When it comes to finding a drug rehab facility, you have a lot of options. But every facility is looking to promote their program’s strengths, so it can be difficult to know which one is best for you or your loved one. It is important to get a detailed description of the rehab that you’re considering to ensure that it meets your needs.
Many addicts feel they have the ability to self-medicate from home and end their addiction by themselves. This is quite dangerous and is highly not recommended. In some cases, it could even be fatal, particularly for alcoholics.
The reason for this is because withdrawals can be quite severe physically and they need to be supervised by a medical professional who can monitor the withdrawal symptoms and treat them accordingly.
Unlike detoxing from an unhealthy diet, drug and alcohol detox is different. Studies have also shown that recovering and detoxing at a center is highly effective.
This article tells you ten questions you should always ask to ensure you choose the best drug rehab.
1. What kind of accreditation or licensing do they have?
Top tier treatment facilities will have accreditation from a national program, such as The Joint Commission, the National Committee for Quality Assurance, or the All-States.
Some will also have state licensing for accreditation. These standards vary widely from state to state.
2. How long is the program?
Most rehab facilities offer either 30-day, 60-day or 90-day inpatient treatment options. Some offer outpatient services.
Research has shown that addiction treatments are more successful long term if the patient stays for more than 30 days.
3. Is there any research that demonstrates the program’s effectiveness?
National accreditation programs usually offer credentials to facilities that have researched the effectiveness of their treatment options.
Quality treatment centers should be measuring the effectiveness of their services, or providing treatment based on other research results.
4. Is there an individualized treatment program?
Each person and their addiction are unique. To optimize your chances of recovery, you should seek an individualized treatment program that takes into account your history, needs, and issues.
Some patients, for example, will require dual diagnosis with addiction and a mental illness. You need to know how equipped the facility is to handle these issues.
5. What are their recovery services?
Some treatment centers like to offer alternative and supplemental activities as part of the treatment process.
These can include sports and hobbies such as art therapy or yoga, as well as therapeutic massage, meditation, or acupuncture. Some will also have a nutrition and fitness program as well.
6. Is medical detoxification offered?
Many drug addicts will need the help of a medical professional to undergo detoxification. Some withdrawal symptoms require medical supervision.
Ask if the facility offers detoxification as part of their treatment process, or if it must be done at a nearby hospital.
7. How is the facility environment?
The setting can be a big factor in recovery, so it’s important to find a facility with a comfortable environment. Some drug rehab centers look a lot like a hospital ward while others try to give off a vacation/resort feel.
Choose the rehab center that best suits your needs.
8. Do they provide support after leaving treatment?
The first few months after release from rehab are when patients are the most vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to find a facility that offers aftercare to reduce the chances of relapse.
Many rehab centers will provide a period of group or individual counseling after treatment. If you live far away, they can also arrange counseling at a health facility near you.
9. What support is available for families?
Addiction affects families as much as it affects the individual addict.
Top tier treatment facilities have support in place to help families understand the healing process, and offer family counseling. Family support is an important factor in building a successful recovery process long-term.
10. Do they take insurance?
Treatment is necessary, but can be very expensive. For many, whether or not a treatment facility takes their insurance will be the ultimate deciding factor.
Try to find a treatment facility that is willing to help you navigate insurance and payment options to offer clarity of the real underlying cost.
Choosing a drug rehab is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. Alpine Recovery Lodge in Utah strongly suggests that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the facility hard questions to ensure it’s the right fit for you or your loved one.
As Financial Director and co-owner of Alpine Recovery Lodge, Amy is very involved in the finances and marketing operations. A graduate of Nevada State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Amy also took Masters level math, finance and economics classes at UCSD. She is committed to the business end of daily operations and strives to use her knowledge of business processes to encourage the continued growth of Alpine Recovery Lodge. She works with insurance companies to get the most possible coverage available for the residents.