When searching for an addiction treatment program, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of options. Indeed, each program offers a unique approach to recovery. Before you commit to one, make sure it meets your needs by asking these ten questions.
1. What Levels Of Care Do You Offer?
Some people need inpatient care, which means they live at the treatment facility and receive 24/7 supervision. Other people prefer outpatient care, which means they regularly visit the treatment facility while living at home.
Typically, inpatient care is recommended for people with moderate-to-severe addictions, while outpatient care may work for those with milder addictions and strong support systems at home.
While many facilities offer both types of treatment, some only offer one. Consider which form of care would work best for you, and choose a facility that provides it.
2. Are Treatment Plans Personalized?
Not everyone with addiction benefits from the same treatment services. For example, some people enjoy the 12-step approach to recovery, which includes spiritual elements. Others prefer a purely scientific approach.
That’s why you should choose a facility that tailors your treatment plan to your individual needs. To determine your needs, your treatment team should perform a comprehensive assessment that includes detailed questions about your addiction and overall health.
3. Do You Offer Medical Detox?
One of the most common symptoms of addiction is physical dependence. That means your body relies on drugs to function normally. When you stop using them, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
If you are physically dependent on a drug, make sure your treatment program offers medical detox.
During detox, doctors closely monitor your health as you get drugs out of your system. They may also prescribe medications to ease certain withdrawal symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.
4. Do You Offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
If you live with opioid or alcohol addiction, consider choosing a facility that offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
During MAT, doctors prescribe medications to ease your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these medications can help you stay committed to recovery.
MAT also involves behavioral therapy sessions. These sessions can help you change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that contribute to your substance misuse.
5. Do You Offer Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
About 7.7 million people have a dual diagnosis. That means they experience addiction alongside other mental health concerns, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you only seek treatment for your addiction, your co-occurring disorder may get worse, and vice versa. That’s why many addiction treatment facilities now offer dual diagnosis treatment. This type of care addresses all of your mental health concerns at once.
6. What Are The Nutrition Options?
When battling addiction, many people get so focused on drugs that they forget to eat. Others eat large amounts of junk food. Both behaviors can leave you malnourished. As a result, nutrition plays an essential role in addiction recovery.
If you choose inpatient treatment, make sure the program offers healthy meals. These meals can help you regain your strength as you become sober.
7. Is The Facility Licensed & Accredited?
To ensure you get proper care, choose a treatment facility that has met the state’s licensure requirements. An unlicensed facility might provide unsatisfactory or unsafe care.
Also, find out if the facility is accredited. To become accredited, a rehab center must demonstrate its commitment to high-quality, evidence-based treatment.
There are multiple organizations that offer rehab accreditation, including the Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
8. Is The Staff Experienced?
A successful treatment plan involves trained, experienced healthcare professionals who treat all their patients with compassion. Before deciding on a facility, ask about its staff. Like the facility itself, all staff members should be licensed to treat substance misuse.
In addition, if you need dual diagnosis treatment, ask if the staff includes providers who have experience treating all of your co-occurring disorders. If the answer is no, search for another facility.
9. Do You Accept Insurance?
Some people avoid addiction treatment due to costs. Luckily, many rehab centers accept health insurance, including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
When considering a facility, ask whether they accept your insurance. You should also contact your insurance provider to determine exactly how much coverage you will receive.
10. What Happens After Treatment?
After leaving your treatment program, you might encounter a variety of triggers that increase your risk of relapse. To reduce this risk, ask if the facility offers aftercare planning.
An aftercare plan is a set of relapse prevention strategies to help you maintain your recovery. Depending on your needs, the plan may include:
- ongoing therapy
- support groups
- wellness activities, such as exercise, yoga, and arts and crafts
- assistance with education, employment, or housing
Some treatment centers also offer alumni programs to support your recovery journey long after you leave the facility.
To learn more about substance abuse treatment options, please reach out to Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay sober.
Sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Disorders
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Drug Misuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Medications for Substance Use Disorders
