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Professional help and getting the best possible treatment is critical in giving you the best possible opportunity to overcome an addiction to alcohol or drugs.

But first you need to understand (and I say this often) – that any drug rehab program or alcoholism treatment center you attend – is only the beginning of the journey.

Going to rehab/treatment is only for a few weeks or couple of months at most generally – and so there is obviously only so much you can do during that period. Its primary purpose is to get you through the first few (and generally hardest) weeks and provide you with the tools you need to maintain your sobriety. But – and this is a big BUT – you ultimate success is purely dependent on you and the effort you put into maintaining your recovery.

Let me frame it in the way of an excellent analogy I read. Deciding on a rehab is a bit like deciding on a gym you want to join. They vary in quality, cost and what they offer – but they generally have everything you need to get fit, strong and healthy. And so your success boils down to your determination and effort.

The most important part of any treatment you ultimately decide on however – is how effectively it prepares you for the day you leave its doors and you’re on your own again. And that is the reason I recommend 12-step based treatment programs first and foremost – because they provide you with a clear and proven path to follow once you leave their doors.

The reason for high relapse rates for addicts leaving treatment – is not because the treatment or program was terrible or doesn’t work – but because many just aren’t prepared to put the work and effort in after they leave to ensure they stay on the road of recovery.

At the end of the day, I believe that when deciding on an addiction or alcohol treatment center, the key criteria you should use when making your decision is what they suggest you do once leave you leave, in terms of program that they provide or path they recommend you follow.

The major benefit of choosing a 12-step addiction rehab or treatment program – is the clear and proven path it provides you with once you finish the program. And so there can be no excuses for your future success or failure for maintaining your sobriety – because that is something that is purely up to you. So when choosing a form of treatment – remember to think long-term and what you need to do beyond your period in treatment – to help you in choosing the best possible form of treatment for you.