How to Choose the Right Addiction Treatment Program
If you, a friend, or a relative have a substance abuse problem, you may have made the decision to seek help through a rehabilitation program. But it’s not as easy as searching Google for your nearest hospital: There are many different types of programs offered at more than 14,500 hospitals in the US alone , and some will work better for certain people than others. Here are some things to consider when choosing a drug addiction treatment or rehabilitation program.
Define your goals
Given that some programs and centers specialize in treating certain types of substance or supplement use, it is important to first figure out what behaviors and / or substances you need most help with. According to the directory service rehabilitation AddictionCenter.com , you should consider the following:
The next step is to determine if there are any other underlying problems, such as dual diagnosis or medical conditions that you want to treat at the same time. Then you must understand what success means to you. Is your initial goal to detox and stay sober for the first 30 days? Will six months of sobriety be a success? Year? Only you and your loved ones can decide what your goals are.
Talk to a healthcare professional
Before choosing a program, it would be helpful to speak with a treating specialist who is not affiliated with any particular rehabilitation center. They can help assess your needs and recommend the best healthcare facility to help you achieve your goals.
Explore your options
Based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations and a number of other factors, take the time to explore your rehabilitation options. As AddictionCenter.com points out, some institutions will make information very accessible on their websites, while others require you to contact and ask questions to find the answers you’re looking for. “ The best hospitals want to be sure that you will succeed in their program, and they have nothing to hide,” the website says. “They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.”
Factors to Consider
So what exactly should you look for in a rehab program? Again, it all depends on your individual goals and needs, but here are a few things to consider:
Inpatient versus outpatient treatment
Inpatient care involves the person living in a rehab center for a specified period of time, while those undergoing outpatient treatment return to their homes at the end of the day of programming. Each has its own advantages, but in general, inpatient care has a higher success rate , albeit significantly more expensive. The advantage of outpatient programs is that they allow participants to maintain at least some aspects of their daily lives, which can facilitate the transition from the rehabilitation center.
Specialty
Most treatment programs specialize in a specific area of rehabilitation, so look for one that suits your needs. For example, if you are dealing with both alcohol dependence and mental illness, there are programs geared towards helping people with a dual diagnosis.
Type and duration of treatment
Aside from focus, there are many different addiction treatments and therapies. To find what works for you, you need to take the time to ask questions and find out which program includes the treatments that work best for you. It’s the same with the length of the program: most of them are 30, 60 or 90 days long, so find out which duration best suits your needs.
Costs
Ultimately, cost is the deciding factor for many when choosing a treatment or rehabilitation program. There is no “standard” cost for this type of treatment: it depends on many factors, including the type of facility, the length of stay, and the programs in which the patient is involved. If you cannot afford the treatment program on your own, talk with the subject about the options available.
According to AddictionCenter.com , some of the most commonly used methods of covering the cost of a treatment program include the Affordable Care Act , Medicaid and Medicare , your private health insurance, and, in some cases, loans.
Facilities
Treatment and rehabilitation programs range from high-end centers frequented by celebrities to much simpler ones. Of course, first and foremost it all comes down to what you can afford. Not all of them will feature horse riding or resemble a five-star hotel.
Location
For some, a rehabilitation program is more appropriate close to where they live (especially if they are undergoing outpatient treatment). But in other cases, it can be helpful to travel somewhere far away from your hometown for treatment, according to AddictionCenter.com , “because it more completely breaks the link between the addict and their previous life, especially toxic relationships and routines that encourage alcohol use. and drug use ”.