Choosing the Right Rehab Center

Now that you’ve taken the first (and most important) step toward recovery—admitting that you or a loved one has a problem with addiction—the next step is to choose the right drug rehab center to get the assistance you need. Finding the addiction treatment program that best suits your needs involves careful consideration of many different elements, including setting, length of care, available programs, and your individual needs.

Here’s a list of things you should consider when selecting a treatment center:

1.) Your specific addiction. The type of drug you are addicted to will determine what kind of detox you will need. For example, if you are addicted to Vicodin, a drug rehab might use suboxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, to help you detox in a more comfortable way.

2.) Treatment options for co-occurring disorders. Many people who have a problem with drug addiction are also suffering from another disorder, known as dual diagnosis. If you are also experiencing depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders, you’ll want to make sure the drug rehab you choose offers treatment programs to address these specific issues.

3.) Accreditation. Is the center run by state-accredited, licensed, and/or trained professionals? Many rehab centers hire staff members who are also in recovery, which benefits patients; however, you should make sure the rehab only hires people with at least one or two years of recovery, which is the policy of such top rehabs as Promises in Malibu and West Los Angeles.

4.) Insurance and payment plans. Does the rehab center accept your medical insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you? Will they courtesy bill your insurance company if they don’t take direct insurance payments?

5.) Number of patients. A high staff-to-client ratio is beneficial for most patients. If there are more staff members than patients, better care and service is guaranteed.

6.) Environment. Does the rehab center offer an environment you feel comfortable in? Many patients do better in a relaxing, serene, home-like environment, as they are more inclined to want to be there.

7.) Residential programs. Does the facility offer a residential program where the patient is encouraged to live at the center for 30 to 90 days or more? The longer the duration of the treatment, the higher the likelihood for success.

8.) Counseling. Does the rehab offer individual and group counseling and other behavioral therapies? These are essential to successful recovery.

9.) Family services. Are family services offered? It is important that family members and loved ones are involved in the recovery process, as they are an important line of support for the patient.

10.) Long-term support. Does the program offer alumni services or support that continues long after you leave the facility? Continuing treatment is the key to lasting recovery.

Tags: addiction recovery, rehab