When the time has come that an addict or alcoholic wants to discontinue using drugs and alcohol, this is considered the first step in the road to recovery. This usually takes place after reaching what is called a bottom. This is a point in the addict's life where they have literally reached rock bottom and will not continue living the life of an addict. This can come about through a variety of causes, many of which are being arrested, burning bridges with everyone they know, or even overdosing and surviving. After reaching this influential and often traumatic point in their lives, the addict is generally admitted into a Medical Detoxification Facility. The duration of the client's stay depends on the type/amount/duration of the drugs being used. Different types of drugs take longer to detoxify from the body, such as heroin and alcohol addiction taking the longest, and cocaine and crack detox taking only a matter of hours.
After the addict has successfully detoxified their body from the byproducts of these illicit drugs, their healing can begin. The next step in the road to recovery is to seek a professional Drug and Alcohol Treatment Clinic who specializes in helping people in early sobriety learn the tools needed to maintain their sobriety and refrain from using drugs and alcohol again. Among these tools are anger management, and relapse prevention techniques. The most common reason people use drugs is to cope with stress, depression, and anger. A rehab program will provide the client with the tools necessary to deal with these emotions without resorting to the usage of drugs and alcohol to make the feelings go away.
Drug rehab varies in length of time, usually lasting between 30 and 90 days. Many people believe that a 30 day program is not even nearly sufficient to make a long term difference. For the best chances of maintaining long term sobriety, the client should be urged to stay for a minimum of 30 days in an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Program, and then an additional 60 days in Intensive Outpatient Drug Therapy. By following this continuity of care, the client has a better chance of staying sober for an extended period of time, instead of relapsing immediately, and jumping from treatment center to treatment center. Many people struggle with the disease of addiction for their entire lives. It is extremely difficult to overcome and will require a lot of courage and will power, but the possibility for a drug free life is quite possible, all it takes is dedication, and support from people who are knowledgeable and who