In the 90's, television advertisements were well structured using celebrities or professionals acknowledging a substance-abuse problem and assuring the viewer that their favorite rehabilitation program will guarantee a cure for alcoholism and/or drug dependency. One can become thoroughly confused by asking a half-dozen recovering alcoholics or drug addicts how they stopped their use of alcohol or drugs; the answers vary although each of them is convincing and emotional. They will cite such diverse approaches as hospitalization, diet, exercise, counseling, sauna's, religion, hypnosis, amino acids and self-help groups. When it comes to successful treatment, only one thing is certain: practically any approach will work for some of the people some of the time. To put it another way, successful treatment is like a good suit of clothes- it's got to be tailor-made for each individual.

Most drug treatment professionals don't recommend one "best" treatment approach; they know there are too many variations among abusers. In general, the levels of treatment range from simple and behavioral to complex and medical. The person dependent upon drugs or alcohol may have used the chosen substance for so long that he or she has literally forgotten how to cope with life stresses; how to have a meaningful, drug-free life-style; or how to solve the social or psychological problems that prompted the substance abuse in the first place, in these instances a very comprehensive approach must be prescribed if one is to expect any degree of successful recovery.

A great deal of variation exists in the degree of dependence among drug users. The teenager who smokes marijuana three times a week is not as dependent as the thirty year old who has smoked six joints a day for 15 years and has already relapsed after being in two rehabilitation centers. It's obvious that these persons need different approaches to treatment. Similarly, among cocaine users are some who use it in binge fashion one or two days a month and others who use it several times each day. Again, different treatment approaches are required. Regardless of treatment, some drug and alcohol dependent persons repeatedly relapse after treatment. Relapse rates vary among drugs of abuse. While the relapse rate for heroin addiction approaches 90 to 95 percent during the first ninety days following treatment, the rate for alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and cocaine is less, although precise figures are not available (4). Relapse should not necessarily be viewed as a failure of either the treatment program or the individual. In general, the more varied treatment approaches an individual attempts, the closer he or she becomes to finding the one that will work for them. Once abstinence is achieved, the "clean" or sober individual can take several steps to enhance recovery and better avoid relapse. Among the general recommendations are belonging to a group as a support system, having a religious involvement, practicing good health habits; including proper diet, sleep, and exercise, as well as goal planning and self enhancement projects.

Deciding on a treatment approach is often a very confusing, difficult and an important endeavor to undertake. In the following sections there will be information on a variety of approaches; keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that need to be applied in making this determination. At the end of this site there is an evaluation and referral form supplied for those of you who wish advice or simply a second opinion, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this service.

For free treament center referral - CLICK HERE