According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 22 million Americans battled drug or alcohol addiction within the year. There are more than 14,500 specialized facilities in the United States that are designed to treat drug addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports. If you or a loved one is in need of drug and alcohol addiction treatment, the different levels of service can be overwhelming. Learning how to choose the right addiction treatment program can help you reach your goals in recovery.

Different pricing options and amenities may be offered at different levels of care, and it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision. The fact is, there is no “one size fits all” model for drug rehabilitation programs. And while there exists no single formula for successful treatment, there are key components that only a successful program will enact. You can discover these qualities simply by asking the right questions. A reputable treatment center for drug addiction will answer you honestly and confidentially. Today we take a look at how to choose the right treatment program for you and your situation.

Check For Professional Accreditation and Certifications

Similar to schools and other institutions, drug rehab centers can also be accredited. The center that you choose should be accredited and should have other certifications that prove their professionalism and expertise. The right certifications and accreditation can say a lot about a rehab center. Centers that have certifications and professional accreditation have proven that they have the tools and experience to effectively help drug addicts with their recovery. One of the top things you need to look for in a rehab center is a well-trained and professional staff that truly cares about the well-being of its patients. By evaluating the staff well you’ll have the best chance of choosing a comfortable facility that meets your needs. You should also make sure to find out what qualifications the staff members have and what their training consists of when you plan to choose the right treatment program for you.

Decide What Your Rehab Goals And Needs Are

Every rehab has different specialties. Even those rehabs with the same specialty will measure success differently and take different paths to get there. It is extremely important that you choose a treatment facility that will be able to help you reach your rehab goals; before you do that, you have to know what your rehab goals are.

The first step in determining your rehab goals is deciding which substances and/or behaviors you want to recover from. The next step is determining whether there are any other underlying issues, such as dual diagnosis or medical conditions, that you wish to have treated at the same time. Then you have to figure out what success means to you. Is your initial goal to get through detox and remain sober for the first 30 days? Would 6 months of sobriety be a success? A year? Only you and your loved ones can decide on what your goals are.

Choose the Right Treatment Program – Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions

When you or a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), getting help can seem overwhelming. How do you know which addiction treatment center is the right choice? Keep reading to learn more about the different types of treatment, the factors you should consider when choosing, and the questions to ask to ensure you get the right treatment for you.

Q: What is the treatment philosophy of the rehabilitation center you are considering?

When researching a prospective rehabilitation facility, you want to be sure that their treatment philosophy coincides with your own personal requirements and expectations of a program. More significantly, does their approach to treatment fully embrace the specific needs of your loved one? Many of the best rehabilitation centers adhere to the classic 12-step model of recovery, while others supplement with medical or scientific methodology in approaching addiction treatment. Think about what is most important to you.

Q: Is this program inpatient or outpatient?

Inpatient or residential addiction treatment facilities provide immersive substance use treatment while patients live on-site 24 hours a day, allowing them to focus solely on their recovery during that time. Inpatient treatment is commonly sought by those with relatively severe addictions and addiction-related issues: however, such a treatment setting can be highly effective for people in many different situations. Outpatient treatment options also exist for those who prefer to live at home while attending substance abuse treatment sessions for several days a week at the rehab facility.

Q: What is the staff to resident ratio?

You want to be sure you are getting the attention you deserve because your addiction is uniquely your own. Ask each prospective treatment facility how many staff will be a part of the progress, and how each of them will serve in helping you reach your true turning point.

Q: Will you interact with others? Participate in sober activities?

While recovering from addiction, one can feel scared, alone, and vulnerable when partaking in activities without their old “blanket” of drugs or alcohol. What was once their solution to an uncomfortable situation is now unobtainable, and it can be difficult to replace their old habits with healthy alternatives. Treatment programs, therefore, should incorporate fun and sober activities for residents to join in on, to further establish a platform on which new relationships can grow.

Q: Does This Rehab Offer Family Support?

A significant, and often overlooked, part of recovery is the recovery process of an addict’s friends and family members. By educating parents, siblings, friends, and other loved ones, these people can gain a better understanding of addiction. In turn, a client obtains an even more robust support network. Take the time to ask whether the rehab you’re looking at is going to offer any type of family program or family therapy. With a strong support network, clients have a better chance of achieving long-term sobriety from drugs or alcohol.

Additional Questions to Consider to Choose the Right Treatment Program

• Can you provide me with a sample treatment plan?
• How long is the program?
• How much one-on-one therapy will you provide?
• What federal, state and local licenses and accreditation do you hold?
• May I view the credentials of your key staff members?
• How many clients does the facility treat on-site at one time?
• How many hours of group therapy occur daily?
• Do you offer evidence-based treatment that is rooted in proven research? If so, what specific options do you offer?
• Do you offer any traditional treatments, such as recreational therapy? If so, what are those like?
• Do you require clients to enter rehab voluntarily?
• Is effective treatment available for clients with co-occurring disorders?
• Do you have certified addiction physicians, nurses and therapists?

What to Expect After You Choose the Right Treatment Program

A first-time rehab experience can be intimidating. Even if you want to quit an addiction, you may still be nervous about going to rehab because you don’t know what to expect once you choose the right treatment program. Knowing what happens in rehab can put your mind at ease. Here are some of the most common features of rehab programs so you can be as prepared as possible for the experience. Below are examples of what takes place during a typical day in rehab. Of course, what your day looks like will vary based on the rehab center, the severity of your addiction, and your personal circumstances.

Mornings

You’ll generally wake up at a set time each morning. Nurses give out any medications to those who have them prescribed. For instance, a doctor at a rehab center may provide you with medication to manage withdrawal symptoms or to treat mental health conditions.

You’ll be served breakfast and afterward, attend your first session of the day such as group therapy.You may be given a break during the session to reflect, journal, or practice any skills you learned during the session.

Afternoons

After lunch, you’ll attend another session such as individual therapy. You may be given free time to choose an activity such as attending a fitness session if your rehab center has a gym. Physical exercise can help manage mood swings during withdrawal. Or, you might attend an educational course. Many rehab centers educate participants on mental health, addiction, and/or nutrition. Balanced nutrition can help you manage the stress of recovery and even curb withdrawal cravings.

Evenings

You’ll have dinner, and perhaps end the day with another group session to reflect on your progress so far and how you feel about all you experienced throughout the day. You’ll be given time to get ready for bed. Many rehab centers typically have a set time for “lights out,” when free time is done for the day and you’re encouraged to get to sleep.

Taking The First Step Towards Recovery with Harmony Ridge’s Treatment Program

If you are coping with a substance use disorder, it is crucial that you get help. It’s natural to feel intimidated or scared. But remember that rehab is meant to help you achieve lasting recovery. If you’re considering rehab as an option for recovery, you can start by talking to a doctor, therapist, counselor, or social worker, or by calling a community center or our rehab center for more information. We’re here to help you find harmony in your life.