitored by the treatment team.   For an addict, the treatment environment and treatment approach can make a huge impact on the overall success of the program and any chance of long-term sobriety.  

There are many other questions that should be asked when making a decision about admission into an alcohol or drug treatment facility.  Detoxification facilities, staff credentials, medical supervision, cost, typical length of stay, aftercare programs, 12 step philosophy, and family involvement are a few other important considerations to think about when making perhaps one of the most important decisions for both the family and the addict.  Ask questions, consult with health professionals and make informed decisions.