Opiate addiction treatment options tend to multiply the more we understand about physical dependency , so it is essential to understand some basics before you begin. After all, with so many people getting into a largely unregulated recovery industry, the last thing you want is for improper physician care to damage an otherwise smooth transition to sobriety. Stick with well-established centers, however, and the most you have to worry about is what kind of therapy you prefer.

This can be a sticky question, particularly as cognitive-behavioral methods compete ever more vigorously with traditional psychodynamic approaches. The point is not what label you prefer but what works best with your own addiction, and often that requires speaking with a professional about your history. The finest treatment programs in the nation offer generous private time for conversations such as this alongside powerful diagnostic tools for a fuller picture.

That said, there are some things you'll want to avoid if you're interested in maintaining your dignity throughout that stay. Cloistered “retreat”-style programs that demand intense physical exercise and cut off all contact with the outside world tend to do more harm than good. It only stand to reason that keeping in touch with the people you love is the best way to get well in a familiar context.

If you have further questions about the best treatment programs in your area, don't be afraid to ask doctors and administrators the tough questions before you arrive. Good physician care is required for opiate withdrawal, so you may want to start by finding out what kind of nursing staff you can expect throughout your stay.