The sad truth is that people tend to shy away from addicts once they have learned they have a substance abuse problem. It is almost as if they think they can catch the disease. But it is not contagious. Substance abuse can not be contracted by simply being in the same room with an addict. If you have been around too many people who act this way when they realize you are an addict, it is time you were around people who will treat you like people.

A substance abuse treatment program offers understanding and support from people who know that addiction is a disease and not a way of life. In fact substance abuse is a way of death. No one can truly live when they are addicted to anything. An addiction is simply an unhealthy desire for something that is so strong it cannot be resisted. Recovering from an addiction is tough and it is a life long process. No one gets better overnight. No one is ever cured. But there is help.

A drug detox is the first step in recovery. During the drug detox, the body goes through a cleansing. This is a painful process, but the outcome is worth the pain. The pain can manifest both physically and mentally. Because of this, it is vital to have a support group that knows how to deal with issues that arise from detoxification. Once the detoxification has ended, rehabilitation can begin. With rehabilitation comes healing.