Should you be battling with alcohol or drug addiction, you can essentially do one of two things to come clean or get sober. You can look to go it alone by trying to overcome your addiction by yourself – or alternatively ask for help and get professional treatment.

Now going it alone is not something I suggest you consider doing if at all possible. There is just too much at stake. Your life – or the life of a loved one.

I think there are two primary reasons though that people look at try to overcome an addiction by themselves. The first one is the shame of effectively ‘coming out’ or ‘going public.’ I think there is a stigma attached to admitting an addiction so many people try all they can to cover it up and would rather die than admit to having a problem.

Don’t believe that for a second though. There is no shame in admitting to an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Tens of millions of people struggle with addiction. It is now medically regarded as a disease after all. Any more importantly – by taking ownership of your problem, you’ve taken the most important step to coming clean. Because without doing that, you’d just be living in denial – and then you’d have no chance.

The other and 2nd major reason many addicts don’t get professional treatment is the thought that because of the costs involved – that getting treatment is simply not realistic. Yes – some forms of treatment are expensive, but you do also get many other kinds that are accessible and affordable to almost everyone.

Let’s say you had cancer for example? Would you be looking to beat that yourself? Yes I know there are people you may have read about who have actually done that – but if there is help available, why not make use of it?

My first suggestion then would always be that you always try and get yourself into a drug or alcohol treatment center. It may involves doing some investigation and research to find one that is right for you and in close enough proximity (if you’re concerned about the costs) – but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make it happen. It was certainly the best thing I did in helping me sort my life out.

Getting yourself into proper treatment also allows you to meet other people going through what you are. And so you realise you’re not alone and the sense of isolation you experienced suddenly disappears. Even though treatment only represents the start of you overcoming your addictions and building a new life for yourself (and it’s important you remember that) – it does provide you with the best possible opportunity to getting your life on track and making a fresh start.

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.

There is only so much you can do in the space of a few weeks. Going to a alcohol/drug treatment center will hopefully help you lay a good foundation, but your ultimate success is dependent on you and the effort you put in.

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.

The most important part of any treatment you ultimately decide on however – is how effectively it prepares you for the day you leave its doors and you’re on your own again. And that is the reason I recommend 12-step based treatment programs first and foremost – because they provide you with a clear and proven path to follow once you leave their doors.

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 key thing to look for when choosing any drug or alcohol rehab program – is what program or path do they recommend you follow once you leave? What support do they provide? Or are you just going to be left to fend for yourself.

With a 12-step based program – there is a clear path to follow. Your success on that path is entirely determined by you. Sure there may be other programs/forms of treatment – but remember when considering them that you check what kind of path there is for you to follow after treatment – because that is what will ultimately determine your success or failure.