Iowa’s drug problem is not limited to its larger towns. Oxycontin is the most widely-abused drug in the state, with meth rising in popularity in urban and rural areas alike. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Iowa is therefore not limited to the stereotypical junkie depicted by Hollywood, but may become a pressing need for someone in your own family.

In addition to meth and prescription drug abuse, alcohol is a serious problem among Iowa teens, along with steroid abuse in this region that has long prided itself on its sports teams. Help for these problems can be found through a growing network of Iowa drug and alcohol treatment centers located in most larger communities across the state. Anyone who suspects that they, or a loved one, has a substance abuse problem should seek help early and evaluate programs carefully to find a rehab facility equipped to deal with the type and scope of their particular problem. Not all drug or alcohol treatment centers offer the same kinds of services or can boast the same experience and quality of care.

Avoid generic medical clinics or any program that cannot offer a comprehensive course of treatment. This may include inpatient as well as outpatient care, intervention, detoxification, counseling, behavior modification therapy, and wellness programs as well as family outreach. The “whole body” and “whole family” approach to drug and alcohol treatment are both very important to a positive outcome. If your local Iowa community does not have a treatment center that can treat the particular abuse problem or cannot offer this holistic approach, keep looking.

While Iowa rehab facilities are bound to be more attractive to Iowa families, they may not, in fact, be the best choice for treatment. Often, the addict is enabled in his abuse by friends, family, and co-workers who err while trying to help. Also, for any outpatient, the liquor store and the corner drug dealer are still out there. Inpatient care removed from the stress of work and family life, in a drug-free environment focused on recovery, usually offers a far greater chance of a positive outcome than a program that forces the patient to juggle all of the old responsibilities on top of trying to kick the habit.

Residential treatment facilities allow a clean break from the old life and help the patient kick-start the new one. Inpatient care during withdrawal is usually a requirement no matter what the program, as symptoms can be severe, even life-threatening in some case. Severely debilitated bodies need healing, proper nutrition, and exercise, while intensive counseling is required to overcome the emotional dependency on the drug or alcohol. A daily routine focused solely on recovery, managed by personnel trained to deal with the physical complications—and all the excuses and evasions mounted by addicts unwilling to face their problems—offers what even the most loving families usually cannot.

There are plenty of drug and alcohol recovery programs and centers to choose from in Iowa. Treatment for substance abuse can start today. All you need to do is call.