Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment—and How to Get Help That Works

Some things never change. And as Fletcher (Sober for Good) finds in this bold report on 15 rehab facilities—from high-end, celebrity-friendly outposts to those treating people on welfare—that fact especially pertains to addiction treatment. Collecting stories from more than 100 interviews, Fletcher methodically dissects the myths about the programs that treat 2.5 million people every year. She finds, for example, that rehab isn’t necessary for recovery—some heal on their own, attend self-help groups, or see therapists; that most of the treatment in rehab programs is handled not by highly trained pros but by counselors with varying levels of education and training. She debunks myths, such as that the “12 steps” of Alcoholics Anonymous are essential for recovery. Fletcher concludes that traditional programs, such as group treatment, 12 step programs, and counseling, work for some but not for all. Dimitri, for instance, began abusing drugs at 15 and cycled in and out of programs that failed to help him. Fletcher also highlights the exorbitant cost of rehab: one young woman’s treatment drained her parents of $300,000. Fletcher presents what works, why, where to find it, and how much it costs. It’s startling, difficult, and important information for those traveling toward recovery, and anyone who wants to help. (Feb.)