Alcohol and drug treatment has changed a lot over the years. The first forms of such treatments were quite brutal; in the dark ages it was thought that addictions were caused by demonic possession, which had many different prescribed ?cures? ranging from blood letting to being burned at the stake. In the 19th and early 20th century, these treatments had improved but little; addictions were then considered forms of insanity and the treatments of choice involved straight jackets, padded rooms, and electric shocks.

What we consider today as modern alcohol and drug treatment didn't really start until the second half of the 20th century. No doubt spurred onward by the favorable results demonstrated by the rapidly growing ?12 step? program designed by Alcoholics Anonymous, medical professionals began to realize that reasonable and effective alcohol or drug treatment was in fact a possibility. Some of the first forms of these treatment centers formed in this time were not much more than centers where the 12 step program could be taught.

Even well into the 1980's handing someone a ?big book? (the Alcoholics Anonymous guide) and telling them to go to 90 meetings in 90 days was a common and acceptable form of alcohol and drug treatment. Since then there has been some improvement of our understanding of the disease of addiction, and alcohol and drug treatment has become both more complex and more effective.

The 12 step model can certainly be helpful, but the greatest thing about it is that it's free for anyone. There is no reason to pay exorbitant fees for such treatments only to get a copy of the big book and a list of nearby meetings; from virtually every city in the world you can find a listing for a nearby AA center in a phone book and get all you need to get started for no charge at all.

This doesn't mean that alcohol and drug abuse treatment isn't necessary. Going through a treatment program is a great way to get off to a good start into recovery. Just make sure you select one that is known for providing services beyond just 12 step model functions. As both a recovering addict and a former drug abuse counselor, I can say with some confidence that the best way to boost your odds in recovery is to try out many different forms of treatments; that way you are sure to find at least some things that work for you.