Where can I find drug treatment programs?

I have a friend who is addicted to drugs. And I would like to help him clean his act. We've been friends since college but after getting fired from his work, he turned to drugs. I've been telling him to stop but he keeps telling me that he will eventually. I would like to help him seek professional help before he gets worse. I am scared that he would get AIDS out of sharing needles with his 'drug friends'. Can anyone tell me where I can get him drug treatment programs?

There are a lot of rehab facilities now offering drug treatment programs and I am sure you can find one for your friend. You're right about the possibility of him getting infected with HIV because of sharing needles. And it will change his life for good. The issue on AIDS has long been a major concern globally for the past 25 years. In fact, a lot of campaigns have been made to inform people about it - how one can get it, what happens after one gets infected and how to prevent it. Sharing needles is a part of the whole drug addiction issue. But aside from the other longterm effects of drug addiction, getting AIDS can be the most complicated one because of its effect on an individual.

The HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) wherein the virus multiplies in the white blood cells leading to a weakened immune system. And the catch is that people who have HIV don't feel anything for years only until a complication happens. With HIV attacking the immune system, the person becomes more vulnerable to all sorts of diseases.

Sadly, there is still no cure to AIDS. But there are drug treatment programs that can help your friend stop his addiction. There are many rehab centers you can find in the Internet and I am sure there is one that has effective drug treatment programs. I just hope that he can overcome this before he gets infected with the virus.

Check the yellow pages under 'drug treatment' there is an 800 number and they can tell you about the programs available in your area.

Hard, ugly, reality: If your friend does not want to get off the drugs he probably won't. Personal experience with serious drug users - they have to hit muddy bottom before they will seek help. (Muddy bottom = one step below rock bottom)

I don't know where you live.I'm a recoverying alcoholic and hit my 'rock bottom a few years ago.I've just returned from an aa meeting which I'm secretary.
I don't know what country you live in,but in Australia the rehabs are free.Narcotics anon is an option but your friend will probably resist the idea since he or she needs the desire to stop.I've seen miracles,or the closest thing to them in aa,but it's my experience that someone has to be 'cooked' before they desire to get well.What I mean by cooked is their life is unbearable even with drugs and completely unmanageable.In this state ,an addict will see the writing on the wall and be prepared to do what it takes,and see every drug free day as a success.We all have our burdens and to beat an addiction is a success-the biggest one he or she will ever,hopefully,have.They must redefine their former views of success and have a displacement of values,motives etc.This was the case with me and i see it daily and is very common.
Perhaps an aa meeting wopuld be the best start as most of them now have addicts as well.He or she could be lured by saying it's the best show in town for the donation.And that's not a lie.But your friend must identify as an 'alcoholic addict'.
I wish your friend the best,yours most sincerely,Dave