Many individuals in need of alcohol addiction support have misconceptions about what alcoholic rehabilitation programs involve.
Because addiction therapy tends to take place in a residential setting, some prospective patients are put off by the false locks-on-the-doors image of rehabilitation centers.
People receiving addiction counselling are free to leave at any time if they so wish - even if they are required to be treated by drug addiction doctors after being convicted of a substance-related criminal offence.
Drug addiction treatments normally come in two stages. First, there is a detox program, which rids the body gradually of drugs and allows a person to banish any withdrawal symptoms.
These treatments are tailored according to a patient's individual circumstances - there is no 'one size fits all' approach.
Secondly, patients receive a comprehensive program of psychological support and education. This allows those receiving drug addiction help to look at their problem in an honest and open way, helping them to understand why they became addicted in the first place.
Families and loved ones are also encouraged to get involved in drug rehab, as they can provide the additional support and incentive a patient sometimes requires.