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Overview
Are Drug Treatment Programs Effective?According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug treatment programs help reduce the use of illegal drugs by 40 to 60 percent. Criminal activity related to drug abuse is reduced by similar amounts. While the variety of treatment options have little affect on the effectiveness of the recovery success rates, the willingness and level of buy-in from the drug abuser is the biggest component in determining the effectiveness of long-term abstinence.
Function
Drug treatment programs play a number of roles in the recovery process. Initially, they provide a place for drug-addicted individuals to detox and go through withdrawals under supervision. Once the addict is free from any medical complications of withdrawal, most treatment centers begin an intense therapeutic program designed to educate the patient about the consequences of long-term drug abuse. Counselors work with patients to help them understand the origin of the self-destructive behavior and group therapy discussions allow the patients to interact and understand the dynamics of group support.
Types
Drug treatment programs vary in length from three days to three years. While some are merely facilities that can help with the initial detox process, others guide addicts through the process of rebuilding their lives. Some treatment programs are faith-based and hope to guide their patients to a sober life through religion. Others introduce the population to 12-step programs through in-house meetings or by taking patients to meetings in the local community.
Benefits
Programs that prepare their patients to continue with their treatment after they leave the facility have a greater chance of success. Most drug treatment professionals agree that total abstinence is the only way for drug addicts to avoid returning to their previous level of abuse. Job skills, community resources and follow-up outpatient counseling are benefits that can help to sustain long-term recovery from addiction.
Considerations
Insurance coverage often dictates which drug treatment facility an addict utilizes. Upfront and additional costs associated with treatment also play a part in determining treatment options. Success rates and personal referrals can help when choices are available. The ultimate effectiveness of the program rests in the addict's comfort level at the facility and willingness to participate in the treatment provided.
Warning
Drug treatment programs cannot provide a cure for addiction. Many refer to treatment as "discovery," and call life after treatment "recovery." Treatment facilities provide a haven from the pressures of life for a short time while addicts detox. Drug treatment programs supply drug addicts with tools to use to stay clean once they leave the program. The responsibility to use those tools lies in the hands of the addict.
