If you hope to successfully overcome alcoholism or drug addiction - getting proper treatment and professional help is the best way to do that.

But first you need to understand (and I say this often) - that any drug rehab program or alcoholism treatment center you attend - is only the beginning of the journey.

Going to rehab/treatment is only for a few weeks or couple of months at most generally - and so there is obviously only so much you can do during that period. Its primary purpose is to get you through the first few (and generally hardest) weeks and provide you with the tools you need to maintain your sobriety. But - and this is a big BUT - you ultimate success is purely dependent on you and the effort you put into maintaining your recovery.

I read a good analogy on another website - choosing a drug and alcohol rehab program is a bit like choosing a gym. Sure you get better one's than others - but ultimately your success is determined by the energy and determination you put into it.

Ultimately though - I believe any form of treatment program is only as good as the preparation it provides you with for when you leave. And that's why I believe a 12-step based program makes the ideal treatment because it provides you with a proven path to follow after rehab.

Relapse rates for addicts and alcoholics are high not because rehab doesn't work - but because they don't do what is necessary in terms of putting the work in after leaving treatment to stay clean. And no matter how good the treatment center - it's what you do once you leave that ultimately counts.

So the ultimate determinant in deciding on any form of alcohol/addiction treatment program should be what path or program they suggest (or provide for you) when you leave their doors.

At least if you decide on going the 12-step based treatment program route - you know you'll have a clear and proven path to follow. And so how successful you are boils down to one person - and that is YOU. So remember when making your decision on choosing any form of drug and alcohol rehab program - to think big picture and long-term. Not just the immediate benefits it provides.