Tucked into the heart of one of the most populous areas of the United States, Maryland is exposed to every sort of drug trafficking in the major metropolitan areas inside and outside its borders. The problem is not limited to the cities, however; crack cocaine, club drugs, and prescription drugs show up at beach parties and clubs frequented by young people, which makes potential drug abuse something every Maryland family should be aware of.

Maryland began to reform its drug laws in 2004, focusing more on treatment than on incarceration for minor drug offenders. This has led to a widening network of alcohol and drug rehabilitation and treatment centers in Maryland designed to help first-time offenders and people with minor addictions to get help before those mild drug habits escalate into hard core addictions. Most Maryland communities now host some sort of rehabilitation facility, whose services vary and should be evaluated carefully when seeking treatment.

Alcohol and drug treatment depend upon a comprehensive course of treatment and a long-term focus by all concerned. Make sure that the rehab facility offers more than just detox. While detoxification to eliminate all traces of the drug is necessary, it is not enough to stop the psychological cravings experienced by addicts. Withdrawal must be properly managed, usually on an inpatient basis, so if the program you are considering must outsource this vital phase of recovery, keep looking for a treatment center equipped for inpatient care.

Also, make sure that counseling and behavior modification are part of the program. Addicts must face up to the underlying causes of their addiction and learn how to stop reaching for a chemical crutch to solve all their problems. This is key to preventing relapse, and often something the addict cannot manage on an outpatient basis. While it is tempting to seek treatment within the local community in Maryland, drug and alcohol rehabilitation is often much more effective when the addict is removed entirely from the old life for awhile, living and receiving treatment within a center that frees him from the stresses and distractions outside.

Residential treatment centers of this type have a number of other advantages with regard to treatment. Aside from the 24/7 medical supervision they offer, the continuity of care is greatly enhanced, as the patient sees the same counselors, the same doctors, every day, instead of whoever is available at the local clinic. Daily counseling to address the roots of the addiction and break down barriers of denial is also made easier away from friends, family, and daily temptation to relapse.

For families in Maryland, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers probably look all the same from the outside, but by asking good questions and evaluating the quality of care, depth of staff experience, and types of services offered, it is possible to make a good and informed choice. Find one with a goal of “clean for life” that focuses on the mind-body-spirit holistic approach—and the sooner, the better.