If a person is suffering from drug addiction, making the decision to pursue treatment at a drug treatment center can be difficult. This decision can bring many emotions to the surface, and the fear of not knowing what to expect upon entering and arriving at a drug treatment center may be the determining factor when a person is considering this life-changing decision.

In an effort to lessen the feeling of fear and anxiety that may surround drug and alcohol treatment centers, the following discusses what typically occurs upon arriving at such a facility. When a person first arrives at drug and alcohol treatment center, they are often greeted by staff members who will provide information about the policies and procedures of the facility. A person will receive information about the drug treatment programs available and a schedule will usually be given which provides information about when events within the facility take place. They will also be shown the room where they will be sleeping and where their personal items can be kept.

An initial evaluation or intake interview will also be conducted at drug treatment centers, which usually involves a medical exam and health evaluation as well as information about the person's background. The person's history with drug or alcohol abuse will also be discussed along with any specific life events or circumstances which led to the person abusing these substances. Based on the information gathered during this initial evaluation, a counselor will be more equipped to develop a treatment plan based on the needs and unique circumstances of the individual.

Many drug treatment programs focus on the importance of the role that education plays in the treatment process. Treatment is aimed at breaking down the barriers that surround addiction, in an effort to get a person to see just how addiction works, the effects that addiction has on a person's body and also the consequences that can result in interpersonal relationships as a result of addiction. 

Drug treatment centers are specifically targeting the attitudes that a person has towards drugs and through the course of treatment, allow the person to change their attitudes and belief systems about their addiction. Since many people who have an addiction problem often downplay the hold that drug or alcohol use has on their life, drug treatment programs work on educating people so that they can effectively change their thought and behavior patterns. 

Individual counseling and group therapy sessions are also an important aspect of the treatment and recovery process. Education is also a key component during these types of therapy sessions, as the person learns to recognize the certain situations which may lead them to turn to drugs or alcohol and how they can learn to cope during these events or even completely avoid them altogether. Skills are learned which allow the person to live their life free from the hold that drug or alcohol may have on them. 

Group therapy sessions provide a means of social support during the treatment process and a person learns of the importance that social support has even after treatment has ended. During this time, a person can rely on the support from other people who are also seeking treatment and learn from each other over the course of treatment.