The addict “du jour” is Charlie Sheen, but if you are intellectually honest you have to admit that only a few months ago Charlie was just a sit-com actor and those in the media were chasing after Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton.  This essay is neither for the Charlie Sheens nor the Lindsay Lohan's of the world. It is written for the countless high functioning enablers who are necessary to allow them each to survive and continue their self-destructive behaviors.  (If you are at this moment imagining yourself as somebody who is above media hype, then quickly answer this question; who plays the other 1 ½ men in Charlie Sheen’s sit-com 2 ½ men)?

There are many signs and symptoms related to drinking problems. Alcoholism is a progressive disease, so the symptoms and negative effects of drinking become exponentially more serious as time goes on.

For those who use alcohol, they may begin to show signs of a problem early on, and then progress to some of the more serious symptoms of alcohol abuse. Should their drinking continue to escalate, increasingly more symptoms of alcoholism will appear. Drinking alcohol does not necessarily equate with the development of alcoholism, however for those with a history of addictive disease and/or mental health disorders in their family, vigilance is important.

A residential treatment center, RTC, or rehab is a live-in health care facility providing therapy for a combination of substance abuse, mental illness, and/or other behavioral problems. Residential treatment should, in many cases, be considered the "last-ditch" approach to helping a child, friend, or loved one suffering from severe problems. RTCs vary widely in price depending upon their location and services offered. Monthly fees range from no-cost in some nonprofit facilities to as high as $100,000 per month for what is often referred to as “high-end treatment.” These are self-described “luxury” facilities specializing in clientele who are often celebrities, professional athletes, top corporate executives or members, of extremely wealthy families who wish to keep a low profile. These facilities also offer lavish amenities. In contrast, there are many low to mid-priced residential treatment centers currently in operation offering high-quality and effective treatment options at affordable rates.

Addiction is a life-shattering illness. It rips families apart and destroys lives. It is historically defined as a physical and/or psychological dependency on a mood-altering chemical (e.g. alcohol, heroin, prescription drugs, etc.) or behavior (sex addiction, gambling addiction, internet addiction), although it can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. It often starts with experimentation and social use coupled with the thought that one can quit whenever he/she wants. It has many end results: living on the streets, alienating one's family and friends, and in some cases death. For most addicts, addiction is a lifelong illness, with relapses occurring even after long periods of abstinence or sobriety. Addiction is rarely arrested without the help of an addiction treatment center.

Drug treatment centers provide rehabilitation services for drug addiction, alcoholism, and co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, which is known as dual diagnosis. Until now, there has never been a central place where drug addicts, alcoholics, eating-disorder sufferers, and dually diagnosed individuals, as well as individuals suffering from a range of other addictions (sex addiction, gambling addiction, and internet addiction to name a few), could meet online and share their experience, strength, and hope. Our site aims to do exactly this: It is a community website with blogs, videos, and the most comprehensive directory of alcohol and drug treatment centers on the internet. Our directory is the premier guide to addiction treatment facilities.