It is not always an easy decision to make, but when you are aware of a loved one being addicted to alcohol or drugs, contacting a rehabilitation center is necessary. For the good of your friend or family member's health and future personal and professional success, the sooner drug treatment is implemented the better.

Of course, once you have answered the question of should I contact someone, next comes the question of whom to contact. Around the United States there are hundreds of drug treatment clinics that cater to all addictions, and many are different in their own ways. Oftentimes, people receive referrals from trusted medical professionals, which is a good direction to take. There are also a number of considerations to ponder when choosing a facility for your or your loved one's treatment:

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. You have control over your choice to start using drugs, but once you start, their pleasurable effect makes you want to keep using them.

Complete Continuum of Care - How soon do new patients begin their assessment and treatment? A good rehabilitation clinic will know the urgency in seeing an addict to recovery, and will be comprised of a staff prepared to begin the detoxification process as soon as possible in gentle manner. Rehabilitation is not supposed to be a scary process, but a healing process, and a good clinic will observe this.

People can become addicted to illegal drugs and to drugs that doctors prescribe. People can also become addicted to things they may not think of as drugs, such as alcohol and the nicotine in cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Some drugs may cause addiction more easily than others.

Detoxification through Extended Care - Is the clinic a residential facility? Are patients are able to undergo full rehabilitation in a warm, home-like environment? Are patients allowed to communicate with family and friends during recovery? Does the clinic give the impression of nurturing a therapeutic community? A recovering addict should be made as comfortable as possible during rehabilitation, and a good clinic will foster such an environment.

Drug addiction can be effectively treated with behavioral-based therapies and, for addiction to some drugs such as heroin or nicotine, medications. Treatment may vary for each person depending on the type of drug(s) being used and multiple courses of treatment may be needed to achieve success.

Post-Residential Care - What opportunities are made available to the patient after his/her stay? Does the clinic offer alumni reunions, contact for post-recovery, a newsletter. A good clinic will recognize the bonds made between patients during their recovery, and will seek to keep all lines of communication open.

Availability of Medical Staff - Is the medical staff in-house, or outsourced? Is there at least one physician on duty at all times? Having a regular staff promotes trust between the patient and clinic, so this is one good thing to look for when researching facilities.

Sharing hypodermic needles used to inject some drugs dramatically increases the risk of contracting AIDS and some types of hepatitis . In addition, increased sexual activity among drug users, both in prostitution and from the disinhibiting effect of some drugs, also puts them at a higher risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Program Flexibility - A good rehabilitation clinic will recognize that one specific treatment that works for one addict might not work for another. Does the clinic offer treatment plans that can be adapted to different patients? Are there individualized as well as group therapy programs? Are there opportunities for family and friends to become actively involved in care?

As you research a rehabilitation clinic for treatment of drug or alcohol addiction, be sure to ask questions. Learn everything you can before making this important decision. As always, consult with a physician for guidance in the right direction. Treatment of addiction is important, and must be done correctly.

Substance abuse research has shown that for many individuals, involvement with drugs is a quick and easy way to avoid or reduce physical pain or emotional problems by giving the individual a temporary escape from life's problems.