Because addiction affects the mind, body and spirit, recovery from alcohol, drugs and other substances/processes is much more than just stopping the use, abuse of and/or dependence.

Recovery is a process that will begin with identifying and eliminating the physical and psychological dependence. Treatment centers and recovery programs are designed to implement this process and can successfully help many people. Because addiction affects all areas of our lives, most programs provide individual, group and family support.

Since addiction is a chronic disease, it is never totally cured. All addictions are as unique as the individual and what works for one person may not work for another. One person may get sober by attending 12 Step meetings, another may require multiple treatment experiences, while yet another may be able to get and stay sober simply by reading self-help books and going to church. Regardless of the type of treatment or program that helps get a person sober, an on-going program of recovery is essential for long-term abstinence for most individuals.

More important than any other factor, the success of addiction recovery depends on the willingness and desire to change. Despite the odds and impossible obstacles, many addicts attribute their ability to stay sober to the spiritual awakening they experienced as a result of working the 12 Steps.

12 Step Programs, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, have helped millions of people get and stay sober. While it is impossible to show how many people actually get and stay sober through AA, it is agreed by  most professionals in the treatment industry that 12 Step recovery is the most effective solution for long- term sobriety. There are non-12 Step recovery options as well as specific faith-based resources for getting and staying sober that can also be effective.