When you or your loved one is addicted to alcohol, your main focus every day is how to get more because you need them to maintain that feeling of normalcy or numbness. The first way rehab helps drug addicts is by getting them off the drugs and out of their influence. Since you are in a safe, supportive, controlled environment, the chances of indulging in your cravings are lower.
You also get access to therapies and counseling to help counteract the cravings and detoxification treatments for the negative withdrawal symptoms. Once you are over the withdrawal stage and away from the influence of the drugs you were abusing, you can think more clearly and are able to come to terms with what has been happening. The drug abuse impulses take time to overcome, and going to a rehab center gives you the time and tools you need to achieve and maintain your sobriety.