Following the pattern, “how” will you obtain the treatment program? Do you have insurance that will cover this or will you need to self-pay for the help? Will you need a close support system to drive you to appointments and be your crisis buddy or will you be admitted for the entire course of treatment? Will you need to make arrangements for childcare or with your employer in order to meet your goals and be able to return to a normal life?

Sometimes an addict is able to say “when” they would like to start a treatment program and sometimes they do not. There are times when a person crashes and the option to decide when to begin is removed, however, those are not usually the best case scenarios for long term success. If an individual makes a personal decision, no, let’s say commitment, to end a struggle with a familiar addictive behavior, the likelihood that that person can remain sober, dry or clean is drastically improved.

With all of that said, lastly the “why” participate in a treatment program comes into play. Why do you want to make a change? Are you doing it for yourself or someone else? Is it because of pressure from an employer or did the legal system slam down the hammer and require you to get straight or go straight to jail? Was it the look in your child’s eyes of disappointment or fear? Perhaps social service has threatened to remove your children if you cannot clean up your act and begin to think of those who really need and depend on you instead of your selfish need for gratification? The whys are yours and nobody else’s. They are totally personal.

Just as a newspaper reporter investigates a potential article, you need to ask yourself the what, where, how, when and whys of addiction treatment and create a plan that is suited for you only and not what the latest fad of the rich and famous might be. Do research about the programs available and ask for references from those who have experienced a successful outcome.