Addiction treatment is the process of detoxing drugs out of one’s system. Although physical withdrawal doesn’t last for more than a few months (in the case of a heavy heroin addiction), psychological symptoms may never go away. Addiction treatment comes in many forms, such as going to an in-patient addiction treatment centre, out-patient treatment such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or doing an at-home detox. In-patient addiction treatment is usually the most successful of the three, as addicts will be in an environment away from old temptations, have counseling sessions and be around people with whom they can relate to.

They will be supervised and unable to contact old dealers to get drugs. In-patient addiction treatment is also very expensive and many people cannot afford it. Addiction treatment like AA or NA is a very good support structure once a detox in an in-patient treatment centre has been completed, but as a stand-alone treatment success varies depending on the level of addiction. Many alcohol abusers have success with going to regular AA meetings, but relapse rates are very high for NA members addicted to heroin or methamphetamine unless they properly detox first. Doing an at-home detox to treat addiction may have success depending on the addict and his/her surroundings. Heroin withdrawal can be severe and cause death, so quitting cold-turkey is not recommended. Addiction treatment is different for every addict, and some things may work for certain addicts while others will not. There is no excuse not to get help for addiction.

Whatever addiction treatment is chosen, it is the responsibility of the addict to stay clean, there is no one that can force them or watch them all day every day. Getting clean of drugs is a long and hard path and the addict needs to be surrounded by support and leave bad influences behind and avoid situations where they may be tempted. Addiction treatment goes beyond rehabilitation, as the saying goes – Once an addict, always an addict. The psychological struggles will always continue, but having a solid support structure will greatly help in their addiction treatment.