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

Any drug rehab program or alcoholism treatment center you attend however (and it is crucial that you understand this) - only represents the first part of your recovery to a life of sobriety.

There is only so much you can do in the space of a few weeks. Going to a alcohol/drug treatment center will hopefully help you lay a good foundation, but your ultimate success is dependent on you and the effort you put in.

I read a good analogy on another website - choosing a drug and alcohol rehab program is a bit like choosing a gym. Sure you get better one’s than others - but ultimately your success is determined by the energy and determination you put into it.

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.

Relapse rates for addicts and alcoholics are high not because rehab doesn’t work - but because they don’t do what is necessary in terms of putting the work in after leaving treatment to stay clean. And no matter how good the treatment center - it’s what you do once you leave that ultimately counts.

So the ultimate determinant in deciding on any form of alcohol/addiction treatment program should be what path or program they suggest (or provide for you) when you leave their doors.

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.