How to Choose the Right Drug Rehab

Choosing The Right Rehab Treatment Center

When looking for a drug addiction treatment facility, there are several factors you should take into consideration.

It’s crucial to find a facility tailored to your specific needs that provides the support and treatment to help you achieve lasting recovery.

The best drug rehab centers offer a holistic approach to treating alcohol and drug addiction (a.k.a. substance use disorder) that supports the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

They also offer different treatment options tailored to your needs to give you the highest chance of success.

Legitimacy

You want to ensure the center you choose is accredited and licensed by the state or federal government. The facility should also be able to provide evidence of its legitimacy.

Independent agencies handle the accreditation process, such as:

• The Joint Commission—formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
• The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

These independent agencies help ensure that all aspects of the program are safe, effective, and accountable.

It also confirms that the addiction treatment providers have met high addiction medicine standards, including having trained staff members and maintaining ethical standards regarding the care they provide.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a rehab center, as it can vary significantly from one facility to another.

Many drug and alcohol rehab centers offer financing options or accept health insurance. Check with your insurance company to see what insurance coverage is available for rehab treatment. They may also offer in-network referrals to nearby facilities based on your unique needs.

Factors that can affect the cost of a rehab center include:

• The level of care
• The duration of treatment
• The location of the facility
• The amenities and services offered

Make sure to evaluate the cost of a rehab center carefully, checking whether it is within your budget before committing to drug and alcohol treatment.

Specialization

When choosing a rehab center, consider the center’s specialization (its focus on specific types of treatment, certain addictions, or particular groups of people).

Some addiction treatment centers may specialize in treating a specific substance or type of addiction, such as alcohol, opioids, or gambling. Others may specialize in treating particular groups, such as women, BIPOC, or LGBT+ individuals.

Finding a rehab center that understands your needs and can cater to your services accordingly can be vital for your recovery journey.

Level of Care

Level of care refers to the intensity and duration of treatment at a rehab center. It is a crucial factor to consider when looking for a rehab center as it determines the level of support and treatment you will receive.

Several levels of care may be available at rehab centers, including:

• Early intervention: Early intervention is for people experiencing early-stage addiction or at risk of developing an addiction. It can help prevent the progression of addiction and may involve counseling, support groups, or other resources.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment involves visiting a rehab center for treatment regularly but not staying overnight. Outpatient programs may be a good option for people with less severe addiction or who have a strong support system at home. Two of the more common outpatient treatments include intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP).
• Residential/inpatient: The most intensive level of care involves staying at a rehab center for a period of time, typically from a few weeks (28 to 30 days) to several months. It is the ideal treatment for people with severe addiction, struggling with multiple substances, or with underlying mental health conditions requiring more intensive treatment.
• Medically managed intensive inpatient treatment: A highly intensive level of care for people with severe addiction. It involves round-the-clock medical supervision and may include medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and other addiction treatment modalities.

Location

An important consideration is how your location will impact your ability to maintain your commitment to sobriety.

Some people need to be close to home, where they can rely on their existing support network to help them stay committed to the program.

However, others may need to put distance between themselves and their former environments (i.e., drug dealers, people they drank/used with, etc.) so they can recover successfully.

Aftercare

Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, and finding a rehab center that supports continuing care after treatment is crucial.

It can include ongoing therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), support groups, and other resources.

Aftercare can be an important part of maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse.

Additional Services

Additional services at a rehab center go beyond the standard program of care. They can include specialized programs or therapies designed to meet the individual’s specific needs and can help enhance their overall treatment experience.

Some examples of additional services offered at rehab centers include:

• Nutrition programs: Nutrition counseling and education help individuals improve their health and well-being.
• Fitness and exercise programs: Some rehab centers offer exercise or fitness programs as part of their treatment program to help improve physical health.
• Alternative therapies: Therapies such as yoga, meditation, or acupuncture can help reduce stress, improve physical and mental health, and enhance overall well-being.
• Outdoor activities: Outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, are an enjoyable way to break up the treatment routine. They also allow patients to engage with nature, which can positively impact mental health.

These additional services are just a few examples of what may be available at rehab centers. It’s important to consider whether they would support goals when choosing a rehab center.

Questions to Ask Before Signing Up

When you’re looking for a rehab facility, it’s not just about finding a place that can help you overcome your addiction—it’s also about finding one that will be able to meet your needs and goals.

The best way to do this is by asking questions before committing to treatment.

Here are some questions you can start with:

What Type of Treatment Does the Facility Offer?

It’s important to understand the types of treatment offered at a rehab center and whether they use proven effective techniques.

Also, ensure that the treatment is tailored to your specific needs and addresses any underlying issues contributing to your addiction.

What Is the Facility’s Success Rate?

Do they have data to support their claims of success? It can give you an idea of the effectiveness of the treatment offered at the facility.

What Is the Staff-to-Client Ratio?

A higher staff-to-client ratio may indicate a higher level of individualized attention. It can be an important factor to consider as it can affect the level of support you receive during treatment.

What Is the Length of the Treatment Program?

The treatment program length can vary significantly from one facility to another. Consider whether it’s appropriate for your needs and if it provides enough time for you to make progress in your recovery.

What Are the Qualifications of the Treatment Staff?

It’s vital to ask about the qualifications of the treatment staff at a rehab center, including their education, training, and experience. It can give you an idea of the staff’s level of expertise and knowledge.

Does It Treat Co-Occurring Conditions?

Many people who struggle with addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Ask if a rehab center treats individuals with a dual diagnosis of behavioral health issues and how they address these issues in treatment.

Is There a Detox Period?

Detoxification, or detox, is the body’s natural process of removing drugs or alcohol from its system. Some drug and alcohol rehab centers offer medical detox services as part of their treatment program, while others may refer you to a separate facility for detoxification.

Ensure you ask about the detox process and what it looks like at a specific rehab center.

What Are the Payment Options?

Ask about payment options, understand what insurance covers, and what you may be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Make sure to ask about financing options if you need to pay the total cost of treatment upfront.

Are Aftercare Services Offered?

Aftercare services, such as support groups or ongoing therapy, can be essential for maintaining long-term recovery.

They can help you stay on track with your recovery process after you leave treatment and can be a vital component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

How Do I Know If I Need Rehab?

Addiction has become a severe problem in our society, and it’s not always easy to know when you have a problem.

Here are some signs you need an addiction treatment program:

Addiction Is Causing Problems in Your Personal or Professional Life

If alcohol or drug abuse is causing problems in your relationships, work, or other areas of your life—rehab can provide the support and structure you need to overcome it and address these issues.

Using Drugs or Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

If you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or other negative emotions, rehab can provide alternative coping mechanisms and teach you healthy ways to manage your feelings.

Physical Dependency and Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using drugs or alcohol—like strong cravings, physical discomfort, or both—it may be a sign that you need professional help.

Withdrawal symptoms indicate you have developed a physical dependency. Several factors can influence how dangerous withdrawals can be, so you should speak with an addiction counselor or clinician to assess what steps to take to stay safe.

Struggling To Quit Using Drugs or Alcohol on Your Own

If you have tried to quit using drugs or alcohol but have been unable to, you may benefit from the structured environment and support that a rehab center provides.

Struggling With Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

Drug rehab can be especially helpful if you are struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, from depression and anxiety to more serious co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Find Your Path to a Better Life

Choosing the right rehab can be complicated and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

The first step is to ensure you know what’s available in your area. You should be able to find a wide range of programs—from short-term options to long-term residential treatment—through the SAMHSA online treatment locator. They also offer a free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

You can also talk with your doctor or other healthcare providers about the best options for you and your situation.