When it comes to drugs, Delaware’s proximity to so many large and “with it” cities is a drawback, not an advantage. Those same cities are destinations for a large percentage of drugs smuggled into the country, so crack cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and Ecstasy, which is the most heavily used drug in Delaware, are all too easy to find. Delaware’s beach and party scene has become the center of illicit drug trafficking, with thrill-seeking high school and college students getting high on sometimes deadly combinations of alcohol and club drugs.

Because Delaware’s drug laws impose harsh penalties for even minor drug possession, families should be proactive in seeking help for any suspected drug problem. Because of the extreme addictive qualities of modern drugs like meth and Xanax, find professional help sooner rather than later. Delaware drug and alcohol treatment centers can handle most types of abuse; however, make sure any rehab facility you choose specializes in the type of suspected drug abuse or alcohol problem. A treatment program for meth addiction is not the same as one for alcohol recovery.

Evaluate the range of services offered by any rehabilitation center in Delaware or elsewhere. You may require intervention to force your addict to face his or her problem. You will almost certainly need a detox center to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. You will need good counseling services, and a long-term program of behavior modification. Addicts who have been physically debilitated by drug or alcohol abuse will also need to learn how to eat and live right, so nutrition and fitness programs should be part of the comprehensive program.

Just the terminology related to drug rehabilitation can be bewildering. Detox centers, withdrawal management, rehab facilities, recovery centers, residential care, inpatient treatment, outpatient programs—it can be daunting just choosing a program. Be aware that any Delaware treatment center that does not tailor its program to the particular problem and the particular individual is not for you. Keep looking until you find one focused on long-term recovery and a tailored approach.

A rehab center worth the name should be able to offer inpatient care. Withdrawal is a difficult and sometimes dangerous process that requires close medical supervision. Continuity of care is important, so if the local Delaware detox center only focuses on “getting clean” and does not offer long-term counseling, steer clear. Likewise, if the counseling center farms out detox to the local hospital, expand your search to drug rehab facilities that are equipped and staffed to manage every phase of recovery.

Residential treatment centers in Delaware, or even out of state, may be the best choice for your particular problem. Outpatient care exposes recovering addicts to stress and temptations they may not be ready to handle. An inpatient treatment center removes them from the enabling environment and offers close support through the process of learning to live without drugs or alcohol. Give your loved one time, peace, and professional help to recover.

Help for drug and alcohol abuse in Delaware, as elsewhere, is readily available. Don’t struggle alone.