Not all drug rehab programs are created equal, however, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are a series of basic principles and practices that all effective drug addiction treatment programs share.

What Makes an Effective Drug Treatment Program?

Consider the following elements that characterize those rehab programs that enjoy the best success rates and help the most people overcome addiction.

• No single treatment program is right for every individual. The best drug rehab programs are those that provide customized care – helping the individual in the ways that apply to them most directly.
• Treatment must always be readily available.  When an individual makes the decision to enter treatment, time is of the essence.  There must be no delay in the access to professional drug rehab help.
• Drug rehab treatment must be modified along the way to meet the individual’s changing needs. Flexibility and adaptability are the keys to effective addiction treatment care.
• Treatment does not need to be voluntary in order to be effective.  Forced entry into drug rehab by family members or law enforcement lead to more entries into treatment higher retention rates.
• Counseling is crucial.  There is no component of drug rehab more important than counseling.  Therapy is where individuals learn why they began using drugs in the first place, and what they need to do in order to resist the temptation to use drugs in the future.
• Drug use during treatment must be monitored.  Whether the individual is involved with a residential or outpatient treatment program, it is imperative that they do not use drugs during rehab.   This is the responsibility of the individual and the staff that monitors them.
• Medications can help.  Medical detox and other programs have been found to help many people overcome their physical addiction to drugs.   Methadone in particular has been found to help those struggling with heroin addiction or a dependence on other opiate drugs.
• Detox is not rehab. While detoxification is the first step of drug rehab, it is not the only part of the equation.  Drug detox addresses the physical addiction to drugs, but counseling is required in order to dig deeper and makes progress with the psychological elements of addiction.  Beware programs that offer a quick, complete “cure” through rapid detox alone.
• An individual must spend enough time in rehab to bring about change. There are no quick solutions when it comes to rehab.  Individuals must spend an extended period of time in treatment to enact real change in their behavior.  That is why the best treatment centers require a stay of a month at minimum.

What to do After Drug Rehab

When drug rehab is complete, the individual must return to their daily lives.  While this seems attractive (and it is for most) there are still challenges to face on a daily basis, including stress, temptation, old friends who still use drugs and other concerns.  By taking part in follow up counseling and 12-step groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous) the individual has a place to get support and be provided with positive reinforcement.  It is important to take one day at a time – and revel in the small successes as much as the big accomplishments.