It might be better to first identify what treatment is not. Treatment is not “fixing” the addict.  

Many people expect treatment to fix them or their loved one.  What treatment does is provide tools for the addict to be able to pursue a life of recovery.

Part of those tools include recognizing people, places, and things that can trigger drug use.

Treatment providers assist the addict in developing strategies for recognizing those triggers and avoiding those situations.  

They also assist the addict in recognizing how he or she can live differently.

This may include suggestions for establishing positive relationships and ideas on how to begin to repair the relationships that have been damaged because of drug abuse.  

Recovery is a life-long process. Relapse can be a part of that process. Many see treatment as a failure if the addict suffers a relapse. The truth is that many addicts suffer relapse, but get back
onto the path of recovery, and continue to lead productive lives.  

Treatment works, if you work at it.