The Vietnam News posted a story where a staggering statistic showed that the current relapse rate under common treatment is 98 percent. Whether the cause is the overwhelming drug craving or an overwhelming environment, helping a person “get back to normal” appears to have the opposite effect on recovery.

To address this problem, new treatment programs are being developed that along with specific techniques and the coordination of friends, family and social workers to aid the recovery process and keep addicts away from the environment that leads to drug use and abuse. These programs enable people to stay off drugs for longer.

When participating in this program, drug addicts work through three successive steps: the first is medication to stop using heroin; the second is a program of manual works to occupy the patient during the cravings; and the third is to combine behavioral therapies, counseling and other supportive services at home.

According to Vu Thi Bich Viet, vice chairwoman of the province’s People Committee, this program goes against the common belief in society that addiction is a criminal disease. Viet says that it is a learned behavior that can be corrected.

This particular treatment procedure has been in place for the past 13 years. During this time, there were 3,300 people going through the program. Of these individuals, 1,140 remained drug free for more than four years.

“This result signals a positive sign as the relapse rate of other programs within the first four years often centers around 60 percent or more,” Viet said. “Family and friends clear away the drug addicts’ fear and anxiety, build confidence and thus change their negative habits into positive actions.”

Here’s a list of things you should consider when selecting a treatment center:

1.) Your specific addiction. The type of drug you are addicted to will determine what kind of detox you will need. For example, if you are addicted to Vicodin, a drug rehab might use suboxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, to help you detox in a more comfortable way.

2.) Treatment options for co-occurring disorders. Many people who have a problem with drug addiction are also suffering from another disorder, known as dual diagnosis. If you are also experiencing depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders, you’ll want to make sure the drug rehab you choose offers treatment programs to address these specific issues.

3.) Accreditation. Is the center run by state-accredited, licensed, and/or trained professionals? Many rehab centers hire staff members who are also in recovery, which benefits patients; however, you should make sure the rehab only hires people with at least one or two years of recovery, which is the policy of such top rehabs as Promises in Malibu and West Los Angeles.

4.) Insurance and payment plans. Does the rehab center accept your medical insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you? Will they courtesy bill your insurance company if they don’t take direct insurance payments?

5.) Number of patients. A high staff-to-client ratio is beneficial for most patients. If there are more staff members than patients, better care and service is guaranteed.

6.) Environment. Does the rehab center offer an environment you feel comfortable in? Many patients do better in a relaxing, serene, home-like environment, as they are more inclined to want to be there.

7.) Residential programs. Does the facility offer a residential program where the patient is encouraged to live at the center for 30 to 90 days or more? The longer the duration of the treatment, the higher the likelihood for success.

8.) Counseling. Does the rehab offer individual and group counseling and other behavioral therapies? These are essential to successful recovery.

9.) Family services. Are family services offered? It is important that family members and loved ones are involved in the recovery process, as they are an important line of support for the patient.

10.) Long-term support. Does the program offer alumni services or support that continues long after you leave the facility? Continuing treatment is the key to lasting recovery.