Drug and alcohol abuse affects more than just the physical aspects of a user's body, and quality drug treatment centers know this. This is one of the primary reasons that inpatient drug rehab facilities that treat mind and body are so effective; they address the human aspect, and give abusers the tools they need to repair all aspects of their lives. Without these tools, the mental and emotional challenges greatly increase the risk of relapsing. There are several emotional factors at play in an addict's life. Treating some without the others leaves an opening for a devastating relapse:

Managing Guilt

Guilt is arguably one of the most powerful human emotions. Unless addicts learn healthy ways to deal with guilt and the pain it causes, it can rule the abuser's life and tempt them to run back into the arms of their drug of choice in order to escape the pain.

Drug treatment programs at successful inpatient drug rehabs involve working through these feelings. Users deal with the guilty feelings they have within themselves as well as resentment they have for others. It is arguably one of the hardest areas of treatment, but with the proper tools, the recovering addict can now begin the process of relationship building and improving self-confidence necessary for a healthy, sober lifestyle.

Reaffirming Core Values

At the root of addiction, is the degradation and loss of morals and values. The inner voice that says 'hey, getting mixed up in this stuff is wrong' becomes muted. Drug rehab centers help individuals rebuild these core concepts and rebuild their sense of 'self.' This moral foundation is essential a former abuser's first line of defense against a relapse. When recovering addicts have a strong foundation of morals and values, they are able to base future decisions and choices on that foundation.

Learning And Creating A Healthy Lifestyle

Before an individual leaves drug rehab, he or she needs to understand the components of healthy lifestyle. This requires dedicating a great deal of time to self-discovery. Abusers also need to take an inventory of the positive situations and people they already have in their lives. Taking time to discover new hobbies and pastimes to replace negative habits are a critical part of preventing relapse after drug treatment has ended. Former abusers can attend community groups and programs to meet new friends and try new things. For many individuals, socializing with old acquaintances becomes the biggest challenge to their sobriety.

Inpatient drug rehab must focus on the entire individual -- mentally, emotionally, and physically. This not only addresses the physical addiction, but it helps to dissolve the way of thinking that turned them to the substance to begin with. At inpatient drug rehab centers, recovering addicts have the opportunity to rebuild what they have lost and discover new ways to live. After all, addiction affects all aspects of one's life, so why shouldn't drug treatment?