You know you have a substance abuse problem and you really do want to get some help but, you are worried because you don't really understand how the process works and, that worry is causing you to hesitate about getting help.  I'm here to tell you, “Don't worry!”

Generally, there are two parts to substance abuse treatment:  inpatient drug treatment first and a comprehensive outpatient program afterward.  During inpatient treatment, you basically live in a facility with other addicts for 30 days, sometimes longer.  During your inpatient time, you will be in a safe place where you can go through what is called detox (the process of the drugs leaving your system) and you will have daily counseling and support meetings to help you through these difficult first steps.  During your inpatient drug treatment, you will be surrounded by people that can help you understand your addiction and start to replace it with healthier and safer behavior.  I promise you, you will not have to do any of this alone!

Before you leave inpatient care, you will discuss your personal outpatient program with your therapists so that you have a safety net when you return to the big wide world.  Your outpatient program will probably include a schedule of continued therapy appointments and meetings to attend in the community so you can still benefit from the support of others as you continue your journey.  Your therapy appointments will probably be once or twice per week at first.  Your meeting schedule will largely depend on how much support you feel you will need after your inpatient drug treatment.  You will also have a personal sponsor that you can call anytime, night or day, to talk.  Your sponsor is someone you can call when you have relapsed or are afraid you are going to start using again.  A sponsor can also become one of your dearest friends – that guy or girl you just hang out with  and have fun with.

When you enter drug treatment, you also enter a world of support and the chance to make new friends.  You will never have to battle your addiction alone again if you seek drug treatment!