Making the decision to seek help for your addiction is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Choosing the right rehab center for your individual needs is vital to maintaining lifelong sobriety. There are several things to consider when evaluating which treatment center you should attend. Some of these factors include staff members, program structure, therapy methods, and the rehab facility’s overall environment.
Choosing the right rehab center can mean the difference between continuous sobriety and entering the realm of chronic relapse. It is most important that you are educated on what components create an effective and conducive atmosphere for addiction recovery.
If you are searching for a rehab center for your loved one, you may feel overwhelmed when choosing between countless options along with the emotional strain caused by your loved one’s addiction. Fortunately, there are various simple ways you can ensure that you are informed on what to look for when choosing the best rehab center for your loved one.
Treatment Services Offered
The first factor you should look at when considering a rehab center is determining if the program treats the specific addiction you have. If you are addicted to alcohol and various other drugs, an alcohol-only program is not equipped to provide the unique care you may need. It is also important to be sure the facility treats addictions to the primary drug you abuse and that the rehab also offers treatment for any secondary drugs or other underlying mental health conditions.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
According to the Center for Mental Health and Addiction, people with substance abuse problems are up to 3 times more likely to have a mental illness than the general population. These disorders must be treated together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Dual diagnosis rehab programs offer services that simultaneously address substance abuse as well as underlying mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and many other co-occurring disorders. Therefore, it is vital that the rehab program provides care for both substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders in order to promote a strong foundation for continuous sobriety.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
Another important factor you should consider is whether you or your loved one is in need of inpatient or outpatient treatment. Inpatient rehab programs typically provide residential treatment for 30 days. However, some extended-care facilities offer treatment programs that require a longer stay.
Outpatient rehab may be effective if this is your first attempt at rehab or if you have children or other responsibilities to attend to while enrolled in rehab. These programs offer many of the same therapies and treatment options as inpatient rehab but do not provide the housing or security of remaining on campus in a secure environment free from temptations to use. If your friends, family members, or health care providers suggest inpatient, then outpatient may not be an appropriate choice for you.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Specific types of addiction, such as opiate addiction, can be partially treated with medication. These medications are meant to be utilized in conjunction with other forms of therapy and holistic treatment options. If you are recovering from opiate, alcohol, or nicotine addiction, it would be important to ask the rehab program if they offer a medication-assisted treatment program to assist with your individual needs.
Accreditations
One thing any quality rehab facility must have is accreditation from either the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission. These organizations inspect treatment facilities to ensure they are up to standard and provide quality care to each patient. For example, in South Florida, the South County Recovery Residence Association (SCRRA) acts as a watchdog for recovery centers. The primary purpose of these organizations is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals seeking addiction recovery in rehabilitation programs.
Licensed Staff Members
Therapists and other drug and alcohol rehab staff members play a major role in contributing to the patient’s rehab experience. Credible rehab centers should employ licensed therapists and doctors that work on-site at the facility. It is important that the staff members are experienced and professional, but also compassionate and empathetic. The client to staff ratio should also be appropriate, in order to ensure you receive the necessary one-on-one time with your therapist on a regular basis. Clients should participate in individual therapy at least one time a week as well as participate in multiple group therapy sessions on a daily basis. It is always a good idea to meet with the staff when choosing a rehab facility so you can be informed of their qualifications and areas of expertise.
Zero Tolerance for Poor Behavior and Bad Habits
A quality rehabilitation program should not allow its clients to continue poor behaviors or bad habits. The treatment facility should have a zero-tolerance for illicit substance use as well as implement structured scheduling for each client. The trained staff will monitor and address old habits and unhealthy patterns of behavior while helping patients actively develop and practice new, healthy habits and life skills.
Trusted Testimonials
First-hand reviews are the best way to better understand the quality of a treatment center and its approach to treating addiction. You should be able to locate reviews and client testimonial videos on the rehab program’s website or on their Google My Business listing. It is preferred that you locate actual videos, as some treatment facilities fake reviews by writing their own. If a friend or family member has recommended a rehab facility, it is always a good idea to take a look at those first.
Allow Visitors and Encourage Family Participation
Family and friends can play a major role in the overall success of an addict’s recovery process. A strong support system increases a person’s likelihood of staying sober after rehab. Addiction is a family disease and many families do not have the necessary tools to adequately support one another. Quality rehab facilities should encourage family-based therapy and family involvement throughout the entire recovery process. Furthermore, family and friends should be allowed to visit patients on a limited basis.
