Many have been to numerous treatment centers for inpatient and outpatient services and still don’t believe they have a problem. Worse yet, their condition continues to deteriorate. As a result, the affects of alcoholism and addiction on family, friends and co-workers grows ever more devastating.

Honesty, being open-minded and also being willing to ask for and receive help – these are the keys to a successful recovery.  The addict is the only person that can admit they have a problem. The disease itself tells you that you don’t have it. No one wants to be an addict or an alcoholic. No one says, “One day I am going to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, ruin my life and destroy the lives of all those I care for and who care for me.”

As hard as physical detoxification can be, this is just the beginning. As treatment starts, one finally begins to face the wreckage that has largely been the result of their addictive use of drugs and/or alcohol. The terror of facing this is almost indescribable. Remember, the addict isn’t a bad person who enjoyed destroying their life and the lives of their parents, children and spouse. The simple fact is that addicts, without help, have little control over what they do when in active addiction. They often cannot remember some or most of what they have done. The horror of this feeling can be so devastating that the addict may consider simply giving up, even planning or attempting suicide.

• Is the program/facility properly licensed, and does it have all the amenities necessary and conducive towards recovery?
• What is their reputation in the community, professional community and online?
• What is the nature of the program? Is the program in line with what has been determined to be the best course of action for the addict?
• What kind of outcomes is the program experiencing?
• Does the addict have insurance or financial resources for the treatment?
• Is a non-profit program the only program the addict can afford?
• Should the program be more clinically based, faith based, or a balanced mix of both?

The unfortunate news is that there are plenty of programs out there that do not work. The good news is that there are plenty of programs, both for profit and non-profit, that do work. At the heart of many programs there can be a variety of approaches. Deep clinical work – groups, one on one’s, case management sessions – are essential. Most try to establish within the suffering addict’s mind that they have a problem – their lives are unmanageable and need to be right set.

Strong programs also include a nutrition and exercise component. Some programs are clinically based while others can be more faith based. In addition to the help of a therapist, recovering addicts may have sponsors, recovery coaches, life coaches, pastors and priests as part of their support system.

Some programs may contain very different elements than what we have described here. Some addicts get well through very different approaches. It is important for the addict and his or her supporters to keep an open mind when discussing and selecting recovery programs.

Whatever treatment options are decided, it is essential that the suffering addict have a strong willingness to treat their addiction. Without this willingness and a strong support system, the best treatments will likely not work.

Remember, the addict is the only person that can admit they have addiction.

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