It's often said that the first step towards overcoming an addiction is admitting that you have a problem. While this is a bit of a cliché statement, it's worth noting that many individuals who finally decide to attend drug addiction treatment and admit publicly that they suffering from a debilitating illness often feel a sense of a relief after doing so.

That's certainly the case with Zac Efron, whose career began to fall about two years ago after an alcohol and cocaine addiction began to rule his life. The 26-year-old actor recently spoke about his addictions and told The Today Show that opening up about his illness has helped him move on.

"Actually, it was a weight off my chest," Efron told Today Show host Matt Lauer, when asked whether it was difficult to speak out about his struggles. "It was a rough year, and, it's kind of funny, (my new film) 'Neighbors' is such a great icing on the cake for all of this. I was able to kind of channel all of that and put it back into this movie."

Of course, for most individuals, "speaking publicly" about their addictions doesn't involve talking to a news anchor or announcing it in entertainment magazines. Instead, it's about speaking to your family and friends and finding support from those around you.

One of the strengths of Fairwinds Treatment Center is that our programs involve a great deal of interaction with other individuals who are overcoming substance abuse. This gives patients the opportunity to cope and connect with others, which can help with the recovery process. If you or a family member is struggling with an addiction, we urge you to contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today. As one of the leading dual diagnosis treatment centers, we are the best option for patients who want to address the mental health issues behind their disorders. Give us a call today for more information about our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.