If you are trying to learn more about drug rehab centers, you are probably confused. But, in the end, the recommendation of a trusted friend and professional is often better than looking on the internet or in a telephone directory.

Most rehab centers must be properly accredited and usually offer some sort of twelve step model to recovery. This article will help you better understand each of these factors and avoid the inevitable failure and relapse associated with a rehab program that is not tailored for your needs.

It is difficult and confusing to properly evaluate a drug addiction treatment center with all of the options that are available to you. The internet and phone book are both options that many use, but that is not always the best means of selection. Instead, I recommend that you get a referral from a mental health practitioner or a doctor or spiritual adviser.

These professionals will provide recommendations based upon your best interest and not the promise of financial gain. Even though a good recommendation from a qualified source is advisable, you also need to make sure that your choice of drug rehab centers possesses proper accreditation credentials.

You should not select a drug rehab center that has not been properly accredited by one or both of the two most common accreditation organizations. The most common accrediting authority is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Case Organizations (JCAHCO). The other organization is the Commission on Accreditation Of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Either one is an acceptable accreditation. Having both accreditations is even better. When you have located several drug treatment centers that have proper accreditations, then you need to narrow your choices by examining their approach to substance abuse treatment.

Typically, there are three phases to the standard drug treatment program. These include: detox, therapy and aftercare. While the drug detox portion of the program is pretty much the same, the approach to therapy follows two types of treatment.

The first of these is the familiar "12 step model" which has been applied to virtually every sort of addiction. The second model is the "12 step alternative treatment program. The traditional 12 step model should be your first choice as it has been proven to be successful with the greatest number of addicts.

You are in a better position to properly evaluate a selection of drug rehab centers now that you better understand the factors that constitute a legitimate drug treatment center. While getting the recommendation of a professional is recommended, it is no substitute for proper accreditation.

In addition, you need to evaluate whether or not the program uses a traditional "12 step model" or some alternative model.

Now that you have more information, it is time to get up and get clean.

After all, actions speak louder than words.