Vermont is lucky in its low incidence of drug abuse, but it is there, topped by marijuana, cocaine, and certain club drugs like Ecstasy. Prescription drugs abused by accident or for fun are also a concern, and many families may find themselves sucked into the drug trap without warning, through a perfectly legal prescription for sleeping aids or painkillers. Families who never envisioned a need for drug treatment may find themselves hunting for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.

There are hundreds of such centers across the United States. The State of Vermont operates its drug and alcohol treatment programs through a network of non-profit agencies. While treatment is readily available, people seeking help for substance abuse should not just jump into the first program they see. Choosing a drug and alcohol rehab facility that is not experienced in the particular type of abuse, or that does not offer a tailored course of treatment by individual, should be avoided. Addiction is different for everyone. Assuming that any single approach will cure everything is the mark of a poor facility.

Families evaluating drug and alcohol treatment centers in Vermont should look at the scope of services offered and the center’s ability to manage the program from end to end. A detox center without counselors cannot address the emotional dependency caused by addiction. A counseling center that farms out detoxification to the local hospital forces patients to see a variety of doctors, in various locations, while managing the transportation and funds required to get from place to place. A single-source provider is best, for the crucial continuity of care and the reduced stress on the patient during an already stressful experience.

Inpatient care is often a requirement for addicts whose health has been severely impacted by substance abuse. Vermont families may naturally want to seek treatment through drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Vermont. This may not always be possible, or even wise. The local program may not be set up for inpatient care, and often it is best to simply get the addict away from all the stresses and people who enabled the abuse. This often unwittingly includes the family who tried to cope with the addiction without pushing the addict to get help. Within the walls of a properly staffed facility equipped to deal with an addict’s physical and emotional problems, the chances of total focus on recovery as well as of a good outcome are greatly increased.

Management of withdrawal, counseling, and behavior modification are the big three elements of treating substance abuse. Drug and alcohol rehab centers in Vermont or any other state must incorporate all of these elements into their programs. Many also teach nutrition, fitness, anger management and a host of other classes designed to develop a healthy lifestyle and reintegrate addicts into family and society. If you are looking for drug or alcohol treatment centers in Vermont, start with centers that offer these basic programs.