But to take the first step down the often difficult path to recovery, drug abusers must choose the form of treatment appropriate to their unique personality and situation. Today there are several options to choose from, including short term residential treatment centers drug rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, medication therapy, therapeutic communities and methadone maintenance programs.  Simply attempting to quit “cold turkey” is often unsuccessful, and may result in relapse or health complications.

Behavioral therapy for drug abuse may take the form of family therapy, counseling, psychotherapy or support groups. Withdrawal symptoms, as well as drug effects, may be avoided through the use of medication. Studies have shown that oftentimes, a combination of medicine and behavioral therapies yield the best results and decrease the risk of health problems.

Short-term drug rehab therapies typically last under 6 months and may include residential, medication or drug-free outpatient methods.  Inpatient stays of up to 6 weeks followed by 12-step counseling groups such as Narcotics Anonymous comprise most short-term residential therapy programs.  While in the past there were an abundance of drug dependency programs catering to the private sector, many have gone public as benefits for private providers declined.

 Those wishing to kick their drug abuse habit have another option in drug-free outpatient therapy.  This approach favors regular visits by patients to a clinic, and participation in a wide variety of programs in lieu of medicine.  Group and/or individual counseling is almost always a part of such programs. Participants in these programs have problems with drugs other than opiates and tend to display more stability in their everyday lives, and may have abused drugs for a much shorter period of time.