Detox drug rehab centers work for drug addicts that want to kick the habit for good. Despite the complexities of the disease, drug addiction can be overcome. Drug treatment can help a user accomplish permanent abstinence. The short term goal is to get the addict off the drug use immediately and help integrate them back into society as a functioning, contributing member of the community.

Signs of Drug Addiction

Symptoms of drug addiction:

• Compulsive craving of addictive drugs
• Obsessive seeking of the drugs
• Persistent drug use even in the face of severe penalties

Addiction to drugs is not confined to illicit drugs – detox drug rehab facilities treat people that have become dependent on prescription pharmaceuticals. Even after long periods of self-restraint individuals can relapse back into using when their drug habit is chronic. The relapses occur similarly to repeated bouts of medical conditions such as asthma and hypertension. The result is that some people may need to be admitted to drug rehab centers a number of times before they can sustain lasting freedom from drug use.

There are social and medical implications associated with drug addiction and these are handled comprehensively during the course of the treatment. It basically requires that the patient is taught how to make lifestyle changes that are conducive to functioning without drugs, just as a person with a health condition may need to change their diet and activities to incorporate a healthier lifestyle.

The Cost of Drug Abuse

There is an enormous cost to detox drug rehab and likewise for leaving the problem unattended.

• In the 21st century close to 24 million people from the age of 12 years and up need treatment for drug and alcohol abuse annually
• Approximately 2.5 million enter a specialized detox drug rehab facility

The remainder of the population that needs treatment does not get it. The consequence of untreated problems affects us all deeply through drug-related violence, theft, prison, court and criminal expenses, health care costs, welfare, child abuse and foster care. It also adds to the cost of lower productivity and unemployment.

Drug Rehab Reduces Costs to Society

According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA) the estimated to society cost of these factors is more than $500 billion annually. There is also the issue of the spread of hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and further infectious diseases. NIDA also reports that for each dollar spent on detox drug rehab there is a corresponding $4 - $7 cost reduction for crime associated with drug addiction.