What role does treatment play in helping the addict/alcoholic achieve recovery?
Because addiction is complex and is not resolved simply by quitting the use of one or more substances, it is often necessary for an individual to gain a great deal of information and incorporate rigorous and honest insight to find recovery. The means to achieve this exists in the steps of the 12-step programs, but these programs are not designed to provide the structure and accountability that treatment programs offer. Without these conditions, the process of moving into recovery can be carried out over years–further increasing losses, making it increasingly difficult to achieve recovery, and increasing the risks inherent in substance use that could ultimately lead to life threatening conditions.
