Getting proper treatment is essential to giving you the best possible chance in dealing with and overcoming an addiction.

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.

Remember that going through a drug and alcohol rehab program is only for a few weeks, sometimes longer, so there is only that much you can do. Its main job is to clean and sober for those first few hardest weeks and to provide you with the armoury to cope once you leave. Your ultimate success though is purely dependant on the effort you put into maintaining your recovery after leaving treatment.

I read a good description on another site. Picking a alcohol/drug treatment center is a bit like deciding what kind of gym to join. Gyms vary in quality, cost etc. – but mostly all the equipment you need will be there – and so your success is ultimately determined by the effort you put in.

I believe that any form of treatment or rehab program is ultimately only as good as the grounding it gives you for the day you leave and you’re own again. That is the primary reason I recommend 12-step forms of treatment above all others – because it gives you a clear path to follow for the day you leave the treatment program you’re on.

Many point at high relapse rates to question the effectiveness of drug and alcohol rehab programs. The reason for that is not that addiction treatment programs don’t work – but because many addicts just aren’t prepared to do what they need to in terms of doing the work necessary to maintain their sobriety once they leave.

So the key thing to look for when choosing any drug or alcohol rehab program – is what program or path do they recommend you follow once you leave? What support do they provide? Or are you just going to be left to fend for yourself.

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.