If you hope to successfully overcome alcoholism or drug addiction – getting proper treatment and professional help is the best way to do that.
It is critical however that you understand (and I say this time and time again) – that any alcohol or drug treatment center you go to – is only the starting point to the process of recovery.
There is only so much you can do in the space of a few weeks. Going to a alcohol/drug treatment center will hopefully help you lay a good foundation, but your ultimate success is dependent on you and the effort you put in.
Let me frame it in the way of an excellent analogy I read. Deciding on a rehab is a bit like deciding on a gym you want to join. They vary in quality, cost and what they offer – but they generally have everything you need to get fit, strong and healthy. And so your success boils down to your determination and effort.
Ultimately though – I believe any form of treatment program is only as good as the preparation it provides you with for when you leave. And that’s why I believe a 12-step based program makes the ideal treatment because it provides you with a proven path to follow after rehab.
Relapse rates for addicts and alcoholics are high not because rehab doesn’t work – but because they don’t do what is necessary in terms of putting the work in after leaving treatment to stay clean. And no matter how good the treatment center – it’s what you do once you leave that ultimately counts.
At the end of the day, I believe that when deciding on an addiction or alcohol treatment center, the key criteria you should use when making your decision is what they suggest you do once leave you leave, in terms of program that they provide or path they recommend you follow.
The major benefit of choosing a 12-step addiction rehab or treatment program – is the clear and proven path it provides you with once you finish the program. And so there can be no excuses for your future success or failure for maintaining your sobriety – because that is something that is purely up to you. So when choosing a form of treatment – remember to think long-term and what you need to do beyond your period in treatment – to help you in choosing the best possible form of treatment for you.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:38 am
[...] It is critical however that you understand (and I say this time and time again) – that any alcohol or drug treatment center you go to – is only the starting point to the process of recovery. There is only so much you can do in the space … More [...]