Choosing a Rehab Facility: Do Your Research

By Health & Wellness Staff

Many people who are in recovery from substance abuse find it necessary and helpful to enter a rehabilitation facility. It’s important to remove yourself or your loved one from people and situations that may trigger a relapse.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people in the United States can choose from more than 14,500 drug and alcohol treatment centers. What should you look for when choosing a facility? What kinds of questions should you ask the staff? Here are a few questions to keep in mind as you are doing your research.

1. What treatment plans are offered?

2. What are the qualifications and credentials of the staff?

3. Is the facility accredited and licensed?

4. Is there an outpatient option?

5. Will my insurance cover my treatment?

6. Is family participation encouraged?

7. What should I bring with me for residential treatment? What is prohibited?

8. What are the aftercare options?

9. What medications are used to help with detox?

10. What is the facility’s success rate?

11. What types of activities are offered at the facility in addition to therapy?

Some other pertinent tips include:

Consider going to a rehab facility that offers variable treatment lengths based on individual clients’ needs. Some programs will let you stay as long as you want and need to, while others have specified program lengths. Think about the treatment center’s specialty – is it alcohol or drug treatment or is its focus on some other behavioral disorder? Will it meet your or your loved one’s particular need(s)? Ask for details about the treatment plan. The continuum of care generally implemented at a qualified rehab center includes assessment, detox, residential inpatient treatment, an outpatient program and after care to help you stay healthy and sober. Get information about group and individual therapy. Ask about the alumni program. An inpatient treatment program provides a higher level of around-the-clock care, but it is more expensive and time-consuming. It is the best option for severe addictions. Outpatient treatment centers are usually more affordable than inpatient treatment centers. Therapy is stretched out over a longer period of time. Outpatient treatment is not usually recommended for people with severe addictions, but it may be a good choice for those with moderate or slight addictions. It helps to have a supportive home environment and a strong support system that includes family and friends. Many people struggling with addiction also are dealing with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or a personality disorder. These issues require treatment as well. An effective center will have a team of experts that may include a psychiatrist, 24-hour nursing staff, case managers and other therapists such as social workers and addiction counselors. Research shows integrated treatment – where you are treated for both addiction and mental disorders simultaneously – is most effective. It may take several visits and even a few admittances and dismissals before you find the facility that is that best fit for you or your loved one. Persevere until you get to the right place where you will get the help you need to begin a clean and sober new life.

• Advanced Recovery Systems (www.advancedrecoverysystems.com) • Cleveland Clinic (www.health.clevelandclinic.org) • Help.org (www.help.org)

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