Getting Started:
Finding the Right Rehab Center
You or a loved one needs an alcohol or drug rehab center. This may have been a hard thing to admit – but finding the right rehab center can be even harder.
However, a few simple questions can help you narrow a long list of potential rehab centers down to the few that are most promising.
Here are some basic questions that can help get you started on your search to find the best rehab center for yourself or for someone you love:
1. Do you offer a variety of programs?
Addiction is a disease that progresses through predictable stages. How someone will respond to a treatment program, however, is often unpredictable. Different people need different programs, and their needs often change as they move through the various stages of recovery.
You want to find a rehab center that offers a variety of treatment programs and that is flexible enough to adapt those programs to fit the patient’s needs, while still providing the structure that is necessary for successful recovery.
2. How much will treatment cost?
It may take some time to get the answer to this question, but a good rehab center will always be upfront about its costs. However, it may only be able to give you accurate information after you’ve answered some questions so that the person on the phone has a better understanding of your needs.
A final cost may not be possible over the phone, but a general range is reasonable to expect and possible to get. Avoid rehab centers that are vague or elusive about their costs.
3. Does the rehab center have medical personnel on staff?
Addiction is complex, and so is recovery. Successful recovery requires input and guidance from medical professionals who have experience with addiction and recovery.
When talking with potential rehab centers ask about the qualifications of their staff – and be specific. How many years of experience do staff members have? Where did they study? Do they have addiction-related certifications?
Get a pen and paper and take notes. When you start asking about qualifications and certifications, you’re like to have lots of abbreviations and acronyms thrown at you. Either ask to have them explained to you, or write them down so you can research them later.
4. Is family therapy included in the program?
Addiction affects the entire family, and the entire family needs to be involved in the recovery process. A good rehab center will include some type of family therapy in its treatment programs.
Try to find a rehab center that offers more than just lectures or workshops, but offers actual counseling. A recovering addict’s family needs to be emotionally healthy enough to offer support both during and after initial treatment.
5. Is aftercare included in the program?
Drug or alcohol rehab treatment is only the beginning – addiction recovery is a lifelong process. A quality program will include aftercare that encourages recovering individuals and their family members to continue receiving counseling, therapy, and other means of support.
