I am a 27-year-old female who has been addicted to drugs. I have been clean for periods as long as nine months but always end up back to the dope. I hate it. I really believe that I am ready to turn this thing around now. I am looking for any advice you might have for me. Help me if you can. -T.K.

Congratulations on making the decision to get clean and sober! During your previous periods of sobriety you may have learned and used skills that you can build upon now to achieve your goal.

Many drug addicts have found participating in a 12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous to be a life-saver. There they can connect with people who have been through similar struggles and form a support network to help them through the hard times. You should be able to get a list of local meetings by calling a Yellow Pages listing for NA or AA, or your local Alcohol and Drug Council.

Of course, some people need the additional structure of an inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment program, or a halfway house or other such facility. Your local community mental health center or hospital should be able to tell you of resources available in your community.

Spirituality has been an important factor in the recovery of many addicts, and it's a central part of 12-step programs. It may help you to find a spiritual community in which you feel comfortable and from which you can draw strength -- whether that's a traditional church or temple (perhaps one you grew up in) or a tradition that may be new to you, such as Buddhism.

If none of that is your bag and you don't like the spiritual emphasis in 12-step programs, your community may have Rational Recovery meetings in which you can participate. Although I've never attended Rational Recovery meetings, I understand that they are support groups for substance abusers in which the emphasis is on thought and behavior rather than spirituality. One advantage to 12-step groups such as NA or AA, though, is that almost every city in the United States will have such meetings, which can provide a reassuring continuity and support whenever you travel.

You may also benefit from working with a mental health professional skilled in drug and alcohol treatment. Whatever path you decide to pursue, I wish you well.