Admit and Commit

• Alcoholics Anonymous shares on their web site, AA.org, that no one wants to admit that they are an addict and could never drink safely. But facing up to the fact is the only way to start on the road to recovery.
  
  Addictiontreatmentchallenges.com warns site visitors of the difference between choosing to stop using alcohol or drugs and making a self-determined commitment to lifetime recovery. While choosing to stop using is essential, realizing that from that point forward complete abstinence from the substance they are addicted to is a much harder prospect. Recovering addict and alcoholics must realize that they cannot just "cut back" on their substance use, but must stop permanently.
  
  

Evaluate Options

• Learn about the different treatment options that are available. Numerous options exist, just as there are numerous needs for different patients. Drug-TreatmentCenter.org describes different kinds the different kinds of program options available.
  
  Adult inpatient care is available for the person unable to defeat her addiction while having availability to temptations of daily life at home. Inpatient care is needed for those who have a need for detoxification, as well. Inpatient facilities offer medical care related to addiction, along with classes, groups and individual therapy sessions.
  
  Outpatient programs are for those who are more able to exercise self-control and determination right away. Many outpatient programs include using the 12-step program, education and other kinds of treatment. Patients who are not in need of a detoxification period and who have a strong support system at home could benefit from outpatient treatment.
  
  A lifetime of follow-up support and care should be expected by recovering addicts and alcoholics, as they are never considered fully "cured," but rather always in a state of recovery.
  
  

Don't Fight Alone

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse informs visitors to their website, NIDA.NIH.gov, that developing a system where the recovering addict is held accountable for his behavior is essential to his current and future recovery. The responsibility of knowing that a trusted friend or family member will be reported to regularly is an additional motivation adding to the patient's determination to recover.