The state of Alabama is by no means immune to the problem of drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse is on the rise, a particular menace to young people exposed to a variety of illicit and illegally-obtained prescription drugs at raves, beach parties, and clubs where the goal is to get high. Drug addiction is not just an inner-city problem anymore; it can strike anywhere, in any family.

While the larger urban areas in Alabama tend to have greater resources for dealing with the problem of drug addiction, that does not mean families should despair of finding help. If an Alabama drug treatment center does not offer the full range of services you need, look farther afield. Sometimes seeking help outside the local area is even more beneficial.

Detox facilities, drug rehab centers, halfway houses, and residential treatment centers all offer programs aimed at getting an addict clean. Treatment centers that offer inpatient recovery programs offer a variety of advantages over outpatient care, though families should consider both options carefully before deciding upon any particular course of action.

When evaluating any drug or alcohol treatment program, consider whether it is fully equipped to deal with all aspects of your particular problem. A detox facility may be more focused on the short-term goal of “getting clean” rather of “staying clean” for life. Detoxification involves removing all traces of the drug or alcohol from the addict’s system. This process is generally accompanied by a variety of unpleasant, even dangerous, symptoms which must be carefully managed to keep the patient as safe and comfortable as possible.

Counseling and behavior modification are the other two important components of a full recovery from alcohol abuse or drug addiction. These two critical elements are sometimes best handled on an inpatient basis at a residential recovery center. Within the walls of such a drug or alcohol treatment facility, patients are removed from daily distractions and the environment that enabled the abuse. Many times, families facilitate a loved one’s drug or alcohol habit without realizing it, by refusing to seek help, supporting the addict financially, or refusing to confront the individual. An inpatient drug treatment program can help the addict make a clean break from the drug-driven lifestyle to begin the process of self-transformation.

Services available in Alabama for drug and alcohol treatment offer a wide range of services, from mental health counseling to drug and alcohol testing and detection to detoxification and rehabilitation. A good living facility will also teach nutrition and how to attain a healthy lifestyle, essential to rebuilding bodies debilitated by prolonged drug or alcohol abuse. Public and private family outreach programs are often available to Alabama residents, but families should be wary of relying on support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous alone. Drug and alcohol detox are almost always prerequisites to recovery, so make sure your treatment program addresses the physical as well as the psychological and social aspects of recovery.

No alcoholic or drug addict needs to suffer alone. Drug and alcohol treatment in Alabama is widely available. Pick up the phone and call.