Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation

With all of the sanctions, punishments and even social mores that are condemning drug users and addicts, drug treatment programs and drug rehabilitation centers find a steady stream of clients. There are, however, a lot of myths about drug treatment that should be addressed before a person enters treatment so he doesn't have any false impressions.

One Shot

• Drug rehabilitation and treatment are not meant to be a single-shot cure for a drug habit. Some users can quit "cold turkey," and others may be able to quit after only a single treatment. But drug addiction is a disease, and like most diseases, it needs a long-term treatment plan.

Effectiveness

• Drug treatment and rehabilitation have a very solid rate of success. Forty percent to 60 percent of people who begin drug treatment will reduce or even eliminate their use of drugs.

Programs

• Depending on a person's health and drug use habits, she will receive a personalized treatment program. Since every person's body and health is different, every person's rehabilitation plan should reflect that unique health.

Time Frame

• For a drug treatment or rehabilitation program to be effective, a patient must give it time to work. Generally speaking, outpatient programs require a minimum of 90 days, and residential programs require at least 21 days.

Desire

• A popular rumor claims that if a drug user doesn't want to quit, then he or she won't. Court orders and familial pressure can force a person into treatment, and often that treatment is just as effective as it is for those with more individual motivation to quit drugs.