Drug rehabilitation, also known as drug rehab, is a proven method of dealing with an individual's addictions to drugs such as cocaine, speed, heroin, crack, amphetemines, alcohol or any other mind-altering drugs.   The goal of  drug rehabilitation is to change an individual's behavior so that they can quit abusing drugs permanently. 

Due to the nature of addiction, many drug addicts  engage in many illegal and immoral activities to support their drug habit.   Many family members and friends have experienced this destructive behavior firsthand, especially with severe drug addicts.  So, in addition to stopping the drug abuse, the goal of drug rehabilitation is also  to stop unacceptable behavior.

At a drug rehabilitation center, it is the goal of the counselors to tackle both the physical and psychological addiction to drugs.  Often, a drug addict may have to go to detoxification prior to go to drug rehab.  May drug rehabilitation centers have a detox facility with doctors to safely address the physical withdrawal due to the habitual abuse of drugs.  Physical dependence on drugs may take weeks or months to reverse.  Recovery time depends on the types of drugs the addict has been using. 

What is more difficult for addicts in drug rehabilitation is their psychological dependence on the drugs.  The first thing necessary to change behavior is disassociation from friends who also are drug users and to attend drug recovery meetings, often 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous.  These types of programs will encourage a drug addict to look at the behavior their engaging in and to comprehend the destruction they are causing themselves and others.  Because habit is often at the root of addiction, twelve step programs will also give an addict tools to change destructive behavior patterns.  The first step for any addict is complete abstinence from any form of mind-altering drugs, including alcohol.  "Moderation" has proved to be a slippery slope and many addicts who attempt moderating their habits end up in a worse position than before.

Drug rehabilitation centers encompass many different varieties.  If your loved one has legal problems, it is advisable to ask the judge to send him to a residential rehabilitation center.  If so ordered by the court, it may be the best chance they have to turn around their lives. required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.