Drug Addiction Treatment Centers: A Fresh Start
Half a decade ago, I started working on a hotline to help addicts and their families find drug addiction treatment centers. Thousands of calls later, I still remember the first time I picked up the line.
I could hardly make out what the woman on the other end was saying to me. Shelly (not her real name) was sobbing. She had just arrived at her fatherâ??s apartment and had found him passed out cold on the couch with a needle still sticking out of his arm. Why she called our line instead of 9-1-1 was a mystery. I called for an ambulance and waited on the phone with her until they arrived. She told me how her father had been a construction worker, though his dream was to play guitar in a band. Shelly said her parents split up when she was thirteen because of her dadâ??s drinking. He moved away to live in another state for a couple of years and they began to lose touch. He would send the occasional card or make a call on her birthday the first couple of years, but that eventually ended. After college, Shelly decided to find her dad. It turned out that he had moved back and was living just a couple of miles from where she grew up.
Somewhere along the way, he had picked up a heroin habit. Shelly tried to talk him into going to treatment, but he always had an excuse for why he couldnâ??t. Shelly said she visited him weekly, helped him keep his apartment up, bought his groceries and kept after him to quit. She said she they had just talked the night before and that he had, for the first time, agreed to try treatment. On my end, I could hear the ambulance approaching and then a knock on the door. Shelly hung up and I never heard from her again.
Today in America, there are 13 million people in need of alcohol or drug addiction treatment. Fortunately, according the government, there are just over 13,000 drug addiction treatment centers waiting to help these individuals. It may have been too late for Shellyâ??s dad, I donâ??t know, but I do know that it is not too late for anyone who is looking for a drug addiction treatment center today.
Each year millions of people across America, enter treatment centers. For many, this marks a fresh start, a rebirth. It is an opportunity to rebuild broken relationships and broken lives. Those who successfully complete rehab join a recovery community that is already millions strong.
This article, intended to be one in a three part series, is dedicated to addicts and family members of addicts who are searching for answers. Its goal the series is to help those suffering from drug abuse and/or their loved ones to make informed choices when entering drug addiction treatment.
I invite you to join me over the next couple of weeks as these articles explore the different types of treatment settings and then how to find the right treatment center for you or a loved one. In the end, I am confident that combined with careful research of what makes good treatment and by following your own intuition; you or a loved one can begin a new life.
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the resource box is included. Please send a courtesy copy of your publication or a website link to, recoveryresources@gmail.com.
David Westbrook is a freelance writer. He has spent several years talking to thousands of addicts and their families who are in search of drug addiction treatment centers. He invites you to visit his websites http://www.addictionsresources.com and http://www.alcoholismresources.com Approximately 593 words © 2005
Latest News
 CNET News | Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos CNET News, CA - After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ... |
Sunrise Solar tapped for alternative energy project in Brazil Bizjournals.com, NC - The project is part of a multimillion-dollar alternative energy development initiative by Brazil which is making a big push to become energy self-sufficient ... Solar project narrows gap on fuel costs Sunrise Solar to Provide Solar to Brazilian Hospitals |
 Scientific American | Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel New York Times, United States - Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ... Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test |
Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ... MSNBC - Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ... |
 The Market Oracle | Treasury Bond Alternative Boston Globe, United States - "Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ... Bonds may be a shield, but they're still risky Gail MarksJarvis Get Out Now! Corporate debt's allure |
Alternative fitness routines for the new year Newsday, NY - BY JOHN HANC | Special to Newsday What drives the fitness industry? "It's always about 'what's next?'" says Jill Oppenheimer of Hewlett, a former group ... |
 HispanicBusiness.com | Hybrids, alternative fuel cars showcased Detroit Free Press, United States - The EcoXperience exhibit will feature about a dozen hybrid vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels. It will be supported by General Motors ... Michigan Economic Development Corporation and North American ... Try hybrid vehicles at auto show exhibit |
S. Fla. Companies Look To Creative Layoff Alternatives MSNBC - Though it may not sound so good at first, many say having a shorter work week or taking unpaid vacation is better than the alternative. ... |
Quincy alternative school welcomes new face ConnectTriStates.com powered by KHQA, IL - A liaison officer has been placed in the Quincy Alternative School. Officer Randy Wheeler will be a mainstay at the old Irving school building. ... Quincy Public Schools says it has no tolerance for truancy |
 Voice of America | Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk, UK - But a cut in supplies via Ukraine this week, the result of a dispute with Russia over debts and pricing, may force Europe's leaders to support alternative ... Video: Russia Stops All Gas Supply to Europe Gas row shows importance of alternative gas routes Russia again cuts flow of gas through Ukraine |
Resources
-
Alcoholism Drug Addiction Treatment Recovery alternative
Alcoholism and drug addiction is not a disease but a choice. Empowering and practical approach.
-
Self-Healing Expressions - spiritual healing, new age healing, holistic health, holistic education
Self-Healing Expressions provides spiritual healing, new age gifts, guided meditation and holistic education through courses dealing with alternative healing, new age healing, holistic health and healing prayer.
-
IndexCB
Comprehensive Information on Conquering Menopause
-
Shiprock Institute,Inc.Metaphysics and Natural Wellness Center
All you wanted to know about metaphysics and natural wellness from astrology to synchronicity.Free readings.Free newsletter.Metaphysical and alternative wellness supplies.Holistic wellness consults.Virtual art gallery
-
alternative Energy - Understanding and Installing Solar Power
alternative Energy Resources explains solar electric systems; includes info, charts, worksheets, and resources
-
Richardson Cancer Diet - alternative Cancer Treatment
Dr. Janet Starr Hull presents The Richardson Cancer Diet, an alternative cancer ediet to help the body fight cancer. Ebook features cancer fighting foods, tools, resources and more.
-
Complete Guide to the World of alternative Cancer Therapy
How to avoid information overload and beat cancer with inexpensive, proven, alternative treatments, doctors, clinics and medicines
-
Hope For Healing Liver Disease in Your Dog!
alternative treatment for Canine Liver Disease
-
Cancer Cure Secrets
Suppressed, new, alternative and natural cancer cures!
-
Credit reports, credit repair, debt management, negotiations and other financial services.
Fixing your credit for much less and protect your personal financial information: a cheaper alternative to credit repair. Use our self help credit education and have better credit for less. Avoid credit scams and high fees by using Carreon and Associates