7 Tips For Finding An Addiction Treatment Center

When searching for an addiction treatment center, it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs. Due to the number of options, many people find this process overwhelming. Make it easier by following these tips.

1. Choose A Licensed & Accredited Facility

Make sure you choose a treatment facility that meets its state’s licensure requirements. An unlicensed facility may provide inadequate or unsafe care.

The facility should also be accredited. To become accredited, rehab centers must meet of standards of care established by third-party organizations in the addiction treatment industry, such as the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

These standards of care include:

• individualized treatment plans
• fully trained staff
• a commitment to provide quality care to all patients regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability

2. Consider Whether You Need Inpatient Or Outpatient Care

Some treatment centers offer inpatient care, while others offer outpatient care. During inpatient treatment (also called residential treatment), you live at the rehab center and receive 24/7 supervision.

During outpatient treatment, you live at home and regularly visit the rehab center. The amount of times you visit the center depends on the type of outpatient program you choose.

Types Of Outpatient Care

There are three types of outpatient care: standard outpatient programs (OPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and day treatment/partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). OPs are the least intensive, while PHPs are the most intensive.

In general, outpatient care is only recommended for people with milder addictions and strong support systems at home. If you have a moderate-to-severe addiction or an unsupportive home, you should probably choose a rehab center that offers inpatient treatment.

3. Look For Evidence-Based Treatments

Whether inpatient or outpatient, the rehab program you choose should offer evidence-based treatments. An evidence-based treatment is any service that has been scientifically proven to help treat addiction. The most popular evidence-based treatments include:

• medical detox, in which doctors help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you stop using drugs
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which a mental health professional helps you change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that contribute to your substance abuse
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT), in which doctors prescribe medications to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid or alcohol addiction
• support groups, in which you can discuss your experiences and coping skills with other people in recovery
• aftercare planning, in which your treatment team helps you identify strategies to reduce your risk of relapse, such as ongoing therapy, regular exercise, and assistance with education, employment, or housing

4. Look For Holistic Care

An effective rehab program offers holistic care. That means your treatment providers address your physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. Depending on your needs, your holistic treatment plan may include wellness activities such as:

• journaling
• meditation or prayer
• yoga
• aerobics
• arts and crafts

Some treatment centers also have on-site gyms, walking trails, or other amenities that encourage physical activity.

When you incorporate wellness activities in your daily life, you face a much lower risk of relapse. Consider which activities most appeal to you, and try to find a treatment center that offers them.

5. Consider Whether You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many people with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as:

• major depressive disorder (also called depression)
• anxiety disorders, including anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia

If you have a co-occurring disorder, look for a rehab center that offers dual diagnosis treatment. This type of treatment addresses your addiction and other mental health conditions at the same time.

Depending on your needs, your dual diagnosis treatment plan may include services like trauma-focused therapy, family therapy, and medication. When choosing a dual diagnosis program, make sure the treatment team has experience treating your specific conditions.

6. Consider Payment Options

Substance abuse treatment programs tend to be expensive. Luckily, most rehab centers accept health insurance. Before choosing a center, make sure it accepts your insurance. You should also contact your insurance company to determine how much coverage you will receive.

If you don’t have insurance, ask if the rehab center offers financing options. Some centers will set up payment plans for people with lower incomes. You may also be able to pay for treatment by:

• applying for a loan
• asking family or friends for help
• starting an online fundraiser through a site such as GoFundMe

7. Consider Location

If you choose inpatient treatment, think about the facility’s distance from your home. Some people prefer local facilities so their family members and friends can visit them.

Other people choose facilities in different cities or even different states. This distance can help you avoid triggers as you recover. Triggers are people, places, or other things that make you want to misuse drugs. The skills you learn in rehab can help you cope with these triggers once you return home.

Either choice may work depending on your personal needs. You may want to discuss your feelings about location with a loved one, therapist, or addiction specialist.

To learn more about rehab programs, please reach out to Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized treatment plans to help you or your loved one create a healthy, drug-free life.