What are some of the benefits of drug treatment? What can I expect to gain from going to one?

Many people are hesitant to go to a drug treatment center, because they don’t think they can possibly benefit from it. Perhaps they are dead set against twelve step programs (which most treatment centers are based on), or maybe they’ve been to treatment before and were unsuccessful at staying clean and sober. Whatever there reasoning, you should know that there are many benefits to residential treatment programs:

1. Instant Support Group - Virtually every treatment center will have you in a supportive environment with a group of your peers–people who are trying to get clean and sober, just like you. The fellowship, camaraderie, and bonding that takes place in this intimate environment is very powerful and helps to form part of your support group for after you leave treatment. Lasting friendships can be formed that will help to support you in your recovery.

2. Safe Environment - Having a controlled environment that is free from drugs and alcohol is critical for success. This controlled environment is the foundation where you can then start healing and learning how to live a sober life.

3. Part of the Journey, Treatment Centers are more than an All-Or-Nothing proposition - although treatment centers typically preach abstinence as their method of recovery, that doesn’t mean that going to treatment and then relapsing makes the visit completely useless. While abstinence and clean time are ultimately the goal, most people have to go to treatment a couple of times before they get it to “stick.” Don’t be discouraged by past failures. Instead, see them for what they were–a necessary step in your journey to sobriety.

4. Going to treatment can kick off a lasting relationship with a therapist, which might then result in years of highly beneficial therapy sessions. Many people like the idea of individual counseling more so than group therapy, and a treatment center is good place to meet such a therapist. In many cases, counseling sessions can be continued with the same therapist after the person has left treatment.

5. After Care - One thing that usually happens in short term residential treatment is that some sort of aftercare plan is developed. This might include regular counseling sessions, long term treatment housing, or Intensive Out-Patient therapy. These aftercare programs are often the critical component in maintaining long term sobriety, but you generally have to go to residential treatment first in order to get them set up.

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