Drug Rehab Treatment and Recovery Programs

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction, which is known clinically as a substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, relapsing condition of the brain that is influenced by genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.¹ It is characterized by the uncontrolled use of a substance despite the harmful consequences it may cause.²

It is still unclear what the exact causes of addiction are, however research shows that there are both genetic and environmental risk factors that can make individuals more susceptible to developing an addiction at some point in their lives.³ Some of these factors include:^4,5

• Failing academically.
• Having a mental illness.
• Having poor social skills.
• Experiencing physical or sexual abuse. 
• Being impoverished or lacking economic opportunity. 
• Being a part of or witnessing community violence.
• Having parents or caregivers who misuse drugs and/or engage in criminal behavior.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million Americans (or 17.1% of the population) ages 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2023.⁶ This includes 28.9 million Americans with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 27.2 Americans with an addiction to drugs.⁶

Commonly Treated Drug Addictions

There are several addictive drugs available throughout the United States and the rest of the world, most of which are fairly easy to access and misuse, potentially leading to addiction. Some of the most common include:⁸

• Meth.
• Cocaine.
• Marijuana.
• Opioids (hydrocodone, codeine, fentanyl, heroin).⁹
• Prescription drugs (Adderall, Xanax, Ambien).¹⁰
• Hallucinogens (psilocybin, LSD, MDMA).¹¹

Fortunately, help is available for those who are struggling with the misuse of or addiction to these or other substances. In fact, the vast majority of addiction treatment programs, including all of AAC’s facilities, are equipped to treat addictions to these common substances with comprehensive, evidence-based clinical and psychological care.

Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

The best treatment program, or level of care, for a person often depends on factors such as the severity of their addiction, if they have a co-occurring disorder, what substances they have been misusing, and so on. A patient’s treatment team will help determine the most appropriate level of care for them, which may include one or more of the following:

How to Choose a Drug Treatment Program

The following are things to consider when choosing a drug treatment center:

• Certified mental health professionals and addiction counselors. Look for licensed counselors and staff who are certified in addiction treatment.
• Experience treating your substance addiction. Some programs may focus on particular types of drug or alcohol misuse.
• Dual diagnosis experience. Drug addiction is often closely related to mental illness and it can be beneficial to treat both conditions at the same time.⁶
• Adjusting treatment when necessary. Treatment needs can change as you go through recovery; needs should be re-evaluated and altered on an ongoing basis to maximize the level of care provided.
• Cost. The cost of treatment can vary depending on the level of care and several other factors.
• Insurance accepted. Many treatment facilities accept insurance. Check with the facility or your insurance provider for details on what is covered.