drugs, legal or otherwise, the brain gradually adapts to the presence of the drug so that normal functioning can occur. This is how physical tolerance develops to drugs such as heroin, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine or alcohol. It is also why more of the drug is needed to get the same effect with regular use. The abrupt cessation of taking a drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms where the body may take weeks, to possibly months before things get back to normal.
Psychological dependency is addressed in many drug rehabilitation programs by attempting to teach the patient new methods of interacting in a drug free method. In particular, patients are generally encouraged or required not to associate with friends who still use the addictive substance. Twelve step programs encourage addicts not only to stop using alcohol or other drugs, but to examine and change habits related to their addictions. Many programs emphasize that recovery is a permanent process without a culmination. For legal drugs such as alcohol complete abstention rather than attempts at moderation, which may lead to relapse are also emphasized. Whether moderation is achievable by persons with a history of abuse remains a controversial point but is generally considered unsustainable.
There are various types of programs that offer help in drug rehabilitation, including residential treatment, in patient, out patient, local support groups, extended care centers, and sober houses. Drug rehabilitation is sometimes part of the criminal justice system. People convicted of minor drug offenses may be sentenced to rehabilitation instead of prison, and those convicted of driving while intoxicated are sometimes required to attend alcoholics anonymous meetings.
Alcoholics anonymous is an international community of alcoholics who meet in groups. The primary purpose of alcoholics anonymous members is to stay sober and help other alcoholics do the same. Alcoholics anonymous formed the original twelve step program and has been the source and model for all similar recovery groups.
