The addiction treatment industry today is a staggering $35 billion dollar industry. In comparison to fifteen years ago, it’s now nearly twice as big, and is on pace to double again in the next few years. As it grows, any regulatory system must be based on this fundamental value: treating all with respect and dignity. In short, when dealing with those struggling to recover from addictions, it’s essential that we treat them with the dignity they deserve, with compassion, understanding and respect for their unique situation. There are so many people struggling from addiction, from the severely addicted addict to the less severe addict, each with their own unique vulnerabilities to their addictive personality. For the addict, treatment can encompass a variety of methods and strategies including group therapy, individual counseling, medication and 12-step programs. In some cases, an addict will have to take a course of detoxification to get clean and return to a normal lifestyle. It is not uncommon to find drug detox centers or treatment facilities with strict rules and regulations about how you’re supposed to live while you’re recovering from addictions. While these practices are needed to ensure safe and humane treatment, they also cause frustration for those struggling from addiction, with little or no help from family or friends. And that frustration often translates into resentment toward the person who is supposed to be helping them, which can ultimately lead to further addiction. When choosing which addiction treatment facility is right for your loved one, it is important to determine their unique needs and vulnerabilities. The most important factor is, after all, that they want to be treated with respect and dignity, not as a commodity. That means you should look at their case and make sure they’re receiving the kind of treatment they need. Ask questions about their addiction. Find out what kind of help they’ve received, and what kind of support they’ve received. Make sure to look at the standards of the treatment center that they’re going to. You might even want to consider speaking with the addict’s peers and family to see if they’d be willing to speak about their experience and give you an honest assessment of their addiction treatment experience.