When struggling with drug addiction, the drug treatment center you select is one of the most essential factors to consider in you and your loved one’s recovery.
When you look online for rehab facilities, it can be totally overwhelming. So many drug treatment centers advertise their services. If you don’t know someone who has been treated at a good rehab, it can be difficult to choose the right center.
Drug treatment centers can vary. Some facilities are better than others. Others focus on specific addictions.
Each has its own environment and philosophical approach. Some drug treatment centers offer outpatient programs while others only offer inpatient services.
So how do you navigate this complicated decision process? The best way to find the right drug rehab is to ask the facility a series of questions.
Without further delay, here are 10 questions to ask drug treatment centers to find out the best one for you and your family.
10 Essential Questions to Help You Choose the Best Drug Treatment Center
Ask these important questions to select the best facility for you or your loved ones.
1. Describe the Environment and Philosophy of Your Facility?
Recovery centers offer different ways of treating addiction. Holistic programs treat patients by using a whole body approach. They can use alternative and natural treatments such as fitness, massage, acupuncture, and nutrition.
Religious programs are grounded in spiritual beliefs. There are also programs that focus on gender. They accept only women or men. When choosing a program, think about the philosophy that is right for you.
The atmosphere in recovery facilities also vary. Some have a zen feel with the scent of aromatherapy in the rooms and others feel clinical.
The environment of the drug treatment center can be as important as the treatment, so think about what’s right for you.
2. Is Your Drug Treatment Center Licensed and Accredited?
When looking for a treatment facility it’s best to find one that’s licensed and accredited. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization has a strict process of licensing drug rehab facilities.
When it comes to recovery centers, the facilities that are licensed and credited are highly respected by the professional community.
3. What is the Schedule and Length of Your Program?
Drug treatment centers offer programs that last between 28-day and 35-day programs, but also have 90-day extended programs. Length of treatment program depends on the patient’s particular needs.
People who attend programs that go beyond 30 days seem to be more successful in achieving long-term recovery.
The schedule is another factor in determining a good facility. They usually begin with an assessment that includes a physical and psychological evaluation.
Ask about the treatment stages from admittance to discharge to help you decide if they are a good fit.
4. Can You Explain the Detox Process?
The process of detox varies for different centers. The beginning stage should be gradual weaning off of the substance. Especially when someone has experienced a critical and long-term substance abuse addiction.
Since detox withdrawal symptoms can be critical or life-threatening, make sure the facility you choose has 24/7 medical supervision. Inquire about the qualifications of the medical director.
The psychiatrist should have a wealth of experience in substance abuse treatment providing quality care in the field of detox.
5. How Do You Handle Dual Diagnosis?
Many people entering drug treatment centers suffer from mental health disorders. They can include general anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder or chronic depression as well as drug or alcohol addiction.
Recovery facilities that treat dual diagnoses are more effective for individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. If your family member has a dual diagnosis, they’ll have a better chance at recovery in one of these facilities.
6. Does Your Drug Treatment Center Provide Inpatient Care?
Ask the facility if they offer inpatient or outpatient treatment. At an inpatient program, individuals remain overnight for a period of time. They engage in group therapy, individual counseling, multiple activities and meet with a doctor.
In an outpatient program, individuals come in for treatment and sleep at home. Treatment can vary from a few hours to an intensive program that offers six to eight hour days for weeks.
Outpatient programs include a similar structure to inpatient care such as counseling, group, art therapy, workshops, and counseling. In some cases, outpatient programs require drug and alcohol testing.
People who have a dual diagnosis, several addictions or a history of relapse do better in an inpatient setting rather than an outpatient program. This article might help you decide which detox method is right for you.
7. How Do You Customize Treatment to the Individual?
The most effective recovery programs tailor treatment to the individual. Professionals address psychological needs and physical needs and adjust directives according to needs throughout the recovery process.
Quality recovery programs not only focus on the addiction, but they also address the emotional issues that may have led to the person self-medicating.
8. Do You Follow The 12-Step Approach?
The 12 steps are programs based on spiritual principles, promises, and traditions. They have helped many people who suffer from addiction for many years. However, they are not for everyone.
When determining which facility to go to, ask them if they follow the 12-steps approach or have an approach of their own.
9. Do You Take Private Insurance?
Inquire about which insurance a drug treatment facility accepts. While some facilities don’t take public insurance, others take private insurance or offer financing or payment plan options from the facility.
10. How Does Your Drug Treatment Center Help with Aftercare?
Aftercare is essential to avoid relapse. Some recovery centers provide aftercare programs at their facility’s location.
When a facility doesn’t offer this, they often schedule physician, psychiatrist and therapy appointments for the patient’s discharge. See what kind of support each facility offers before you make a commitment.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Drug Treatment Center
When speaking or meeting with admissions counselors at a drug treatment center, be sure to ask them the questions discussed above. They will help you choose the best recovery program for you or your loved one.
Discovery House has been helping people heal and recover from drug addictions for decades. Contact us today and get on the road to recovery.