Drug rehab is the medical and psychological treatment of the human addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine, speed or heroin. The goal of drug rehab is to relieve the patient of their drug abuse, so that they may avoid the psychological, physical and social damage it causes, especially when the drug abuse is heavy.

Often a drug rehab program works to teach the addict new ways to live their life drug free. Particularly patients are asked or required to end all relationships with those that they used drugs with in the past. In a 12 step drug rehab program the patient not only stops using the drug or alcohol but is taught to examine the habits that accompany drug abuse. Often drug rehab programs teach that rehabilitation will continue for the remainder of the patient’s life. For alcohol abuse the drug rehab program teaches that the patient must cease all use rather than a simple reduction. There is controversy over whether or not a prior abuser can succeed with moderation but it is generally discouraged in most drug rehab programs.

There are several forms of drug rehabilitation such as in-patient addiction treatment, out-patient addiction treatment, as well as local support groups that meet often.

Drug rehab is often part of the sentencing imposed by judges. If the drug offence is not major, the criminal is often sentenced to drug rehab, and often those found guilty of DUI will be required to regularly attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings