For the addict their families there may seem like there is little to no hope. Drug addiction is hard on the individual and their whole families. When a family is deep in the middle of dealing with an addicted family member, it may seem as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But, with the right addiction treatment program There is hope.

Just as there are many different types of addiction, so should there be many different types of addiction treatment. Each addiction experience is unique, and treatment programs should be custom-tailored to fit the needs of each individual.

Once the need for addiction treatment has been recognized and accepted, some basic questions will help determine the best treatment approach.

• Is the home environment supportive or damaging?
• When did the addiction begin?
• What type of addiction is present?
• How intense is the addiction now?
• Are there any co-occuring disorders, like schizophrenia or anorexia?
• Would it be better to receive treatment some geographical distance away?
• Are there any daily life obligations that must be tended to during treatment?

The decision to enter addiction treatment should not be handled lightly. The opinions and first-hand experiences of others might be taken into consideration, but it is ultimately a decision that must be made by the addict and his or her family. Several facilities should be visited for interviews and, ideally, a tour. Research the options and ask questions of each facility visited, like whether they offer specialized treatment of co-occuring disorders.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

In an outpatient facility, recovering addicts are free to go home following treatment each day. This treatment regimen tends to be lighter than other facilities, involving primarily therapy and group meetings. This is an ideal option for those who cannot step away from their daily obligations at home, work, or school.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment

This type of facility offers overnight care, typically for a term of two weeks up to six months. Inpatient facilities can take a medical, clinical-style approach or a more relaxing, resort-like approach to addiction treatment. Either way, a strict daily schedule is typically followed to provide some structure in the lives of recovering addicts and to attempt some distraction from the temptation to relapse.

Long-term Addiction Treatment

This type of addiction treatment can last up to a year or even longer. It is common with more severe addictions, involving “harder” drugs like heroin. As with inpatient facilities, long-term care centers can provide a clinical or resort-style approach to treatment.

Both inpatient and long-term care facilities will first focus on detoxification. Typically performed under medical supervision with the assistance of a sauna or harmless medication, detox rids addicts’ bodies of the harmful toxins built up during the drug abuse. The body will naturally shed these toxins through sweat and other bodily fluids.