When Selecting a Treatment Program
One Size Does Not Fit All…
Someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction needs help. But she doesn’t need just any help, she needs help specific to her addiction. To have the best chance of being freed from her addiction, she needs the right combination of medical attention, counseling, and structure.
Not every rehab center can meet the needs of every addicted individual – so, when searching for the right treatment center for yourself or a loved one, approach the process as if you were interviewing applicants for a very important job. You’re going to ask a lot of questions and get a lot of information so that you can choose the rehab program that will give you or your loved one the best chance at living an addiction-free life.
When “interviewing” potential rehab centers, be sure to get answers to the following questions:
Does the program encompass the individual’s full range of needs?
In addition to finding out the types of counseling that the rehab center provides, learn all you can about they medical, physical, and nutritional care that is also offered there. Rehab centers that offer a more holistic approach (identifying and addressing all challenges that contributed to or were made worse by the addiction) increase the likelihood that clients will achieve long-term recovery.
Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed and trained professionals?
A legitimate rehab program will be accredited by a trustworthy healthcare association, such as the Joint Commission. Ask for the rehab center’s accreditations, and verify that they’re accurate and valid.
Does the rehab program offer ongoing assessment of treatment plans to ensure that they are meeting clients’ changing needs?
Not only should a rehab center offer a variety of programs, but those programs should be adjusted as necessary, based on the needs of the patient. Addiction recovery does not always follow a clear path, so assessments and revisions are necessary to ensure that clients’ needs are continuing to be met.
Does the rehab program provide long-term aftercare or support?
Time spent in a treatment facility is really just the beginning of recovery. If an addicted individual is going to truly recover, and live a drug- or alcohol-free life, he needs ongoing care through counseling or support groups. A good rehab center will set patients up with this kind of aftercare before they leave the facility.
Is medication, when appropriate and necessary, included in the treatment program?
The withdrawal symptoms caused by certain types of drugs can be dangerous, and can require a managed detoxification that includes medication to prevent problems such as seizures and heart problems. Medication may also be needed to treat some psychological disorders that can make recovery more difficult.
Are there opportunities for family members to received guidance and counseling?
A good rehab center will include the entire family in the recovery process. Addiction doesn’t only affect the addict; friends and family are impacted, too. If family members are going to fully support the recovering addict, they need to work through their own feelings of mistrust, anger, resentment or doubt. They also need to understand addiction and how addiction affects a person, so they can focus on providing support rather than assigning blame.
Does the rehab center accept your insurance?
Different programs accept different kinds of insurance. You want to be clear about whether the rehab center accepts your insurance. You may also need to talk to your insurance company to find out what your policy covers.
If a rehab center doesn’t accept your insurance, ask about payment plans and other options. Know how the treatment program is being paid for before you or your loved one is admitted.
