Drug Rehab

A lot of people think of drug and alcohol addiction as mainly a social issue. Abusers are looked down upon as being weak minded, low morals, or just plain old criminals. Most believe that it is just a matter of self-discipline. If these people would just change the way they act, then they could over come their addictions.

These are just myths when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction. These myths have not only stereotyped those with drug-related problems, but also their families, their communities, and the health care professionals who work with them. Drug abuse and addiction are a public health problem that affects many people and has wide-ranging social consequences.

It's the goal of this website to help the public replace its myths and long-held mistaken misconceptions about drug and alcohol abuse and addiction with scientific evidence that addiction is a chronic, relapsing, and treatable disease.

Addiction begins with drug or alcohol abuse when an individual makes a conscious decision to use drugs, but addiction is not just "a lot of drug use." Recent scientific research provides overwhelming evidence that not only do drugs interfere with normal brain functioning creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but they also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity.

At some point, a transformation occurs in the brain that can turn drug and alcohol abuse into an addiction, a chronic, relapsing illness. Those addicted to drugs suffer from a compulsive drug craving and usage and cannot quit by themselves. Treatment is necessary to end this compulsive behavior.

A variety of approaches are used in treatment programs to help patients deal with these cravings and possibly avoid drug relapse. Research clearly shows that addiction is treatable. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, patients can learn to control their condition and live relatively normal lives again.

Treatment can have a tremendous effect not only on drug and alcohol abusers, but on society as a whole by improving social and psychological functioning, decreasing related criminality and violence, and reducing the spread of AIDS. It can also dramatically reduce the costs to society of drug abuse.

Understanding drug abuse also helps in understanding how to prevent use in the first place. Results from research have shown that comprehensive prevention programs that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. It is necessary to keep sending the message that it is better to not start at all than to try to break an addiction.

A great opportunity exists to effectively change the ways in which the public understands drug abuse and addiction because of the wealth of information available. Overcoming misconceptions and replacing myths with solid scientific knowledge is our best hope for bridging the gap between the facts and fiction of drug and alcohol abuse.

You need to be especially careful as you search for the drug or alcohol rehab program that meets yours or loved ones specific needs. This website has listings of drug rehab programs and treatment centers, alcohol rehabilitation programs, teen rehabs, sober houses, drug detox and alcohol detox centers. It's all here.

Please find the right drug rehabilitation center for you or your loved one.