Choosing a drug or alcohol rehab center is an incredibly important decision that involves a variety of factors. Before choosing a treatment center, individuals and families should ask the following questions:
Does this treatment center treat addiction as a chronic disease and, as such, strive for continuity of care?
Does the center provide on-site assessment?
Will the facility develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the person who identifies as an addict: one that will be constantly monitored, updated and modified as treatment progresses?
Is the facility safe?
Is the facility private?
How experienced and credentialed are members of the treatment team?
Is the facility location ideal for the addict?
What will treatment cost? Is the cost covered by my insurance or non-reimbursed medical plan? Are financial aid, financing, or scholarships available?
Is the program geared toward the addict’s age, gender, and addiction severity?
Is the center able to provide comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of addiction (not just the destructive behaviors associated with it)?
Does the center have affiliations with hospitals and research groups that keep it on the cutting edge of addiction treatment?
What treatment approaches does this program use regarding detoxification; abstinence; individual, family and group therapy; use of pharmacotherapies; cognitive-behavioral therapy; endorsement or inclusion of 12-step programs or other mutual-help groups; relapse education and prevention; and a long-term recovery?
Is the facility equipped to assess and treat comorbidities, such as mental health disorders?
Does the center have programs in place to treat the addict’s family?
Is the family involved in decision-making, the treatment process and the recovery phase?
What type of ongoing treatment does the facility provide?
Does the program provide outpatient, inpatient, residential, day/night, and short-stay options?
Have you checked your state’s licensure website such as the Department of Health regarding whether a treatment facility that you may be interested in has any major citations?
Is the treatment center accredited by an independent behavioral health body demonstrating the provider’s commitment to continuously improve service quality and to focus on best practices in the programs you require?
Is it non-profit or for-profit? And why does it matter?
For help finding a program that suits your needs, please contact Caron.
