The use of illicit and prescription drugs in an abusive and consistent manner can lead to a physical and psychological addiction that in most cases leads to negative effects on the user’s physiology and day-to-day life. Many drug abusers require a residential drug abuse program to help them kick their dependence on a particular substance, while others may need to be a part of a structured program for the rest of their lives.

There are numerous types of drug addiction recovery programs; deciding on the right one for a particular person depends on the type of drug they abuse. Some include the better known AA meetings that require addicts to attend regular meetings. Other programs require a more hands-on approach through the detoxifying process, and may need the addict to live in the treatment center until he or she gains the tools necessary to manage the addiction problem.

Drug addiction recovery programs are only as successful as the level of commitment by the patient and his or her family. The larger the support system formed around the patient, the easier the process becomes and the greater the chances of long term success. Recovery programs provide guidance to the patient and his family on how to break away from cycles and habits that prevent recovery. Many of the tools gained in these programs can be beneficial not only to the addict, but her family and friends as well. These programs teach coping mechanisms that are important in reducing daily stress and anxiety. Some programs also use replacement drugs that aid the addict through the detox process by lessening the physiological shock of reducing or stopping the use of a particular drug.

The type of recovery program chosen strongly depends on the type of drug the addict abused. This is because different drugs result in varying types of addiction responses by the body.