Addiction is a problem that has persisted over the last 50-60 years, while properly defined, qualified, and equipped drug and alcohol rehab centers have come into existence only in the past few decades. Over the years these centers have refined the process of treatment and most of these centers follow a very simple four-step process. These processes assure lifelong results and help the individual lead a happy, contented, fulfilled, and sober life like any other individual.

How and why did I ever get into this mess? This is the question most addicts ask themselves at some time or another and once they realize the reasons why, they make a further resolve to get out of this situation they are already in by connecting with a  four step treatment at a suitable rehab facility.

The first step of the drug and alcohol rehab treatment program is called the initial treatment. Whenever addicts decide to get professional help for addiction, they enter the first step, as they are now ready to commit to get out of the pit, so to speak. Most people enter a rehab program expecting miracles.

At this stage, the individual is personally counseled by the experts who understand medical history and the level of addiction before designing the details of the program. This is the most difficult stage because the individual is enthusiastic about following the program and at the same time they’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. It sometimes gets difficult for them to choose the right direction.

The next step of the drug and alcohol rehab program is called early abstinence. Once the individual has committed himself to the treatment for substance addiction, he or she enters the second stage of the rehab treatment. This is a tough time for the patient, as they have to cope with many factors, such as withdrawal symptoms, physical craving, and psychological dependence.

Some of the elements can tempt the patient into a relapse thus, it is very important to keep the patient under close observation during this phase of the treatment. Additional counseling and therapy are initiated to sustain the wall of resistance.

The third stage of the drug and alcohol rehab treatment program is maintaining abstinence. This stage generally starts after the first 90 days of the second stage. From early abstinence, they move to maintenance abstinence where they start living in a residential center where they undergo in-patient treatment. At this stage, the patients continue to receive follow-up counseling from where they can later on opt for outpatient treatment. The focus of this stage in the drug and alcohol treatment program is to try to maintain abstinence by avoiding any kind of craving and relapse. The patients are taught about the warning signs and steps that can lead them to a relapse and through appropriate therapy develop a fortified resolve to withstand any such proclivities.

The last stage of the recovery program is called advanced recovery. This level can be reached only after the patients have spent a long time in the third stage. This is the final stage of the recovery process where the individual learns tools and skills of recovery. They learn how to control cravings and thus lead a satisfying and happy life. People not only learn to stay sober but also get the confidence to lead a normal life. If an individual can follow the four steps, he is sure to emerge successful and start living a normal life again. Drug and alcohol education programs are available at Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Atlanta to educate people about the dangers of addiction. This type of program, sometimes known as “DUI class” or “DUI school,” may be imposed by the court following a DUI arrest. These programs are about far more than just meeting court obligations. They are intended for persons who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. To know more, consult Atlanta Treatment Center. or Call 404-333-8301 for a free consultation.