The drug problem in Virginia varies by region but is prevalent throughout the state, especially near the large metropolitan areas targeted by drug traffickers. Families living in the Shenandoah Valley should be on the lookout for meth, a special problem there; families statewide should be wary of cocaine, marijuana, and club drugs aimed at young people. Because of the enormously addictive qualities of modern drugs, there is no such thing as “casual” use. A single hit of methamphetamine can addict. Any family in Virginia could find itself looking for a drug and alcohol treatment center without warning.

As in most states, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment centers in Virginia are found in all larger communities. These offer a wide range of programs, ranging from inpatient care to outpatient counseling, detoxification, and support groups. No single element of recovery can offer a complete cure. Detoxification focuses on clearing an addict’s body of drugs. Counseling deals only with the emotional aspects. Support groups cannot heal broken bodies. Virginia families in need of drug or alcohol rehab should therefore start with facilities that offer full care and a holistic approach to treatment.

It is natural to seek out drug and alcohol treatment centers in Virginia, close to home. However, your local community program may not offer the scope of services required to deal with your particular problem. Some public programs are underfunded and understaffed for the number of people they are trying to treat; others focus on short-term detox, or management of ongoing cravings through methadone. To truly kick the habit for life requires intense focus on the entire problem, with a goal of getting clean and staying clean.

Quite often families simply cannot cope with their addict. Often, family and job stress simply overwhelm the person trying to get clean. A Virginia drug or alcohol rehab facility, or even one outside the state, that offers inpatient care is often the best choice to jump start recovery for everyone. Families need time to deal with their own anger and resentment through family outreach. Addicts need time away from all the old stresses and enablers to come to terms with the devastation wrought by addiction and to learn how not to give in to cravings brought on by stress. A clean break from the old life is required in order for addicts to begin the process of self-transformation.

For any resident of Virginia, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer a way out of a seemingly hopeless trap. The key to a good outcome is to choose wisely. Leaping into a program from desperation can lead to a cycle of relapse if the program is not well managed, or does not offer the comprehensive treatment required. To truly beat addiction requires commitment by the addict, but also a certain amount of tough love from the caregivers. Make sure that the program you choose is experienced in treating all of the many physical and emotional aspects of drug and alcohol addiction.